Dayne Cannova Obituary

I still think of Dayne all the time. By far the teacher that had the highest impact on me and my life. He changed the very nature of how I think. I still hear his voice in my head whenever I´m deep in thought. I know that I´m not the only student of his that feels this way.

I miss my guy.....a lot!!!! His driving a motor vehicle not withstanding!!!!!!

Uncle Bill

Thinking today of Daynes family. Much love

Miss my guy. Every single day.

We love you and miss you. Thanks for continuing to touch our lives from heaven.

I named my son after you. Dayne Joseph Libby. I miss you my friend.

Thinking of your family

Still missing u buddy

Thinking of all of you ❤

My dear son another year gone by with us missing you

Still remembering.

Dear Lawrence, praying you and Gail are doing well. Love, Steve (in heaven) & Laura Wright ❤

Dayne, thinking about you and missing you my friend.

In black & white, light truly does register differently. In the most unique and beautiful way; so simplistic, yet so extraordinary. One of the many things you taught me Dayne, thank you.

-V

Remembering you on this day of your birth you brought so much love into our lives.
Happy Birthday Dayne
Love Dad

I grabbed a bundle of your personal books from your mom to read. I really like seeing your writing and thoughts and corrections in books. Hope you found peace bro...

Missing you everyday.
Love Dad

I only knew Dayne from two classes he taught at Columbia College. US Foreign Policy and Philosophical issues in Film. His personality was like none other, his humility, humor, and wisdom impacted me and my character in a way I still feel now. It was 4 years ago that I met Dayne. I've never met a teacher I loved more than him, who's teachings I still find relevant in my life now. I miss him, I wish I could ask him more about philosophy and life. He is truly missed.

Dear Gail and family ~

So much love in the pages of Dayne's Guest Book. I add the love of a stranger, as I never knew him and yet after reading page after page, believe I missed meeting an extraordinary man. Each life is touched by another and it is apparent that Dayne's was warm and loving and will linger forever.

Keeping you in my heart and prayers, Gail ~
Kathy Valenziano Alexander

Still can't believe it. Still think I see you on the streets, out of the corner of my eye. I'll always remember you.

Dear Dayne,

I wanted to thank you for this day. It's a bit difficult to write this for many reasons... I wish you could be here, and I could give you a big hug, and you can feel what these words can't capture. It's been so many lifetimes ago, when we talked about this... I never let those words escape. You challenged me to see a world larger than myself... and nurtured my passions so sincerely. Who would have thought a high school drop out would become a doctor today? Amazing, but you did... and without doubt. Without you, I would have settled for an ordinary life, instead of daring to tread on a golden path I thought was laid for others. Your words gave me a freedom to believe, to experience this life so radically differently, and a passion to accomplish this great feat. Even though you can't be here in the flesh, I know that my great scholar, philosopher, and friend will be sharing these joys with me today. Thank you so much, Dayney. I love you.

My precious child Dayne,

It’s been a year since you left us and if it wasn’t for the love and kindness of so many people I don’t know how we would have survived. My days and nights are filled with the realization that you are gone. Then one day it dawned on me, as a mother my job was the fixer. When you fell down, I kissed your boo boos and made them better, when your teddy bear ripped I sewed and fixed it like new, when you needed that last minute art project I was in Kmart at 10:00 p.m. and up all night with glitter and glue. I taught you to dance when you were to shy and awkward to ask a girl to the homecoming. I thought I could fix anything; that was my essence. That was who I was. I couldn't fix this and it took away the thing that most defined me. How do you find the essence of who you are when who you are and what defined you is gone? I still cannot answer that question but I live on through your legacy. You touched so many lives and made this world a better place. Everywhere I turn someone tells me how you changed their lives. Your brilliance, your intellect, your kindness, your music, your wit and your laughter influenced so many people and you live on through them and I live on knowing you left a lasting legacy. You are my angel in heaven and I will forever miss you.

Love,
Mom

I am saddened to hear that Dayne Cannova has passed away. I was a student of his at Columbia just before he left to work for NASA. I was lucky to have been enrolled in his class and to have been challenged by his ideas. Mr. Cannova had a wonderful way of engaging students on issues that often ran counter to their personal views, and this set him apart from many of his peers. Personally, Dayne inspired me to change courses from the arts to more tangible studies and enroll in a state university. His friendship and encouragement meant a great deal to me. He will be missed.

I wish the very best for his family, who he spoke fondly of many times.

Your thoughts are still with us, your influence still profound. Happy birthday.

Dayne,
I celebrate your life today and always. Happy Birthday.
Love,
Jennifer Belmonte

I just found out what happened last night. Everyone is in my prayers today. Happy Birthday Dayne!!

I am shocked and saddened to learn of Dayne's death. He was the greatest teacher I ever had. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to have known him and to have learned from him. He truly changed my life. Dayne changed the perspective and direction of many students. He truly changed the world for so many people. I will carry him and his teachings with me forever and be a better, more wise person because of it. Thank you Dayne. You will be missed.

Dear Gail, Lawrence & Joe, I quite often find myself back here, just looking at all the beautiful and heartfelt comments about Dayne. I find myself remembering such fun & wonderful things about this amazing young man. I am thankful to God that Dayne was with us in this life. I smile when I think of him and all the boys together.
On this Mother's Day I want to wish all of you a peaceful heart, beautiful memories and joyful life beyond today. I love each of you so very much! Continually in my heart, thoughts and prayers.
Betty

Just today I learned of Dayne's death.

I don't know what to say.

I knew you since we were little kids. Saw you all the time. But I probably last saw you ten years ago. I was so impressed in how you were really coming into your own as a young adult at that moment... so interested in life, the world around you, so insightful.

Reading all these tributes only confirms how much you lived and fulfilled that potential in too short a time since then.

I almost feel like I've lost a brother.

You're preceding so many of us from the neighborhood and St. Ed's somewhere yonder now. Help lead us here remaining beyond the boundaries of this world's veils, also.

Gail, Lawrence, Joe, and the Ninos.. all my sympathy and prayers.

Gail,
I only now heard from my sister about your sad loss and want you to know that I am thinking of you and your family. I know no words can bring the comfort you need but hope that you know how many of us are sending our postiive thoughts and prayers.

A friend from St Ed's class of 1970

Patty Wolff Solis

Dayne to me you were more of a big brother then a cousin. I will always cherish the memories of when we were together.

Love you so much

Gail and Lawrence and Joe, I wanted you to see these pics I found while looking through pics of my mom... They have always been my favorite of Dayne and Joe! Love, Bonnie

Dayne Cannova was one of the most influential people in my life. I had only known him for one semester, but as a freshman he truly made me rethink everything. That is something, judging from the short time I knew him, that I think he would be proud of. So it goes.

Daynie~
You became my nephew from the time I met you, and you still are. You were such a bright, energetic and fun loving child and I will never ever forget you. I hope you are at peace. You and I will meet again one day my child.
I love you very much,
Aunti Di

I am very much at a loss for words. Dayne had an impact on my life far greater than I can imagine he knew. I enrolled in a class of his last semester and after the first class quickly signed up for another. I feel extremely fortunate to have met Dayne and taken two of his courses this past fall. Dayne was an amazing and inspiring person and teacher. Columbia College and the world in general have lost something very valuable. My heart goes out to his family and freinds.

I am stunned to learn today of Dayne's passing. I am a public school teacher and had just recently met Dayne. He had come to my school to present his firm's vision for helping teachers manage their money (something I definitely needed help with). I signed on with Dayne and was impressed by his personal attention, his respect, and care for us. I felt confident that he would take good care of us.

As someone who has lost his own brother just a year ago, my deepest empathy goes to his family.

Dayne, Forever We will Love you with all our heart and soul and hope you meet us when its time come home.
Love
Mom,Dad & Loving Brother Joe

Part of me is missing. I miss you my friend. The cannova's have been my second parents since my birth.I would not be where i am now out side of daynes influence. I miss your voice dayne. I pray that Jesus will bring healing in this time of pain.

SG-R 03042008-01

A Resolution Expressing the Student Governments Sorrow
Over the Loss of Prof. Dayne M. Cannova



Resolved, That the Student Government Association of Columbia College Chicago has heard with profound sorrow of the death of the Professor Dayne M. Cannova, an adjunct instructor in the Liberal Education Department of Columbia College Chicago.

Resolved, That the Executive Vice President communicate these resolutions to all members of the Columbia College Chicago community, the Columbia Chronicle and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the deceased.

Resolved, That when the Student Government Association adjourns today, it adjourn as a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased.

CANNOVA FAMILY,
JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW WE ARE STILL THINKING OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
ALWAYS, JR. ROXANNE AND FAMILY

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

I was very saddened to learn of the passing of Dayne. I met Dayne at the University Club about two years ago. I found him to be a bright, engaging, and witty guy who had a great personality. Whenever I saw him, I could always count on his lively conversation. I valued him as a friend and he will be missed by a lot of people that he befriended around the Club.

Dear Cannova Family,

To be honest, I'm not sure what to say. I can say that he was a great Professor who I respected, but that isn't enough. I have taken numerous philosophical classes but none of them spoke to me like his. I used to think of myself as intelligent but Dayne was in another world. He was so inspiring and powerful that you couldn't help but listen and be affected. He was by far the greatest Professor I've ever had, and one of if not the most intelligent people I have ever met.

My deepest sympathies and condolences to you all and thank-you for all that you have done.

I knew your son for a shot time. We were both members of the University Club of Chicago. I will always remember his passion and will carry many great memories of spirited conversations. He will be missed.

You have my deepest sympathies. I am so sorry for your loss.

Dear Gail & Family,

My heartfelt condolences to you at this time. There are no words to adequately express how difficult it is to lose a child. In reading the guest book, it's obvious how many lives your wonderful son has touched. The world will be a much sadder place without him in it. I only hope that time will help you heal.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of Dayne's death. He was such a bright and vibrant person, I can hardly believe it is true. I got to know him teaching at Columbia and he had become one of my good friends, someone who I could always count on. Discussing my ideas with him has been helpful for my dissertation research, and I suppose I had looked forward to our having a long intellectual friendship... He had so much to give the world.

My warmest regards to all of his family and friends at this sad time.

Cannova family,
I am very sorry for your loss. I have only known Dayne for about a year; we met at Degerberg academy. From our brief encounters during and after class, he left a lasting impression on my life. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing.

Foroud Tale

I was one of Dayne's students. I took all three of his classes at Columbia College Chicago. Dayne had, by far, the most profound impact on my life of any teacher I've ever had. I was fortunate enough to develop a friendship with him outside of class and talk with him casually. He was always willing to lend an ear and give me guidance. He is responsible for the foundations of my love for philosophy and desire to be a good person. He showed me how important it is to be a well learned person and to back up your words with citations. Never the relativist, he taught us that fact is far more valuable than opinion. I am deeply saddened by his passing and my thoughts go out to all that were close with him.

Dear Cannova family,
Dayne and I went to school together at St. Ed's and although I didn't know him very well, I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. My condolences go out to all of his family and friends. After reading all the comments left about him , he touched so many lives. I am truly sorry for your loss.

Dayne and I were students together at a martial arts school (Degerberg). I didn't know Dayne for very long, but over the last 9 months or so I felt we were getting to know each other quite well. We'd have frequent and lengthy conversations about everything. He was a great listener and was happy to hear about how my new business was doing. And likewise, I loved to hear about his ventures and teaching. We also shared a fondness for literature and theater. We talked a great deal about how the Shakespeare Repertory Theater had had better days. :)

Dayne was very intelligent and had a lot to teach me about philosophy. Looks like his students really appreciated him:

http://www.ratemyprofessors.com/ShowRatings.jsp?tid=186521

I even found myself this weekend telling my accountant and my wife about the guy I knew who found an expensive designer tux at a second hand store and bought it for next to nothing. Dayne loved that tux.

If I remember correctly, Dayne was supposed to be up there with me today getting his green belt. I'm really going to miss him.

Dear Gail, Lawrence and little Joe,

I just heard of Dayne’s passing and my deepest sympathies are with you and your entire family. Some of my fondest childhood memories are playing with Dayne, Joe, Danny and Kevin in our backyards. And although I haven’t talked to Dayne since our high school years, the intensity of his passing is no less. My mom said that she remembers him as being such a sweet boy, and she reminded me of our kindergarten graduation ceremony, where Dayne and I had to hold hands and walk onto the stage in front of millions and millions of people, or so it seemed, while our classmates sang some song about family. I remember you, Gail, letting us practice in your family room. You moved the coffee table out of the way to make it seem like we were really walking on the stage of St. Edwards. And then, you gave Dayne and I some Skittles for our efforts. From reading the other comments in this guestbook, it is obvious that Dayne touched the lives of many. He will be deeply and greatly missed by many.

Sincerely,

To the Cannova Family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. I can't imagine losing a child, may God be with you and keep you strong.

A classmate of Gail (St. Eds 1972)

To the Cannova Family - My sincerest and deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. Words can not begin to mend the pain you feel - I can offer my thoughts and prayers and will remember Dayne the way he was back from school at St. Ed's - always smiling and always so sweet.

Class of 89'

Dear Gail and family,
I was so saddened to hear the news of your son Dayne.
May your fond memories help bring you some peace during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

To the Cannova family,

Please accept my sympathy for your loss. I went to St. Ed's wtih Dayne and we were especially close in 7th grade. I remember giving him a black t-shirt of his favorite band as a gift and watching as he wore it EVERYDAY for 6 months straight because he loved the gift. I remember Dayne telling me that his family was pressing him to wash it but he didn't want to wash it -- for 6 months!! (Thank you Gail for washing it though.) That memory always puts a smile on my face and will always stay with me. Even though I haven't seen Dayne since graduation, I want you to know that I take with me great memories of growing up with Dayne. He will truly be missed and I want you to know that my thoughts are with you during this time.

With love,

I have loved you since the day you were born,5 Sept 1975 and I will always love you for as long as I live.
You were an inspiration to all who knew you. May you rest in peace for eternity my loving nephew. Uncle Bill

Dearest Cannova Family,
I have not seen Dayne since our 8th grade graduation in May of 1989, yet hearing about his loss leaves an emptiness that I can't explain. You are all in my prayers and please know that despite the length of time that has passed; I will always remember Dayne... skate board and all. My condolences to your family.
Sincerely,
Precious Pineda- Class of 89

Gail & Family........

Words cannot express how sad I was to hear of your tragic loss.....
Please accept our deepest sympathies.......

Ricky & Barb Lewis

Gail,Lawrence;
you both are in my thoughts and prayers;

Dear Cannova Family,
Our deepest sympathy is with you all. We did not know Dayne personally but through our son Tom and we are deeply saddened by your loss.
Jim and Arleene McTague

Dearest Gail & Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. A parent is never supposed to bury their child. My prayers are with you.

Cannova Family,
Dayne was one of the dearest people in my heart. From hockey as kids, to the band as teens, to reality as adults, Dayne always had a way to turn problems into positive experiences. One word I never heard was "no" when someone asked him something. That is how I will always remember my friend. His soul soothes in the light as he now watches over us from above. May God bless my brother!

It was my honor to be one of Dayne's students last year.

He asked a lot from us, not settling for mediocrity. He pushed us to always be thoughtful about not only our studies, but the world around us.

He taught us not to seek easy answers, but to ask always ask questions.

There have only been so many teachers who have truly taught me in the way that he did.

He was one of the most intelligent men I have ever known and I will carry on his lessons.

To his family, I understand that condolences can never fill the loss you're feeling right now. Still, I hope you will always remember that for many, Dayne is not just carried on in our memories, but as part of who we are.

I'm sorry.

Dayne taught my US Constitution class this semester, and in the brief amount of time I'd spent in his class I already knew he was one of the most passionate, and engaging professors I'd ever met. Though I never spoke with him directly, or knew him personally, I would say that Dayne was a very inspiring, and intelligent professor, who brought a spark of life into the classroom, and who left a lasting impression on anyone he met. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

I haven't seen or spoken to Dayne in about 13 years but I always remember him as the kid on the skate board or playing guitar or just hanging out. I know Dayne loved to read and he was wise beyond his years. I know he will be missed by many. He was a very intelligent and kind human being.

I am so sorry for your loss and I will keep you in my prayers.

My deepest, sincerest sympathies for the Cannova family. I knew Dayne through friends and we hung out in our early 20's. While we hadn't talked in many years I will always have this one memory of him that always makes me laugh : He and I went out for coffee and he borrowed his grandpa's car - a old Cadillac Seville which they affectionately pronounced "Sevul" giving it a person's name. While driving, the car started smoking and we had to pull over - I said "Dayne, I think you are leaking anti-freeze". He just looked at me innocently- we got out of the car and me (being the female) had to open the hood and point out the where the anti-freeze was and how to fill it. We just started laughing. It was priceless and it is how I will always remember him. He will be missed and again I am so sorry for your loss.

Larry & Gail, I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your son Dayne. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I pray that your loving memories will bring you peace.
Sincerely,
Jeryl Chico

As a student of Columbia i was so honored to have been taught by Dayne. All though I have not known him for long, he was one of the greatest Professors i've ever had. The class is Philosophical issues in film. It was my favorite class of all and i wanted to take every class that Dayne taught.

What im trying to say is this. In Daynes mind he was clearly ahead of his time, and i am blessed to have been taught, and to have been a part of it.

Though I only had the opportunity to take two of Dayne's classes, I can say Dayne was the most passionate and engaging teacher I've ever had. I've never looked forward so much to class before or since. As excited to tell you what he knew, and he knew quite a bit, he was equally anticipated what you thought and what you had to say. I'll never forget that about Dayne.

Dayne was a fabulous colleague who brought laughter, light, and intellectual discussion to his friends and classes. I enjoyed talking with Dayne about everything from the Simpsons to the US Constitution and everything in between. Dayne will be missed, but his spirit will live on in those of us whose lives he touched so profoundly.

It had many years since I had seen Dayne, yet his loss is still felt by my family and me. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Gail & Family
We are very sorry for your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

You will me missed severely. You will continue to inspire us even though you are not around.

Gail, Lawrence and Joe... My deepest sympathy on your tragic loss. Why the world should be robbed of one so talented, bright and loving is beyond my comprehension. My prayers pour out to you and the Nino and Bolger families in this time of need. Dayne will forever be etched in our memories.
The Keating family

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Tom Walsh, Uplift High School
Brenda Walsh, Bateman School
Bob Young Jr, Lakeview High School

Dear Joe and Cannova Family,
We are so saddened by your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in your memories and know the love and support of your friends old and new, is here for you. All or prayers.
Eddie and Caty

Gail & Family,

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We're so sorry for your loss.

John and Val Cooper

Larry and family our hearts and prayers go out to you and your loved ones sincerely patrick luz ferrara.

My most heartfelt condolences to Dayne's family. His presence energized the rooms he entered, and his sharp intellect helped keep our minds as infused with curiosity as was his. His students loved him and were inspired to reach his high academic standards. I will deeply miss his insights into politics, economics, philosophy, and the complexities of everyday life. His passing is a great loss to the Columbia College community.

I am so saddened to hear of Dayne's passing. Although it's been many years since we've talked, there's a closeness one feels in beginning a life along side one another as we did at St. Eds. As one of the only other Italian kids in our class, there was even more of an unspoken kinship. I'll always remember his humor, smile and attitude. My condolences go out to the Cannova family.

Dear Lawrence and Gail and all the Cannova family,

It would be impossible to find words to express the magnitude of beauty that Dayne brought into this world and into the lives of all who knew him. It is also impossible to express how much my heart goes out to you during this painful time.

In the short time that I've known Dayne, he has brought so much light into my life. I am a better person for knowing him, as are we all. May this be his legacy.

Know that countless people have a part of their hearts that will always be set aside for him, and may all those hearts shine light and love and comfort into your lives.

My condolences to Dayne's whole family. I was a colleague at Columbia College. Dayne and I talked regularly about our mutual interests in philosophy (especially the Ancients, which I know he loved). His students were in awe of him, and found him highly inspirational. He was a charismatic person with tremendous good will. I will miss him.

My deepest condolences on the loss of Dayne. He lit up the Columbia liberal ed. department with his wit, passion for knowledge, and his desire for coherent arguments from himself and his students. I consider it my privilege to have known him.

Dear Cannova and Nino Families,
We are a very sorry for your loss. Our prayers and sympathies go out to you. I will always remember Dayne and the permanent smile he displayed growing up together.
With Love,

My deepest sympathies to you Mr. and Mrs. Cannova, Joe and Grampa and Grandma Nino. Dayne will be missed by many, I am blessed to have had the opportunity to grow up with Dayne. Sincerely.

St Edward Class of 1989

To the Cannova Family,
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you for a long time as you struggle with this tremendous loss. Dayne was always so strong and vibrant as a child and that is how he will remain in our hearts.

To the Cannova Family,

My deepest sympathies on your incomprehensible loss. Dayne was a spirited colleague of mine at Columbia College Chgo, where he always acted with charm, energy and good will. I enjoyed conversations and meeting for tea with him. I know that he loved his family--he told me so quite warmly. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Professor Ann Hetzel Gunkel

I love you guys! Reach out! I am always here for you...Beautiful, brilliant child Dayne...oh my heart!
Lorry, Gail...most amazing parents to bring up someone so spectacular!
I am on my knees, and with you in spirit, through this incomprehensible time...Infinite love to Joey & the whole family!
and always, always to that handsome sweet, talented Dayne.
he has lit up the heavens, i am sure!
Laura Taylor Whitfield