January 8th, 2011 by Conor

I can’t exactly remember the first time I met Danny but I have many funny memories with him as do most of his friends from what I have read from previous posts. I went to high school with both Conor and Danny and I made friends with Conor before I was introduced to his “little brother.” Danny was on the Kennett High Golf team with me. A lot of you might not even know that Danny was into golf, but we had some great laughs out there on the course. On the golf course is where I made my nickname for Danny. Every time Danny hit a ball off the tee and it was a good shot (which wasn’t that often lol) Johnny Baker and I would yell his name like DAAAAANNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!! So to this day, every time I see Danny I greet him with the Dannnnnnnnnneeeeeee. He had one of the funniest, yet memorable swings I have seen to this day. I can remember the first year he joined the team and coach and I were watching him hit balls and although his swing was quite unique, he hit the ball pretty good. One day at practice Danny, Johnny Baker, and myself went out to play a couple holes. We basically just made fun of each other and goofed off the whole time we played. I’m pretty sure there was one hole where the three of us teed off “Happy Gilmore” style. Coach even came out to us on the 6th hole and YELLED at us because we were having too much fun and were not taking it seriously and threatened to NEVER take us on a match again. While we were being reprimanded I couldn’t help but look at Danny and when we met eyes we both died laughing. As you all know, once Danny laughs its contagious! That’s when coach peeled off in the golf cart. Another time at practice (I even think it was Danny, Johnny and I playing together again) we were on a hole and Danny crushed his drive and hit a great second shot onto the green and had a putt for birdie. This was huge because Danny had never made a birdie before. He hit the putt and it looked good from the start and he made it!!! I have never seen someone do a dance like he did and run around like a complete idiot on the golf course. I was rolling on the ground laughing. He was so excited to make a birdie and I am so glad I was there to witness the celebration. We talked about the putt for weeks if not months. I can’t wait to remind him of his sweet birdie when I see him next.

I have had many fun times with Danny but I’m not sure there is enough room to write them all. He really is a great person and I honestly don’t think I have ever seen him in a bad mood before. Such a positive person and I am glad to say that I know him and am proud to call him my friend. Danny, I love you and I know you will get through this!

Sending good thoughts and prayers to Danny and the whole Toumarkine family.

January 8th, 2011 by Conor

I have been working at the hospital non-stop since I got back from my extended stay in NH and today is my only day off…I’m suppose to be unpacking and then packing again, as I work the next 3 nights before I leave for Costa/Nicaragua on Wednesday. But as I sit here staring at my backpack, all I can think about it y’all and the last time I used my bag, which was on Danny and I’s trip to South America. So I am going to write to dannyisthebomb.com and hopefully return to my other task at hand : )

Where do I begin??? I guess I’ll start with the already focused questions…I met Danny freshman year of high school, English class to be exact. We were placed next to each other because Mr. Ruland wanted us in alphabetical order. Danny and I naturally became friends due to this proximity and him always talking to me in his Kermit frog voice, which undeniably always made me laugh out loud in class : ) It was there that our friendship started some 11 or so years ago. I have so many great memories with Danny…it’s hard to pick one out…all the snowboarding trips we took, with and without our brothers, to Colorado, Tahoe, Utah, NH, etc…our South America trip, crazy trailer times in Tahoe/CB, hanging in San Diego, Mexico, cabrewin, hiking, and everything in-between.

As you have heard time and time again…Danny’s laugh is one of a kind…it is by far the most infectious laugh I’ve ever heard…I was sick as a dog one day in the Amazon but he still was able to make me laugh while squealing at all the cockroaches in our room and then laughing for doing so ; ) oh I can hear him now : ) My funniest memory of Danny, that comes to mind, occurred a little over a year ago. We were in this small Peruvian town and had made some friends in previous days and decided to all go fishing. This fishing excursion ended up being no small feat, but we eventually got into a locals boat and were out to sea. Danny had recently gotten into fishing with Conor and what not, so he was excited to try his hand out here. I, however, really only fish on vacation and had been trying to go fishing with Danny for quite sometime now but it had never worked out. I was sitting there with the four men in the boat watching everyones anticipation over the first catch, as we all laughed over told stories of our recent travels. After what seemed like eternity for the boys I’m sure, I caught our first fish…a little later the second…and then came the third…each one Danny getting a little more bent out of shape about….as we all know, he is quite competitive and brings himself to perfection in everything he pursues, so this naturally was a little blow to his ego. On a lighter note, I sensed this and gave out the whole oh it’s “beginners luck” speech, with some additional teasing. Then the kicker…minutes later Danny felt a tug on his line as he began to reel it in…he began wrestling a little with it, my fish were so small there was none of that, so we obviously undoubtedly thought this had to be the “big one.” As we waited anxiously for this beast to surface, we were taken by surprised when a snakelike creature appeared. I wasn’t even able to get a good glimpse before our boatman jumped over to Danny grabbed his pole and started swinging the eel over his head and hitting it on the side of the boat…consequentially creating a scene! Cole, our friend, started to move to the front of the boat at this same time Danny was trying to move back, he hit me by accident and I almost fell in…If you could have only seen this guy…what a scene!!! When the initial shock subsiding we were all in hysterics, we couldn’t help it. Every time I thought it was over, one of us would reference the spectacle and there we would go cracking up again. If only we had it on video!!!

Danny has innumerable talents as many have touched on…his creativity, ambition, dedication, diligence, perseverance, etc. I have always admired Danny for pursuing his dreams, it is something we shared and something I find to be very appealing in another individual. Although this is a very hard time for all of us, I find a lot of comfort in knowing he was pursuing his dream and doing what he loved when this unfortunate event occurred. Danny is an incredibly strong individual and It’s like i told Conor when I first heard the news, there’s no doubt in my mind he’ll pull through, he’s as stubborn as they come ; )

I find strength in these stories and love behind all that has been shared…so many people pulling for this lovely family I am so fortunate to know. I know I probably speak for many when I say that we all can’t help but feel somewhat helpless in a situation such as this, but we have seen the love and support that is backing Danny and his family and we all just need to stay positive and keep Danny in our thoughts.

To the fam…I have not stopped thinking about y’all since the moment I heard the news. You are not only amazing people in your own right but make one beautiful family. Conor, you have been such a loving and loyal sibling to Danny always giving and growing with him. I know y’all don’t see eye to eye on everything, hell we didn’t either 😉 but there was always so much love between y’all then and now, and there is no love like sibling love : ) I know he would be so grateful and impressed by all your actions and commitments thus far… Your devotion is so admirable and rare, it will never go unnoticed. Ellen, you have always been such a great mother to your boys and I’ve seen that first hand for years, but talking to you the other night and hearing the strength you exuded was beyond inspirational. Although this is definitely one of your darkest of times, I am so glad y’all are at his bedside, nurse or no nurse I truly believe that matters. I am so touched by the outpouring of support for y’all, as I am sure you are too, but it is just a testament to how wonderful y’all truly are. Ellen Shea, Mr. T, Conor, and the rest of the fam, continue to stay strong…we are all wishing Danny the speediest of recoveries. I will continue to send all my thoughts and love your way…
cuidate mucho…con mucho amor, berkeley xox

January 8th, 2011 by Conor

Danny is one of the most honest and fun people I have had the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with. On the river, chillin at the “island” in his kitchen, or running into each other outside of the 603 area, every encounter is a memorable one. A small get together of a couple friends and Danny always would turn into a night full of laughs and a great time. Everyone is aware of Danny’s talents snowboarding and really any activity that he puts his mind to. If anyone can go through a traumatic incident like this and make it out on top, Danny has the drive and determination to do so.

I am going to share a good time when Danny and Ian were driving across country and I was living in Nebraska at the time. They had planned to stop in for a couple nights to visit and break up the drive a bit, so I was stoked to see the both of them. It was great to catch up, hearing stories of their travels. After a fun night, we crashed at my place where I borrowed a futon mattress from a room mate for Ian, Danny had the couch. Half awake the next morning Ian was apparently trying to give me an apology, I had no idea what for, and didn’t really care, more sleep was needed. When I made it out to the living room shortly after, Danny was laying on the couch just pointing at the futon mattress “look what Ian did”. Clearly Ian had wet himself through the night leaving a stain that had to be 3 feet in diameter on the mattress. Danny’s presentation of the incident was priceless.

This may not be the best story to share, sense it will be in front of thousands of pairs of eyes and implicates Ian just a tad. I just wanted to share the story with you Connor, hopefully bringing some laughter to your day. I can’t imagine the position you are in now. I have an older brother that in the passed we have been very distant. We have just started in the last few months re-building a relationship. Danny is very lucky to have an older brother that will be there for him no matter what. I am sure that Danny is very aware that you are by his side and will always be there. I commend you as a brother, and wish you and your family the best to get through this.

January 8th, 2011 by Conor

To be honest I don’t even know if I am doing this right…..but I don’t care….I want more than anything to contribute something to danny, Clown….. truthfully it’s been all I can think about since I heard the horrible news…..People say bad things happen to good people, well this is true now more than ever….since the Toumarkaine family is some of the greatest people I have been lucky enough to know…I dont even know where to begin…..What to say about Danny T…..he was always the coolest kid, and when him and I became closer and closer as friends I remember (and I cant believe I am ever admitting this, since I know when he is better he will bring this up and never let it go…) I remember thinking how cool I even felt that Danny was one of my best guy friends..Like oh you hang out with dct wow girls love him and guys want to be him….I still believe this is true…..Him and his whole family….Conor you too…..And even their wonderful mother who over the years I’ve shared many conversations and laughs with….whether it was giving danny hell for how long it took him to get ready to go out….blow drying and straightening….or just talking about what was going on in our lives…..I have to say that both danny and his mother were there for me when on one else was….before I had the courage to move out to Colorado….and I think danny even helped pushed me to do so….I consider him family….So having him hurt I know you can all agree hurts us….simply because we love him so much…..

My favorite times with danny were always in the car as weird as that may sound…..ALWAYS jamming out….Either to Baby It’s Fact by Hello Goodbye (which I’m now thinking he’ll be pissed Im letting the world know he probably jams out to that in his car when he’s alone) or Wildcat, or anything for that matter…..One time in particular stands out to me….Danny had come to Plymouth to visit me as he often did when we got snow since I was closest to the mountain…..But we were driving in a snow storm to get to Loon for a nice East Coast powder day…..but it was taking forever with the weather to get there so as we were jamming out as usual danny told me about an invention idea he had….that we should somehow invent a hallowgram drum set….so that you could play the air drums to songs and look badass…..But all of you that know and love danny like I do know that this idea is right up his alley and not far fetched at all….Danny has always been a thinker….coming up with t-shirts and stickers and business ideas…..he is one of the most creative people I know….and everything he comes up with he stands behind…..We all know we still have a FLIGI shirt or hoodie still hanging in our closet or even a pair of underwear ladies…..@ least i know I do…..

Jeez I could go on forever….just reliving every wonderful memory with danny in my head just brings the biggest smile to my face….he has always been one of the only people who can make me laugh when all else seemed hopeless even if it was merely hearing his laugh…..I always cursed danny’s stubborn personality but now I am blessing it…..I know someone as stubborn as him will not only over come this but come away better than before…I can’t wait to all be home and have peanut and popcorn wars at the parka….or just watch movies or play wii and make ridiculous mii characters like chuck norris and jack black…..And let’s not forget how he is the best costume put together-er…Everyone knows that every Halloween you want to be hanging out with Danny or @ the very least you have to see pictures of his costume immediately the next morning…..I cannot even get into stories from the River or the Island and it’s crazy dance offs….because lord knows that will take forever, there are too many extraordinary times to even recall…..But I cherish every single one of them, especially as they rifle off in my head fondly as I sit here and write this….

I love you danny conor ellen david magic…..and anyone sitting by his side right now…..know you are all in my hearts and i pray everyday for you……all my love. CarlyJane

January 8th, 2011 by Conor

Mr. Dannyy,

Wooow. its hard to believe I’m really writing to you like this..what can i say, it is so rare in life to come by someone like you Danny. You have this energy about you that people are drawn to. This ability to inspire and change lives..what a gift. So many peoples lives have been changed for the better because of you..i know that mine has. Rhe time that i have spent with you has been so filled with life and laughter. Many times I will never forget. you have shown me a way of living that is full of passion, drive, and happiness at a level most cant appreciate. You truly are one of a kind and I feel blessed to have you in my life. It gives me great comfort knowing that you have Conor through all of this.
Conor, your strength is admirable. thank you for all the updates and trying to support everyone else on top of everything you are doing for Danny. the relationship between the two of you in unlike most and i cant imagine how you are keeping it together right now. i know that when Danny comes through this all that you have done will mean the world to him. So thank you Conor. i am so thankful that he has you!
it is clear that Danny is a very loved kid. With all the people reaching out from all over we can see there is no shortage in his support system by any means. So Danny, you keep fighting and when you return, we will all be here waiting for youuu! i cant wait to hear that contagious laugh of yours again my friend!!

Toumarkine family..i am truly sorry for the tragedy you have all had to endure here..but hang in there! time really does heal all..and Danny will pull through this one! if there is one thing he has shown us, its that anything is possible..and the impossible is only what you make it! so here’s to you Danny..and to possibilities! sending all the love and positive vibes I’ve got your way!

with love..Jodd

January 8th, 2011 by Conor

Pine Tree School, 6th grade class trip to MA for the 5 day excursion to Stone Environmental School. Driving behind the bus with my daughter, Nia, and Jenny Brennan. Danny (strategically sitting in the very back of the bus) would turn to periodically smile and wave. Loud screaming would ensue, “Oh my God he is soooooo cute!!” A smile that appears to be infectious to this day. Many prayers to you, dear one…and thoughts of strength and courage to your mom. I struggle to imagine what you are all going through. Grace be yours.

January 8th, 2011 by Conor

LIVING with Danny.

I had the pleasure of LIVING with Danny for an entire summer. I emphasis living because that is Danny’s unique ability: to bring life, and light to everything and everyone around him.

It was the summer of 2005 and Danny moved out to Boulder, Co to live with Conor and pursue their small but growing brand, FLIGI. Living with Danny was pure entertainment. Danny was always full of life and was always seeking new ways to have fun. His laughter as he navigated through life that summer will forever be burnt into my memory. There were many great memories from that summer ranging from bar hoping, tubing on the canyon river, playing music (I listened, as Danny managed to decipher right away, I have no musical talent), to actually working hard and debating various topics. One memory from that summer though stands out more than any other… the “shave that thang, duuuuuuude” moment.

For those of you that did not know Danny during this period in his life, allow me to provide you with a little backdrop on Danny’s man grooming and style preferences. Danny was clean cut and always need to have a certain level of “freshness” to him. Sporting the freshest clothes and always looking nice and “tight.” If my memory serves me correctly, Danny had a well maintained chin strap grown that was maintained daily (if not multiple times daily) with his straight razor. I remember thinking to myself….”really, a straight razor?!?! Who actually uses one of those on themselves?!?!?!”

Regardless, of Danny’s own preferences, he had some choice words for my preferences that will forever be in my memory. I recall getting out of the shower in our apartment. We were all getting ready for a Boulder summer night out on the town. I walked out of the bathroom with nothing on but a towel around my waist. I was applying deodorant to my underarms and Danny was sitting on the couch and watching TV. He turned his head, looked at me, and his eyes lit up wider than a full moon, and a HUGE smile appeared on his face. I remember thinking “is the towel still on?” I looked down and thought “OK, towel is still on, check.”

“What, Danny?” I asked.

Danny’s response, “Jezzzz, duuuuuudeeeeeeeee. Shave that thang already.” Then Danny burst out into laughter and continued with “Does it have a name?”

“What?” I asked.

In reference to the extra long arm pit hair I had amassed under my arms during the winter hibernation Danny continued with “the small animal you’re hiding under your arm, duuuuuuudeeeee!!!!” and then he continued to laugh hysterically.
I remember thinking to myself, “WTF, who is this kid?!?! Who does he think he is too make fun of me in my apartment.” But then I reflected on status of my underarm and I remember thinking “Man this thing is ridiculous” and started to laugh as well. Needless to say, the pits got a little trim action about a ½ hour later.

This story may not be as funny or memorable to others as it is to me. But, I think it sums up my favorite quality of Danny; the ability to help people identify their own flaws and address them with humor. His comments were not hurtful or spiteful and never have been. They are just comments intended to get a good laugh, as always do, and will when returns to us.

Danny – and Conor too – are like therapy for me. Each time I get together with them, I am reminded that the things I think are a big deal in life (e.g. money, social status, public accomplishments), are not really that big at all and the small things in life (natures beauty, love, family relationships, friendships, laughter, etc.) deserve soooooo much more attention then I give them.

It is frustrating to know that Danny can’t communicate with us – and more importantly – with his mom, dad, brother, and girlfriend at this moment in time. But I like to think that he’s on a new journey, a new adventure in which he is resting and dreaming. In those dreams, I know he is planning and coming up with the next big thing. I can’t wait to hear from him again, learn about this most recent journey, and what is on his plate next. The laughter that will accompany those dreams and plans will be the icing on the cake.

Danny, get well soon my friend! We can’t wait to hear what is next…..

January 8th, 2011 by Conor

After deciding to go to Utah for the first time on a ski trip with some guys from New Hampshire and Boulder I didn’t know what to expect to tell you the truth. If you would of told me before the trip that we were going to be fined for all kinds of things(one being a dope igloo formally known as Twiggy Top), I probably would of made other plans. Either way, we all mobbed up into Big Cottonwood Canyon with plans to shred the pow and mother nature provided some epic days. I love thinking back on the trip and realizing how free spirited everyone was at the time and we have all gone in so many directions. This was the first time I saw Danny in action on and off the slopes and there was nothing but good times to be had when he was around. My best memory would be when he strapped on a pair of skis in the middle of the night and threw a backflip off a jump and stomped it saying “skiing is sooo gay”. As a skier you would think I would take offense or be offended but it was all for the love of snow and fun. Danny has always been able to do anything he feels motivated to do and this has been inspirational to see as he has progressed in the snowboarding realms to show the world his talent. Now, I along with many others are hoping for a recovery so he can continue to inspire us to follow our dreams and keep that free spirited passion alive.

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family Conor.

FLIGI 4 LIFE

January 8th, 2011 by Conor

DCT was the first friend I had at college and within the first couple days we were doin rediculous shit. A great memory I have is danny and his un breakable phone! He and I were out one night and he got pissed at a p.s. Officer and smashed it. The damn thing got put back together after he threw it 30 yards haha still worked. Throughout that night danny thought it would b hilarious to see what we could do to the phone before it stopped working. We did everything from pouring keystone light on it to smashing it off buildings haha it worked for about 3 more months I think. Anyways just a dumb fun memory I had with him, love u bud and ur gonna get better soon! Your tough man!

January 8th, 2011 by Conor

It’s hard to even put thoughts to words. This stuff never happens to someone that you know…… until it happens to someone that you know. Danny, I know you can feel the surging support from all over the country. The world is buzzing with anticipation for your full recovery; it’s truly amazing.

I can remember the first time I spent the night at Danny and Conor’s house. I was probably in 2nd grade. Fittingly, there was a huge snow storm that night and what seemed like 20 feet of snow was waiting for us in the morning. Yeah, we did the usual… snowballs, forts, sledding… then I see Danny and Conor up in a tree house (which seemed a few hundred feet off the ground at that age). “Climb up!” I hear. Before I could even reach the top, Danny goes launching off of the tree house and disappears in the powder below; Conor was quick to follow. I stood there for what seemed like an hour. Terrified to jump. Had it not been for the reassurance of Danny and Conor that it was good to go… I would probably still be standing there. Flash forward: I worked with Danny on the Saco river. Anyone that knows Danny, knows that combining his name and “river” is an equation for awesome. All the times spent just hanging out at the boat landing with the guys; seeing how almost everyone that came off of the river knew him somehow. Everyone always seemed to hang around just a little bit longer after their trip to talk with Danny. I hurt my back that summer and would get about 5 steps with a canoe on my shoulders before Danny would yell at me to put it down so he could take it (thanks man). Good luck trying to be in a bad mood around him too. For Danny, that is an instant challenge that he is determined to crush…. and he always wins… hahaha.

All things said, Danny Really Is The Bomb. I can try to keep jotting down random memories, but every time I do… I’m just brought back to the beginning; looking up, seeing this little kid jumping from a tree house, flying through the air with an enormous smile, then landing softly in the snow. All I could think to myself is, “That kid isn’t afraid of ANYTHING!”

Everyone is pulling for you Danny. Conor, you stay strong too. Wishing all the best to your family right now.

-Nate