Obituaries

There was a reason why Dane served as the "best man" at my wedding; because he was awesome in most every respect. Gracious, funny, easygoing, generous and almost impossible to be angry with. He was always into "cool stuff" and enjoyed life wherever it took him. He was definitely done to soon and will be missed.

Becky - please accept my sympathy for your much too early loss. I had not heard of Dane's diagnosis until this very sad news. I was lucky enough to have crewed with him occasionally on Veloce and he was always a comforting force aboard. He will certainly be missed by many.

Dane was my supervisor at UW Health prior to his transition to his most recent position. I am so grateful --and consider myself super lucky-- to have had such a supportive, kind supervisor who was also a good advocate and great listener. I will always remember his great sense of humor and his happily sharing photos of his boxer dogs and sailing, as well as sharing about his vacations. As he transitioned to a different IS team at UW Health, I always looked forward to working with him when our work intersected. I will miss Dane, and I know I am one of many, many people at UW Health who valued their work relationship and friendship with him dearly. My greatest sympathies to his wife and family, Sarah Evans.

Dane introduced me to Mendota Yacht Club and helped me "Know The Ropes" aboard Big Banana M24. He was the first to arrive and last to leave as we got the boat race ready. Always helpful and kind!

This is my tribute to my friend Dane. I apologize if you may have seen it but I want to express what a great man he was for friends who were not part of his sailing family. Dane Vermillion's zeal for life was contagious; his love of family, friends, his dogs, a good book, and sailing were just a few of the things that made him special to so many. His kind and mellow soul made him easily approachable and liked by everyone. He was not the life of the party, but it was not a party without him. Cocktails on the pontoon, an after-race Heineken, a saran-wrapped prize ball, racing hermit crabs on the beach, he was fun, up for anything, and always there and adding excitement at every event. Dane, aka "DJ Toast" to his close entourage, was always providing the soundtrack of our lives; his unique love of music had the pool-party playlist jumping, switching genres sometimes by song, mainly 80's classics, hip hop, classical, early grunge, the occasional Keltic ditty, and reggae. Dane loved the Caribbean beat and vibe the most. Friends and sailing were the passions that fueled his soul. The Mendota Yacht Club and working at the Sailboat House fed both those needs. As a member of MYC for over 25 years, Dane has always given. He served as Commodore in 2014, the Friday night PRO for years, and a valued race committee member for over a decade. His sailing resume was vast as he sailed in about every class at one time or another. Dane was a rockstar on board, handling the technical rig tune, electronics, and sail trim. He made boats go fast. He hiked the hardest but was a specialist at being swallowed up by an enormous A scow or J80 spinnaker; no matter how the wind blew or how close to the mark, Dane would gobble up chutes like magic, stow them below, and be back on the rail looking for the next shift. Running the front of any boat, Dane was always nearest the cooler; his bartending skills and timing were impeccable. Beers would magically be cracked and passed out as an offering to the wind gods, a victory celebration, or just for a great day on the water with friends old or new. Dane's ultra-competitive nature was eclipsed only by the love of his wife Becky of 15 years. Together, they had many adventures on boats, beaches, and his Harley. Dane's routines could be counted on; without fail, you would be exposed to the most recent pictures of his beloved dogs on his iPhone, a recommendation for some obscure crime series, usually British, and possibly some new regional flavored spirits he would bring home from his travels with Becky. The surprise November leukemia diagnosis took us all like a rogue wave. Still, Dane battled on like a last-leg-tacking duel for a season championship. Unfortunately, he ran out of race course peacefully on New Year's Day 2024 with his wife Becky and extended family by his side. Dane's indelible commitment to his nautical passion was always on full display through his beautiful body art. One of his favorite of many tattoos said, "Navigate the wind and the sea wisely." Great advice from a man who will be missed by many.

I remember how excited Dane was when a new cute nurse started in the O.R. His life changed then for the better. I always enjoyed working with Dane and I hope you had a good life. Bill Jones

We are so very sorry for your loss Becky, We love you!! Dane was a wonderful man. I wish we could have known him longer. We are here if you need anything. Ron & Peggy Sipek

I was so saddened to learn of Dane's passing. He was such an extraordinary person, and an absolute joy to work with at UW Health. His kindness, knowledge, willingness to help anyone in need, and his sense of humor made even the most grueling day easier. I will greatly miss working with him and seeing his bright smile in the hallways. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and extended family at UW Health.

I had the pleasure of knowing Dane for the 19 years I've worked for UW Health. He will truly be missed. It deeply deeply saddens me to learn of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Dane and his family in this sad time. I worked with Becky for years as well in the operating room. I love them both. Thinking of her and their family during this time, sending big hugs and lots of love - Amanda Green

Becky, we are so so sorry to hear this news. Dane was such a great guy, always there to welcome us and make us feel like we were part of the pack! Tim & I are totally in shock!!! We are sending you lots of love. Hang in there, Love, Cathy & Tim Rooney P.S. I chose a yellow candle as yellow is the color of friendship. Dane was definitely a friend to all <3

Dane was my supervisor at UWHospital years ago. I was so sad to hear of his passing. RIP