Daniel (Shmeed) Gonzalez

My family and I lost someone who was my best friend from birth. Danny was someone who I looked up to my entire life. From the earliest memories to the last, what I first remember is his infectious smile and his desire to make me and everybody happy. He made me laugh the hardest I ever have in my life every time I talked to him, and we shared jokes only the two of us could ever understand, something that comes about from knowing someone from you’re earliest possible memories to the present. He was without a doubt my brother from another mother, and growing up with him in tandem is a thread of memories, events, and experiences that will always make me the person I am, and I will cherish them for the rest of my life. His selflessness to make any stranger he met feel like his friend or close brother or sister always makes me reflect on how I and others should treat anyone in life. Danny always put his heart out first, for you to be comfortable to put yours out to him. Anyone who knew him will understand the magnitude of love he gave to those he came in touch with, even if for a second. My heart is permanently shattered after losing him, and nothing can replace the void that lays there. I have so much to thank him for that the list would never end. Danny was one of most influential voices in helping me decide and pursue what I wanted to do in life, always checking in to give me an air of confidence and encouraged me to never give up, not allowing me to quit my passion when I was down on it. Even if he was going through a rough patch, he still made the effort to give me the light at the end of the tunnel, even if he did not see it for himself. I had the opportunity to visit him in California a few months ago thanks to the support from my family, and the week I spent there reconnecting with him was a blessing and the most emotional time anyone could ever ask for. Seeing him surrounded by a loving community of friends, all lighting up when he would show up stands today as a reflection of the reaction to the news of his passing. A wave of people were touched by Danny in some way during his life, and every single person has been immensely grateful for knowing him and what he brought to their lives. I couldn’t have asked for a better cousin, he was it. There will never be someone like him, and no one could ever take his place. He was one of a kind and will never be forgotten. I know that a part of him will always live on with me. I’m sure that thought would have made him smile. Rest in Peace Danny, I will always love you & miss you, and I will never forget you.
-Aaron