News Summary
The Brighton community reflects on the life of Daniel William Heard, who passed away at 78. Known for his infectious spirit, Danny’s legacy includes service as a patient advocate and his roles as a loving husband and father. The community remembers his compassionate outreach and joyful performances as a clown, dancer, and sports coach. A farewell ceremony is scheduled to honor his contributions and impact.
Brighton, Michigan: A Community Remembers Daniel William Heard
With heavy hearts, the Brighton community bids farewell to Daniel William Heard, affectionately known as “Danny,” who passed away on March 3, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on November 12, 1946, in Highland Park, Michigan, Danny leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and an unwavering spirit.
A Life Filled with Love and Laughter
Danny’s journey through life was colored by his deep faith and a joyful personality. His family remembers him for his childlike heart that always aimed to bring a smile to everyone he encountered. From his days of playing baseball to coaching softball, Danny was always finding new ways to engage with others and share his love for sports.
In a unique twist, he became a professional putt-putt golfer, and also spent joyful evenings ballroom and tap dancing alongside his wife, Paula Jourdan, whom he married on January 22, 1966. Their shared love for performance art was evident as they often participated in musical performances together.
A Heart for Helping Others
But Danny’s talents didn’t stop there. Following the heartbreaking loss of their youngest daughter, he transformed his grief into a new calling by becoming a professional clown, known affectionately as Eekers. For an impressive 28 years, he led the Parents of Hope class at Cornerstone Evangelical Presbyterian Church, providing support and comfort to those facing similar trials.
Beyond the community work, Danny’s compassion extended into the medical field. As a Patient Advocate at Detroit Receiving Hospital’s ER, he was there to offer comfort to families in distress and a helping hand to the homeless. His experiences inspired him to write the book, “Daniel in the Lions Den,” illuminating the uncertainties and joys of his time spent at the hospital.
Family and Legacy
Surviving Danny are his beloved wife, Paula Lee Heard, his daughters, Tamatha Lee Egner and Amy Susan Heard, and his siblings, Stephen Heard and Pamela Routhier. He also leaves behind several cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Danielle Diana Heard, his granddaughter, Scarlett Dee Heard, and brother-in-law Charles Mathes.
Final Farewell and Community Support
Funeral services to honor Danny’s life will take place on Sunday, March 16, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Howell Memorial Chapel. The community is invited for a farewell ceremony on Monday, March 17, 2025, beginning at 11:00 AM with an additional gathering at 10:00 AM. Following the service, Danny will be laid to rest at Tyrone Memorial Gardens in Fenton, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions to be made to the New Hope Center for Grief Support, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the Children’s Foundation. These organizations were dear to Danny’s heart.
The family warmly invites everyone to share their messages of comfort online and to sign Danny’s guestbook. Your support is greatly appreciated during this difficult time as they reflect on the incredible life of a truly remarkable man who joyfully danced through life and made a difference to so many.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Parents of Man Found Dead at Electric Forest
- Wikipedia: Electric Forest
- Borek Jennings: Remembrance
- Google Search: Remembrance
- CBS News: Howell Mother of Toddler Killed
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Accidental Death
- WXYZ: Michigan Meningitis Outbreak Deaths
- Google News: Meningitis Outbreak
- Legacy: Zachary Ford Obituary
- Google Scholar: Obituary
