Indianapolis – Governor Mike Pence today issued the following statement upon learning of the passing of Donald C. “Danny†Danielson, of New Castle.
“Karen and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend Danny Danielson, and we offer our deepest condolences to his beloved family and all who admired this remarkable man.
“In Danny Danielson’s passing, Indiana lost a great man who personified all that is best about the people of our state. He was the best of us, and I mark his passing with sadness but gratitude for having known this remarkable man of faith, family, community and civic involvement.â€
Danielson devoted his life to service. He committed extensive time to Indiana University, serving on the university’s Board of Trustees from 1959 to 1980 and as chairman for eleven years. He led several key endowment campaigns for Indiana University including the School of Medicine Capital Campaign and the Wells Scholars Campaign committee. He was a long-time executive of City Securities, and he led a successful campaign to locate the Indiana High School Basketball Hall of Fame Museum in New Castle. Danielson received a number of awards throughout his life including Indiana University’s Distinguished Alumni Service Award, the New Castle Chamber of Commerce’s “Citizen of the Year†award, and the state’s highest honor, the Sachem Award, from Governor Mitch Daniels.
Pence continued:
“Danny Danielson was a Hoosier through and through who loved his Lord, his wife Patty, his family, his hometown and Indiana University with a boundless heart. Danny’s influence on my small life began when I first stepped into politics in the 1980s and, like so many others he touched, his mentoring influence and example shaped my faith, my life and my career ever since.
“Upon the death of Abner, King David spoke words that are equally true of this day, ‘Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel?’
“Karen and I pray that God will comfort his family and all who mourn his passing with the assurance that comes through our faith and the knowledge that the memory and example of Danny Danielson will live on and inspire all of us who were privileged to know him.â€