DANIELSKI - Ramon Francis Danielski, age 77, of Daytona Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, October 27, 2013, while visiting his family in his hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was vibrant and full of life to the end; his departure to spirit quiet and unexpected, but he always did love to travel light. Ramon was born on December 22, 1935 to the late Rose and Chester Danielski. Like his siblings, he was born at home, .3 miles from the new house his father was building and to which they would move one year later. He once said, it may not sound very far, but just try it with a bed strapped to your back! He left home at 15 to join the Society of Mary at the University of Dayton where he would receive his Bachelor's in Education and would find himself at Holy Rosary school at age 19 teaching 53 7th grade boys every subject except music. Ramon traveled extensively as a Marianist, teaching in Puerto Rico and Latin America, and he developed a love of the Spanish language and many lifelong friends. He also served as athletic director and coach. To this day, "Brother Ray" is remembered by his brothers and students for his sense of humor, for being an excellent teacher, mentor; and a profound human being, full of love, faith and understanding. Ramon later obtained his pilot's license and Masters in the Sociology of Change from Fordham University before leaving the Marianists in 1969 to marry Diane Guilmet, with whom he would have three children. Ramon was the co-founder of the Human Development Center (HDC) in Erie, PA, which led programs around the country focused on spiritual growth and education and he was also the visionary behind The Common Bond, bringing together former Marianists who wished to continue their life of service. Ray's marriage to Diane ended in 1998. Ramon returned to the classroom teaching Spanish and Biology before retiring oceanfront in Florida. To know Ramon was to live with a stich in your side from laughing too much as he was best known for his incredible sense of humor and lively wit. His instructions for when he passed were to first hire the wailing women, though as it turns out, there were several good candidates already in his family. Ramon was a prolific chef, his soup making was legendary, as was the state of the kitchen when he was done; but despite the mess, we'd never tired of the leftovers and would ask him to do it again and again. He lived as simple and generous life; a great dreamer, seeker and philosopher. He sang a perfect baritone and more than one stranger would try to get him to enter Hemmingway look-alike contests. He was the host to many visitors and was known for picking his own produce and his offerings of food he would bestow on friends. Ramon was a shark in family card games and he loved travel and camping; classical music; reading Spanish books, especially while swinging in a hammock; and making his family laugh. He was a friend and teacher to many, and he kept in touch with them on his cell phone and iPad, at times outpacing even his tech-savvy children; claiming he may run out of ideas, but never out of words. He was a beloved Grandpa to his seven grandsons who delighted in his humor and his ability to pick the perfect present. To his children, he was a lifeline of love, compassion, and strength. Ramon believed the truth and the light were within each of us, we all must have faith. His gentle spirit, gone too soon, will live on forever through all who have loved him. In addition to his parents, Ramon was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Danielski. He is survived by his children, Michael (Sara) of Arizona, Amy (Brian) Hogan, of Virginia, Anne (Jesse) Shepherd of Arizona; Grandsons Aidan, Kieran, Torin and Dakota Danielski; and Jack, Alec and Luke Hogan. He is also survived by brother's Bernard (Louise) Danielski of Rockford, Michigan, Roger (Jean) Danielski of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and sister, Marcia (Patrick) Hillary of Texas, and many extended family and close friends. I did not, as he once suggested, list his survivors in order of weight. The family will receive visitors at the Beuschel Funeral Home, 5018 Alpine Avenue, Comstock Park on Friday, November 1, 2013 from 6 to 8 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at St. Isidore Church, 628 Diamond NE Grand Rapids, MI., at 10:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior on Saturday at the Church, November 2, 2013 with Rev. Father Donald Lomasiewicz officiating. Ramon would have wished that rather than send flowers for him, send them to one of your loved ones, in his memory. Memorial contributions may be made to National Public Radio (NPR.org), whose classical music and programming he greatly enjoyed.