www.BrettDaniel.com

Brett David Daniel, 26, of McCordsville, IN, passed away Sunday, December 5, 2010 at his home with his family by his side. Brett was born on January 17, 1984 in Midland Michigan to Diana and David Daniel.

Brett graduated as a National Merit Scholar from Hamilton Southeastern High School in 2002. From there, he attended Purdue University where he graduated with honors with Bachelor's Degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics. Brett continued his educational journey at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he was pursuing his PhD in Computer Science. He has published and presented a number of technical papers related to his research.

Brett was very positive and always happy and demonstrated to everyone he knew what it meant to truly live. He had a never ending thirst for knowledge and adventure and loved to share what he learned.

Brett was preceded in death by his birth mother Diana Kedzie Daniel, grandfathers Robert L. Daniel, Henry E. Lescale, Laurent J. Troxclair, and Dr. Robert W. Kedzie. He leaves behind to cherish his memory devoted parents David and Susan Daniel, sister Erica M. D. (Sean) Kepner, grandmothers Dorothy Daniel, Elaine Lescale, and Joanne Kedzie, and his loving girlfriend and best friend Yun Young Lee. He will also be missed by numerous aunts, uncles, relatives, and many, many friends.

Services for Brett were held Friday December 10, 2010 at 2pm with visitation beginning 2 hours prior at 12pm all at Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Centers-Washington Park North 2706 Kessler Blvd. W. Dr. Indpls, IN. Burial took place in Kessler Woods Natural Burial Ground at Washington Park North Cemetery.



A special music composition, Rainy and Cold written and performed by Chuck Denison after Brett's passing.


Friends and family were invited to provide a few words in tribute to Brett. Reading how Brett has touched so many people, directly and indirectly, raised everyone's awareness of just how important his life was. Below are these tributes to Brett Daniel. Our lives are so much richer through our relationships with Brett.



I had the privilege of meeting you in your home a few times while I was over playing guitar with Brett. I want to express my condolences, Brett was a great friend and it was a blessing for all of us to see him grow up to be a great man. I wrote [this poem] in the afternoon I was informed of your son’s death. I almost read it at the funeral, but thought it would be best to leave the podium to those who knew Brett better.


Posted by: Jeremy Bohonos Dec 19, 2010


We had the privilege of living with Brett for a couple of months. From the start, he amazed us with his easy-going and optimistic attitude. We send our love to his family.

Posted by: Sarah Abu Sharkh Mountain View, CA - Ex-Roomie Dec 28, 2010


Brett is the most courageous and determined person I have known. Ever since I first met him his determination and work ethic was clearly evident. He always maintained a regular work schedule, going to his office in the morning and leaving in the evening. This discipline and methodology ran through all aspects of his work and life. Brett had an unbounded thirst for finding out how things worked. This inquisitive spirit was the driving force behind many of his hobbies and interests. Brett never once complained about his long battle with cancer. He lived life to the fullest all through the battle. During the summer of 2008, by which time Brett had a prosthetic leg, we were gym buddies and went to the gym every other day. He bench pressed more than me. That summer he would also bike to work when he could and also invited me to go rock climbing with him. All of us are going to sorely miss Brett, but his life and memories will always inspire us.

Posted by: Vilas Jagannath - Friend, Colleague, Rommate Dec 16, 2010


Sue, Dave, Erica and Troxclair and Daniel Families, Bill and I were so sorry to hear about Brett's passing. We have been praying for him and the whole Daniel family. He continued to live life to the fullest in spite of his illness and that was an inspiration to everyone. My Dad, Henry Lescale, loved Brett and was so touched by Brett and his strength both physical and emotional. I believe that Brett's strength passed on to Dad and helped him as he battled with his own cancer. I'm sure that Brett is in a better place where there is no pain but only love and joy prevail. Our prayers will continue for you all as work through this loss. God Bless You All. Love, Lynn and Bill

Posted by: Lynn Lescale Culton Dec 10, 2010


I was one of Brett's nurses during his first round of treatment. It was evident even then that he was an outstanding young man with a bright future. He had talents at many levels, but his best was his easy-going personality no matter what he was faced with. I check his website frequently to see how he's doing. I had a feeling today about him, so I checked this afternoon and found the news. My condolences to all who knew and loved Brett...... Paul, RN

Posted by: Paul Baker, RN Dec 10, 2010


Brett, "amazing" just isn't enough to describe how brilliant and talented you were, or your incredible strength, or the passion you had for everything you did. You are deeply, deeply missed.

Posted by: Kristin Chicago, IL Dec 10, 2010


Dave - I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones.

Posted by: Mukesh Patel Dec 10, 2010


It was with great sadness that Fernanda and I received this message. I had the chance to meet Brett during the course of a bit more than a year when we shared the same office at the University of Illinois. During this period Brett always showed passion for his work and the will to help his colleagues. It took me a while to realize that Brett had a serious health problem. I started to follow his web page and admire him even more. Brett is an inspiration to all.
Marcelo

Posted by: Marcelo d'Amorim Recife - colleague at Illinois Dec 10, 2010


Brett was my friend, and we entered together in 2006. I always imagined graduating with him, getting hooded together. Even when he got diagnosed again, he seemed so indestructible - not graduating with him never seemed like a possibility. Looking back on our friendship, the thing I most remember is how Brett could work magic. Not tricks, but real magic. If you came to him, with a problem, cool idea, or well anything - he would stop whatever he was doing (because he honestly cared about you), and address that thing you brought to him. Could be a coding question, which he would answer and tell you 10 ways to do it better, and easier. But I could show him a new website design, or logo design and he could comment and give amazing feedback. Or when I would show him a new song idea, he could take a few chords and lyrics and in no time flat, write an amazing lead guitar or base line. But always modestly say "ehh, I am just tooling around." But for everything, political, academic, athletic -

Posted by: Joshua Hailpern Urbana, IL - Friend Dec 10, 2010


Throughout his years at the University of Illinois, Brett was a continuous inspiration for me. Just seeing him through the department, battling cancer, surviving and being full of contagious joy, meant so much to me. Whatever problems I was passing through seemed so insignificant in comparison with what Brett was going through, and that was enough to cheer me up. Three days before he passed away, I asked him how he managed to remain joyful throughout his ordeals. He gave a lot of credit to the support that he received from his family. He also told me that he wants us to continue to inspire and bring joy to those around us. This is his legacy to us.

Posted by: Danny Dig Urbana, IL - Professor in his PhD Committee Dec 10, 2010


Brett was one of the kindest and most full of life people I have ever met. He will be missed and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Posted by: Hannah Davidson - High School Classmate Dec 10, 2010


Brett, you're on your way to new adventures now, and I'm sure they are wonderful, but, hey, we miss you, man, we miss you here.

Posted by: Dr. Chuck Denison Jensen Beach, FL - Friend/Pastor Dec 08, 2010


Dave, I just wanted to let you know you're in my thoughts and prayers.

Posted by: Kristen Allen Dec 08, 2010


Brett, You were one of the most optimistic and inspiring person i knew. My heart goes out to your family. you will be missed greatly! Rest In Peace. Love, Kim

Posted by: Kim Lamond Noblesville, IN - friend Dec 08, 2010


Dear Sue and David I am so sorry to hear the news of Brett's passing. No words can even express how much my heart goes out to you and your family. You have been in our prayers and will continue to be in our prayers as you go through this difficult time. Dan Sikes and Family

Posted by: Dan Sikes Indianapolis, IN - Friend of Mother Sue Daniel Dec 08, 2010


With sympathy from Brett's entire Kedzie family, a Memorial Mass will be offered for him at St Anthony Claret Catholic Church, Anaheim, CA on Monday, December 20, 2010 at 6:30 a.m. A gift has been sent to St Jude Cancer Research Hospital, Memphis, TN in his memory.

Posted by: NANA Anaheim, CA - Maternal grandmother Dec 08, 2010


I remember Brett as a junior high and high schooler at church. What an amazing, gifted young man he grew up to be. He blessed so many and touched their hearts, especially throughout his courageous battle. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you Sue, Dave, Erica, Dottie, Lynn, Richard, Heather, and the rest of your family and friends.

Posted by: Leigh Ann Erickson - Friend of the family Dec 08, 2010


Family we are extremely sorry for your loss, our prayers will be with you
Bill and Cathie.

Posted by: Bill and Cathie Kalb Garland, TX - Second cousin Dec 08, 2010


Dave, I just found out of the passing of Brett. No words could describe the loss you and your family must be feeling at this time. I wanted to let you know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I remember you speaking to me of your son often and the stories of him were always extremely proud.

I ran across these words from a poem and wanted to pass them on in remembrance of your son. "God looked around his garden and found an empty place. He then looked down upon the earth, And saw your tired face. He put His arms around you, And lifted you to rest. God's garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best." Take care Dave. The VandenBussche Family

Posted by: Paul VandenBussche IN Dec 07, 2010


Dave, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. While I never had the opportunity to meet Brett, I want you to know that through your stories about him, his courage and his battle, he served as an inspiration to me on how to handle adversity. You are in our thoughts and prayers! Brian Stevenson & Family

Posted by: Brian Stevenson Austin , TX - Dave's past co-worker Dec 07, 2010


The greatest tragedies of a lifetime are the loss of one's child and then a grandchild. Brett is forever in my heart, thoughts and prayers as is his mother, Diana Nana Kedzie

Posted by: NANA Anaheim, , CA - Maternal grandmother Dec 07, 2010


Sue, my heartfelt sympathies and prayers to you and your family at this difficult time. Brett - RIP. God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered "come to me."

Posted by: Cynthia T - Sue's friend Dec 07, 2010


Praying for your family during this time and the days to come!

Posted by: Rick & Sharilyn DeCrastos - Acquaintance through HSE Dec 07, 2010


Dave and Sue, you are in our prayers and we ask that the Lord pour out His love and mercy on you, lifting you up, sustaining you, and giving you strength during these difficult times. No meer words can soothe your pain or loss, please just know that we care and are there for you both.

Posted by: Tim Wonnell - Friend of Sue Daniel Dec 07, 2010


Sue, No words are sufficient to express sympathy for the loss of a child. Brett was a bright spirit that has been welcomed into God’s tender arms. May the love of family and friends sustain you through the days and weeks ahead. The prayers and love of your Vertellus family are with you.

Posted by: Debbie Wesley Dec 07, 2010


miss you man!

Posted by: Landon DeCrastos McCordsville, IN - Friend Dec 07, 2010


The thoughts and prayers of the Gatewood family are with you and your family. I always remember you being a kind person.

Posted by: Brittany Gatewood Fishers, IN - Former classmate Dec 07, 2010


Praying for you and your family. May you rest peacefully in Heaven now after your amazing fight here on Earth.

Posted by: Erica Williams - former classmate Dec 07, 2010


I was blessed to have the opportunity to see you not to long ago. I will never forget your kindness and fearlessness. You are an inspiration to me and so many others. I miss you and I love you my brother. Geoff

Posted by: Geoff Tucson, AZ - Friend Dec 07, 2010


Erica, I remember your brother as a child and remember he was very inquisitive and happy, and very much loved by your mother. It saddens me that we were unable to continue this familial relationship and get to know both you as adults. I followed your brothers later life through his website and would have like to have been able to have him share his intellect and interests with my children. He will be missed. We wish your to know that your Mothers' family think of you often and wish you love and happiness in your new life. Please consider contacting us by email at this address j9lkedzie@aol.com. we would love to hear from you and meet and reestablish our familial relationship. Love Your Aunt Jeannine

Posted by: Jeannine Kedzie Avalos Anaheim, CA - Aunt, Mother- Diana's sister Dec 07, 2010


Erica, We were so sad to hear of Brett's passing, We pray that he in the presence of our Lord with your mom. We send our condolences to you and to your Nana Kedzie for your great loss....we have continued to honor your mothers wishes and have kept you both in our hearts and prayers daily ...we are so sorry that with the passing of time we did not have the opportunity to visit with you as often as we would have liked...please know that your Kedzie family relatives think of you often. Aunt Claudia

Posted by: Auntie Claudia Omaha, NE - Sister of Brett's Mother, Diana Dec 07, 2010


Brett, I am glad I got to see you only a few months ago. We talked about how you were cosidering buying your dad's bike and modifying it so you could ride with the legs. We talked a lot, and you told me you had no regrets. There's so much I want to say but I said what I want ed to say when we saw each other last, that you are everything that we should aspire to be, you cared as much on the average day as any other, and you lived your life the best you could. You will never be forgotten, and never loved any less than this moment. Miss you brother.

Posted by: mark isbell fortville, IN - friend Dec 07, 2010


Brett, My heart aches for your family. I am so deeply saddened by your loss and cannot express enough how wonderful of a person you were to everyone you were in contact with. Truly an extraordinary man who will not soon be forgotten. May you rest in peace.

Posted by: Tonya Turner Fishers, IN - high school classmate Dec 07, 2010


Brett, I remember you from back in school as a person with an extraordinarily large heart. I am saddened to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to your entire family. May you rest in peace.

Posted by: Chris Moore Indianapolis, IN - High School Classmate Dec 07, 2010


My sincerest condolences to you all during this sad time. Sending love your way.

Posted by: Kelly McCullough Bannister Dec 07, 2010


Praying for you and your family.

Posted by: Brandon Caudill McCordsville, IN - Former classmate Dec 07, 2010


My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Posted by: Maegen Trump Dec 07, 2010


I never got to meet Brett, but i hoped to over the 2010 holiday season.

Posted by: Nicholas Shinault - Future Cousin Dec 07, 2010


My hopes and prayers are with you always.

Posted by: Lynn Swiss - aunt Dec 07, 2010


We are sorry for your loss. Vinnie & Jenna Tagliabracci

Posted by: Jenna Jewell Dec 07, 2010


With heartfelt sympathy on your loss.

Posted by: Fran Carrico Pendleton, IN - friend of the family Dec 06, 2010


I didn't know Brett very well, but I worked with him briefly while he was a teaching assistant at the U of I Computer Science Department. Not only was he reliable, but friendly and courteous. He was also quite a talented musician, if I recall. My sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones.

Posted by: Scott Cimarusti Champaign, IL Dec 06, 2010

Brett David Daniel, 26, of McCordsville, IN, passed away Sunday, December 5, 2010 at his home with his family by his side. Brett was born on January 17, 1984 in Midland Michigan to Diana and David Daniel.

Brett graduated as a National Merit Scholar from Hamilton Southeastern High School in 2002. From there, he attended Purdue University where he graduated with honors with Bachelor's Degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics. Brett continued his educational journey at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he was pursuing his PhD in Computer Science. He has published and presented a number of technical papers related to his research.

Brett was very positive and always happy and demonstrated to everyone he knew what it meant to truly live. He had a never ending thirst for knowledge and adventure and loved to share what he learned.

Brett was preceded in death by his birth mother Diana Kedzie Daniel, grandfathers Robert L. Daniel, Henry E. Lescale, Laurent J. Troxclair, and Dr. Robert W. Kedzie. He leaves behind to cherish his memory devoted parents David and Susan Daniel, sister Erica M. D. (Sean) Kepner, grandmothers Dorothy Daniel, Elaine Lescale, and Joanne Kedzie, and his loving girlfriend and best friend Yun Young Lee. He will also be missed by numerous aunts, uncles, relatives, and many, many friends.

Services for Brett were held Friday December 10, 2010 at 2pm with visitation beginning 2 hours prior at 12pm all at Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Centers-Washington Park North 2706 Kessler Blvd. W. Dr. Indpls, IN. Burial took place in Kessler Woods Natural Burial Ground at Washington Park North Cemetery.




This website will continue on as one of his legacies. He had a large backlog of posts that we will be putting on the site, as well as commenting on subjects close to his heart.

It has been a long time since I wrote about my ongoing fight against cancer. A lot has happened in several months—many changes, several surprises, lots of ups and downs—and I have a backlog of half-finished posts that I hope to publish eventually. For now though, I wanted to write about one recent development and some interesting medical technology that I encountered because of it.

Last June I tweeted that one of my pupils was much smaller than the other. That medical mystery prompted several scans and tests. Unfortunately one of the scans revealed a small tumor in the back right of my brain. It is still a mystery whether that actually caused the problems with my eye, but it is obviously a(nother) serious problem.

I was strangely unbothered by the news. I already had tumors in my lungs and leg; what was one more when I was already undergoing chemotherapy? The problem is that the brain is protected by the blood-brain barrier that also prevents many chemotherapy drugs from acting on tumors in the brain. Fortunately, radiation therapy provides an alternative treatment for brain tumors, since the brain can withstand a larger dose of radiation than other tissues. My oncologist quickly referred me to a radiation oncologist. Within just two days, I had an appointment scheduled for radiosurgery.

There are several forms of radiosurgery, but all essentially bombard a tumor with a lethal dose of high-energy radiation. It sounds violent, but the treatment is noninvasive, painless, and has few side effects. The radiation oncologist recommended a particular technique/machine/brand called Novalis that is similar to the more widely-known (or at least better-marketed) Gamma Knife.

To hold the patient's head absolutely still and to calibrate the machine, it is necessary to brace the patient's head with a custom-molded plastic mask. The mask is made out of thermoform plastic mesh that is bolted directly to the table. Forming the mask was the most interesting part of a long day in the hospital.

The mask started at the back of the head. The technician laid a piece of the plastic mesh across a bracket, forming a headrest.

Next, two strips passed across the forehead and below the nose. Biting down on a small tab kept the upper jaw in place.

The strips formed the foundation for the mesh body of the mask.

The technicians heated all of the plastic pieces in a steaming vat of water. It started out transparent, malleable, and uncomfortably hot, but quickly cooled, solidified, and turned opaque.

With the mesh solidly in place, the technicians marked key points for calibration. During the treatment itself, they attached small infrared beacons (which looked like glossy silver marbles) to the calibration points, allowing the machine to precisely determine the location of the tumor.

The completed mask looked like a crocheted statue head and fit like a clamshell.

It took several hours for the radiation oncologist and technicians to plan the treatment itself. They combined two earlier scans with the new calibration points to calculate the precise path of the machine. When they finished, the treatment took just 20 minutes. I simply laid on the table, the technicians reattached the mask, and the machine made ominous buzzing noises. A followup appointment in a month should show whether the treatment was effective.

(Thanks, Dad, for taking pictures.)

Champaign-Urbana empties every summer as students leave for home or jobs. Those of us who remain have to be creative when thinking of ways to entertain ourselves. My friends and I have come up with some unique ideas. We made up a game involving chopsticks and M&Ms, cooked hairy hotdogs, and tried (and failed at) stargazing.

M&M Chopstick Challenge

One night, several friends and I were debating different ways of holding chopsticks. That discussion led inevitably to a contest to determine who was the best at handling chopsticks. We set up a round-robin tournament in which pairs of participants had to move 15 M&Ms from a plate to a bowl. Whoever cleared their plate fastest won.

We used smooth chopsticks and ceramic plates, which made it infuriatingly hard. I was eliminated in the first round. Kevin won in a photo finish against Yun Young with a time of just under a minute.

Hairy Hotdogs

I don't know who first had the idea to skewer hot dogs with uncooked spaghetti, but it likely came from somewhere in Russia. The idea spread across the internet and inspired Alejandro, Yun Young, and me to make it ourselves.

Failed Stargazing

A while back my father gave Yun Young his old six-inch reflector telescope that he was hoping to sell. Two nights ago Yun Young and I took the telescope to a dark cornfield to see what we could see.

Unfortunately, storm clouds rolled in as soon as we set up the telescope, but we did see some impressive lightning in the distance.

I recently visited central Texas. Between Tuesday, May 18 and Monday, May 24, I visited Elise in Dallas, Eric and Shannon in Austin, and Marc and Shantelle in San Antonio. Along the way, I also admired the Dallas Botanical Gardens, spoke at the University of Texas at Austin, remembered the Alamo, and explored the Texas hill country.

Like the New Zealand trip, I made an annotated map showing my route and the places I visited.

I also posted many pictures in the gallery. Here are a few of my favorites:

Today I got a new artificial leg.

It is hard to believe that it has been two years since I got my first permanent prosthesis. In that time, my leg has shrunk considerably, and I have gone through two other temporary legs. The size difference is remarkable.

I have written before about how these legs were made; in the following video, I show how this newest leg works.

Related

• Credit where it is due: all of my prostheses were custom-made by Ed and Mike at Advanced OrthoPro.
• The liner and locking mechanism are manufactured by Össur.
• Aimee Mullins discusses how her 12 pairs of prosthetic legs give her super powers

Nine friends¹ and I built an enormous igloo in the courtyard between Siebel Center and the NCSA building.

How enormous? It is nearly eight feet tall and eight and a half feet in diameter. The doorway is four feet high and two wide. All 10 of us could easily fit inside. We estimate that it took over 80 man-hours to complete: we worked from 5 to 8 PM on Friday, then from 4 PM Saturday to 5 AM (!!!) Sunday. In that time, the temperature never got above 15° F.

It was a team effort. Yun Young and Alejandro deserve credit for initiating the construction and for their inspiring enthusiasm. Ellick documented the construction process with over 600 pictures (some of which I have used with his permission here). Nathan, being the tallest, was instrumental in completing the roof. Jeff O., Kevin, and Alejandro formed an efficient snow-brick-making machine. Lucas, Jeff D., and Jeremy provided much-needed reinforcement when they arrived near the end of construction. Finally, I helped for a few hours on the first night, then observed, supported (read: bought pizza), and provided unsolicited engineering advice on the second night.

None of us expected it would turn out so big or take so long to complete. Construction was completely unplanned and proceeded organically by trial and error. We eventually converged on the following process: pack snow into bricks, lay the bricks, pack the gaps with snow, smooth the edges, and spray water on the surface to strengthen the walls.

We created bricks by packing snow into two small trash cans. It was difficult to form the dry, powdery snow into solid bricks. Our first attempts did not turn out very well.

However, Alejandro realized he could use one trash can to compress the snow inside the other. After that, he became the brickmaking expert. He could produce solid bricks that slid out of the molds like muffins out of a muffin tin. Later, he found we could alternate the wide and narrow ends of the bricks to make the joints flush.

At the end of the first night, we had three uneven layers of bricks. But there was a problem: they rose straight up, not inward as is needed to form the roof of a proper igloo. We seriously considered simply making an open snow fort. However, after adjusting the pattern of bricks on the second night, the walls started curving inward.

The next challenge was the doorway. Compressed snow has zero tensile strength (as we learned through bitter experience), but somehow we were able to make a lintel by forming a rough stairstepped arch.

The walls sloped more and more precariously.

A small opening remained at the peak of the igloo. This was the most difficult part because it was too large for a single brick and the surface was too steep to hold more bricks. Yun Young and Kevin furiously packed handfulls of snow around the edge, spraying many bottlesful of water to make sure the snow stuck. Eventually, the hole shrunk enough that Nathan and Alejandro could jam three bricks together to form a peak at the top of the igloo. They filled the remaining space with rubble.

The igloo was enclosed! The final step was smoothing the inside and outside surfaces and reinforcing joints with snow and water.

Frozen to the bone and exhausted, we collapsed on the couches inside Siebel Center.

Here is an overhead view of how the igloo came together.

The next morning, Yun Young, Kevin, Ellick, and I visited the igloo in daylight. We met a group of students who complimented us on the project. Throughout the day we observed many other people stopping to look and take pictures.

We are all incredibly proud with what built and hope that others who pass by Siebel Center will enjoy it for however long it lasts.

You can see more pictures in the gallery, Yun Young's Facebook album, or Kevin's Picasa album.

Update (January 12, 2010)

The igloo has been extremely popular. We saw a steady stream of visitors all day yesterday, and our guestbook already has several pages of signatures. It even caught the attention of the local news. WILL radio and WCIA both briefly mentioned the igloo, and WICD, the local ABC affiliate, interviewed Alejandro and Yun Young.

Thanks to Jeff O. for posting the video.

Update 2: Aftermath (January 15, 2010)

A full day of above-freezing temperatures and light rain proved too much for the igloo. It had noticeably shrunk, and the sides had been bulging outward all day. It finally collapsed yesterday evening around 6:30 PM.

Judging from the orientation of the debris, it looks like the walls exploded outward and roof fell straight down onto the floor. Only the right side of the door frame remained standing.

Yun Young, Alejandro, and I paid our last respects and rescued the guestbook, which had been buried under the pile of snow.

Here are some of the best quotes from the guestbook.

You've brought joy to many.
—A.C.

Amazing – I'm tempted to skip work today and just chill in your igloo
—A.B.

This is what the Blue Waters building should be. I love it.
—Bill

Sweet! will you come to my house & build one for my kids?
—Cynthia

Get back to work!
—Your Advisor

You have a marvelous island of quiet in the busy world & it was great fun watching you build it
—Stuart

I've been trapped outside for the weekend.
Thank you for a shelter from the wild beasts.
The end was near the light shines through.
Godspeed to all who may encounter this oasis of warmth.
—Anon.

Great igloo. How about an ice pane window? We love it.
—Erin and Spencer

So proud to be an alum of UI!
—Dr. Pam

Is this igloo internet accessible too?! [It was! —ed.]
—Jill & Tom

This is a real gift to our community . Many people have stopped to enjoy your creation. Thank you!
—Mark & Teddy

Wow this is one of "the seven wonders of UIUC"
—Kim

Too cool for school
—Rahul

Victoria needs to sleep
—Anon.

YOU HAVE BEEN 4CLOZED!
—THE BANK

I think the best epitaph comes from Rajhans via Facebook:

This igloo is not just a shelter; no sir for that purpose has been thwarted by modern architecture. It is actually an icon of something very very special - the perseverance which grad students show in making something completely useless yet incredibly beautiful. Its a symbol of all the free time grad life provides and the crazy ideas it fills us with; ideas of finding ways of killing that free time. Who invented Ping Pong - I am sure it was a student of Confucius. Who created Olympics - the grad student mentioned somewhere in Illiad. Gustave Eiffel was a grad student too! And so, dear Yum Yum [Yun Young's nickname. —ed.], this Igloo is not anyone's baby - its bigger than a baby or for that matter, any of us. It is indeed one of the foremost exemplar of the primary grad student trait I have so painstakingly just described.

Goodbye, Siebel Center igloo. You were a testament to friendship, teamwork, and determination despite cold and discomfort. While you may have at first appeared completely useless, you brought joy to everyone who passed by.

Notes

1. Alejandro, Yun Young, Kevin, Nathan, Ellick, Jeff O., Lucas, Jeff D. and Jeremy ⬏