To the editor:

When the residents of Cassopolis and Vandalia think of words like “compassionate,” “caring,” “loving,” “activism” and “youth,” one man comes to mind, and that man is Dan Lee.
Dan Lee was a pillar in the community who uplifted the youth; he was a man with a big heart and big ideas for these small-town youths. He aspired to bring positive programs and activities to the youth of Cassopolis and Vandalia; such activities included basketball leagues, recreation centers, skating at Sam Adams Middle School and college tours.
Dan encouraged the youth in the community to aspire to do great things with their lives despite having the limitations of living in such small communities. Dan knew that with the positive influence he was making on the youth, that he could be proud of the town he grew up in through the next generations.
As the town mourns the loss of such a great man, I pose this question: Who will step up and be the next Dan Lee? The youth in Cassopolis and Vandalia are in need of a positive role model the kids of the 1980s and 1990s had with Dan Lee.
I had the pleasure of being one of Dan Lee’s “kids;” I had the pleasure of knowing him personally and the things that he instilled in me have made me the woman that I am today. I no longer reside in the Cassopolis area, but I am going to make Dan proud of me by applying what he taught me to reach out to the area youth in the Niles community. That is why I would love someone to join me in continuing the legacy of Dan Lee in Cassopolis, Vandalia and the surrounding communities.
Let’s not let his good works and his death be in vain. I love you, Dan, and you will be dearly missed.

Rashena Anderson-Johnson
Niles