Daniel Blair Memorial Fundraiser

Daniel Blair is a beloved and cherished grumpus (now ancestor) who created a large queer family that spans two continents. He made all the weirdos and misfits feel at home, never judging anyone’s messiness or imperfections. He had a way of bringing out the confidence in others and helped transform many queers and strays into better people.

Daniel Blair passed away a little before 7am on Sunday, July 17, 2022. Tomas Hemstad, Dan’s husband, and John O’Reilly, Dan’s oldest friend, were by his side during his final hours assuring him he was loved as he closed his eyes for his final rest.

Dan is loved and missed, and his loss is felt across the cosmos.

A Celebration for Daniel Blair will be held on Sunday, August 21, 2022, at 3pm PT at Sutro Heights Park in San Francisco. A Fundraiser to help pay for cremation costs and support Tomas during his time of grief will be held on Thursday, August 18, 2022, at 8pm PT at The Eagle, also in San Francisco; a Toast to Dan will commence at midnight.

We are collecting stories about Dan and photos of Dan and his loved ones to share. If you have anything you would like to contribute, please do so here.

You can read Tomas' letter to Dan here.

DETAILS ABOUT DAN’S CANCER & DEATH

On July 5, 2022, the day of Dan and Tomas’ wedding anniversary, Dan received biopsy test results indicating he had pancreatic cancer that had metastasized to his liver and lower abdomen. He was admitted to San Francisco General Hospital on Friday, July 8, 2022, and he spent his remaining 9 days there.

Each day presented new health challenges. His cancer impacted his internal organs, which caused a series of cascading decisions. Through all of it, Dan and Tomas’ family cared for both of them and helped talk through and make difficult decisions, especially during times when Dan was unable to make informed decisions. The whole family kept our focus clear: What does Dan want, need, and desire? How do we best honor him?

In the early morning hours of Sunday, July 17, 2022, Dan was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Tomas was called and went to be by Dan’s side. During this incredibly dark time, Tomas reached back out to his family to request support, care, and aid. John O’Reilly answered the call and went to be with Dan and Tomas at the ICU.

Daniel Blair passed away a little before 7am. Tomas and John were by his side, and Dan’s entire family was holding him close to their hearts.

ABOUT THE GOFUNDME FUNDRAISER

The sudden loss of Daniel Blair is having a profound impact on those he loved, especially his husband, Tomas. As a family, we are rallying around Tomas to raise funds to help cover the costs of cremation and to cover about six months of personal expenses. Dan was the primary breadwinner, and we want to ensure Tomas has the financial support needed and necessary to heal in the ways and in the time he needs.

We are asking Dan’s extended community to help us support Tomas.

We are trying to raise approximately $10,000 to cover expenses (a more detailed accounting is below).

Please donate if Dan has ever touched you or made you feel loved and welcomed.

Here are some ways you can support Tomas and his family:

How we got to $10,000:

Thank you for reading, donating, sharing, and responding to Daniel Blair's Memorial Fundraiser. Your support demonstrates Daniel's legacy of bringing together a chosen family of misfits and weirdos.