Our friend Joe Parker once told us, for some people with mental illness, “it’s not a question of whether a person will commit suicide, it is a question of when. We who are on the outside should honor the strength and integrity it took to fight off the demons for so long.”

Here’s a note left for Daniel Schaull of Dodge City, Kansas, who died yesterday, January 28, 2009 in downtown Portland.

Hey man – The universe is a strange and sometimes hurtful place. I hope that you are happier, where ever you are. – DRUGLESSxF.

From The Oregonian – Portland police officer accidentally sprayed burning man with pepper spray, January 28, 2009
From KGW.com – Police accidentally pepper sprayed man on fire in Portland, January 28, 2009

Obituary for Daniel Vernon Schaull

DODGE CITY, KANSAS – Daniel V. Shaull, 26, died Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at Legacy Emmanuel Hospital & Health Center, Portland, Oregon. He was born on January 7, 1984 at Dodge City the son of Warren and Donna (McWatters) Shaull.

Daniel was a friendly, outgoing person known and loved by his family and friends. He enjoyed meeting new people and had many friends who knew and respected Daniels continued struggles with mental illness and previous drug dependency. At the end of his short life Daniel had overcome some of his personal problems and we were very proud of him.

Daniel had a great concern for many of the ills of society including mental illness, drug and alcohol dependency, the homeless, and the environment. He had a deep compassion for the down trodden and the forgotten and neglected souls of society. It seemed that Daniel believed he could single handedly solve all these problems. His potential was unlimited as it is with each and everyone that God has given life to. We are thankful for the person Daniel was. He was determined to live his life under his terms and had a tenacity that few possess.

Daniel volunteered and worked at Crew Recycling Center in Dodge City and other organizations, never wanting to be idle. He was determined to regain his health and enjoyed Bicycling and daily exercise. He held a long term goal to bicycle across America to raise funds and awareness for various charities. Daniel loved music in all its varied forms from classic rock to rap. He participated in AA/NA where he enjoyed the encouragement, fellowship and acceptance of others in recovery.

Daniel’s life ended abruptly and his family and friends may never know why. One thing we do know, although Daniel will never return home again to Dodge City, he now has an eternal home in heaven with his Lord and beloved grandmothers. He now is living in that perfect peace that he desired and believed was possible for all. We will remember always the unique and caring son, brother and friend that God gave to us to know and love.

Daniel is survived by his parents, Warren and Donna Shaull of Dodge City; brother, Micah Ian Shaull and sister, Sophie Elizabeth Shaull both of the home; grandfather, Marion Shaull of Tonopah, Arizona; and numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins residing across the United States and Canada. He was preceded in death and united in heaven with his beloved grandmothers, Betty Ann Shaull and Mary Elizabeth McWatters; and grandfather, Veron L. McWatters.

Memorial service will be held at the Victory Life Fellowship, 700 S. 14th, on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 1:30 PM with pastors Carl & Joyce Nance presiding. There will be a fellowship following the servce at the chuch. Memorials can be made to the Victory Life Fellowship for the Legacy Emmanuel Hospital Burn Unit. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.