My beloved son and best friend, Dana Walter Reney left us to be with his Lifelong Friend, Jesus, December 13, 2024 at 3:27 A.M. at the age of 66. Dana was born on November 3, 1958 in Newport, New Hampshire.
Dana’s faith was at the center of his life. He became a Christian at the age of 1 1/2 years old after asking who was the Man in the picture on the bedroom wall. Dana’s faith grew and he began teaching Sunday School at the age of 15 and he continued to teach for over 30 years. Dana also served on the Board of Christian Education at the First Baptist Church in New London.
Dana was always interested in art and right after high school at age 18 he began his own business, Back Room Art Supplies which was a very successful business for 40 years. He kept a small Bible at the store opened to Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
He began drawing at an early age. He was a self-taught artist and painted beautiful paintings and sold many. He also loved cartooning and illustrated a children’s book. Dana later attended night school in Manchester for two years studying art and design and graduated with honors. Dana also loved cooking and baking and created many memorable dishes and cakes over the years, especially remembered and appreciated is his Easter Cake.
Dana was always interested in his family and he worked tirelessly on the ancestry of both sides of his family and has volumes of the findings on his bedroom shelves. It took him years of research.
He enjoyed the company of his Scottie Dogs, Murphy and Hamish and the antics of a huge cat named Ollie. He also enjoyed being out on the porch watching the birds, squirrels and hummingbirds and eating meals there. Rides in his van were very enjoyable for Dana.
Dana was a very kind, caring, generous person. Always cheerful although he faced many serious health challenges due to paralysis and Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease but he was always a happy, positive person with a great sense of humor and always a joy to be around.
Dana always had the support of his wonderful, loving family. Visits to the nursing home by his brother, an aunt and uncle and daily visits by his mother made him feel comforted, loved and cared for and brought smiles to his face.
Dana’s love, faith and trust in God all of his life were an inspiration to all who knew him, especially his loving mother, family members and friends.
Private family graveside services will be held at a later date.
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