Posted by Jon, a member of the Palo Alto High School community, on Jul 26, 2007 at 7:09 pm

My heartfelt condolences go out to Gauthier family;

I was in classes with both of Dana's sisters, and I could not begin to imagine what they and their family are going through right now.

Posted by Liz, a member of the Walter Hays School community, on Jul 27, 2007 at 5:58 pm

My son was a classmate of Christina's, and I am aware of the lovely Gauthier Family. I have raised two sons, one of whom has a serious medical condition. I did not know DJ personally, but understand and am very touched by reports of his community-minded and loving spirit, and his desire to be "just one of the guys." I respect his scouting intests, shared by my sons also. My heart-felt sentiments go to those who know and love DJ. My sympathy runs deeply for his family, as their loss is great. God Bless You.

Posted by Aric Zoe Leavitt, a resident of another community, on Aug 5, 2007 at 1:20 am

I attended DJ's memorial service at the church and was in total awe over the huge number of friends and followers this boy had. Without knowing him, I could easily see this was a child whose humble spirit was in perfect, peaceful harmony with himself, with others, with life, with God, and even with this imperfect world. As much as I've mourned this week over this family's loss, it was a rewarding experience for me to be reminded how easy it is to live an exemplary life of voluntary submission, serving and helping others so nobly and gracefully as DJ did, without a selfish bone in his body. I feel his community will likely never be the same again, as it strives to establish some semblance of virtue in a world seemingly gone awry with corruption run amok. Transformation is worthy of prayer, and Palo Alto can light that spark which will outshine the mundane and the indifferent. I have but one regret, namely not having the opportunity to meet this young kingly saint before he was called home. Dana Gauthier Jr. has given us a blueprint - let us respond in a collective spirit of Godly obedience and salt the earth, and we too will know the peace that passes all understanding.