John Dant Obituary, Death – John T. Dant On December 17, 2016, at the age of 71, John Thomas Dant of Scottsdale, Arizona died away peacefully amidst family and friends. John, who was born in Decatur, Illinois, moved to Owosso, Michigan as a child, and later moved to Arizona to attend Arizona State University (’67) and work as a camp counselor at Orme Ranch, where he developed a lifelong appreciation for horses and the culture of the American Southwest.
John went on to become a high school English teacher, first at Scottsdale High School (1967-1983) and later at Saguaro High (1983-1997), where his remarkable classes and frequent student visits to Europe encouraged generations of students to develop a lifelong appreciation for literature and exploration. He met the “crazy lady down the hall” at Saguaro who would become his lifelong companion and travel partner.
John loved to share his knowledge with others by teaching, reading, acting (especially as Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof), sipping fine wine with friends, playing with his dogs by throwing the Kong, caring for his family, helping others through cooking and volunteering, and traveling. His longtime companion Linda Kearns, his golden retriever Jenny, his brother Mike Dant of Green Valley, Utah, his nieces Sara Dant of Ogden, Utah, and Jill Dant Schlessinger of Chandler, Arizona, as well as one grand-niece and two grand-nephews, and countless students and friends whose lives he touched are among those who will miss him.
Many people will miss John, who was a trusted and loving partner, an inspiring instructor, a dedicated son and brother, a magical uncle, an average golfer, a kind friend, an avid traveler and reader, and a doting father to his golden retrievers. There was no one on Earth who hugged better than you.
