Daniel Due, R.I.P.
Sadly, we’re writing to announce the death of an anarchist comrade. Daniel Due was born July 18th, 1946 and passed away May 26th, 2011 at the age of 64. Regrettably, it took us until now to know of his passing. Few people reading this will have known Daniel personally, but he was a longtime participant in the Bay Area anarchist movement, and for many years worked with Bound Together in San Francisco, as well as at AK Press as the bookkeeper/finance person for two stints (a brave soul)—in the late 90s and again in the mid- to late-00s.
A California native, Daniel came to anarchism through his stance against the Vietnam War—as a draft resister—and the associated radical scene at the time. Decades later, he fondly remembered the effect of thinkers like Kropotkin on the young man he was, finding his way in a world he felt out of step with. A tremendously kind soul, Daniel had a strong individualist side that complemented his generous demeanor and child-like enthusiasm for people and politics. From his fellow collective members’ viewpoint, he led a rather private or perhaps solitary life, but one full of dignity and kindness. We do know that an appreciation of the natural world was primary with him. He was an avid hiker and lover of flora and fauna—he spent much of his free time pursuing his interests as a birdwatcher and amateur photographer, venturing to Bodega Bay and elsewhere with various related volunteer and personal pursuits.
As we all can be at times, Daniel was complicated and sometimes quarrelsome. But he died an anarchist, something not certain for so many as they move through life. His faith in a free society never diminished. Despite fracturing relationships with some in the collective on his final departure from AK, he dropped by last Summer to compliment the collective on its work and pick up some new releases he’d had his eye on. We couldn’t have been happier to see him. He will be missed by those who were lucky enough to share some time with him.
To his family, who we never knew, we are so sorry for your loss.
You are free of this unfree world now, Daniel. Rest in Peace.