This is something that I never imagined I would write.
Our good friend Dan Webber (better known as shogundan) and his wife Nadia passed away on Saturday night, October 30th in Naples Florida. They were involved in an accident while riding together on their motorcycle. From what I have been told, they did not suffer.
Dan was one of my best friends. He was a kind soul who would do anything for anyone. I got to know Nadia through Dan, and she was one of the most vibrant human beings I have ever met.
Dan and I first met years ago, when he was doing reproduction parts for Jumbo Machinders. He lived close, but was involved in a doomed marriage, so our friendship was not to be at the time. Years later married again, he looked me up and our friendship began as it should have many years ago.
At the time Dan was living a lifestyle where he did not have to work, but desperately needed something to do. Dan was an avid toy collector, his roots the same as mine. Dan had run a toy business before, but like me, found selling toys not fun at all. But he saw what I was doing, and it seemed like a perfect fit.
Dan's enthusiasm was infectious, and through his prodding we incorporated CollectionDX into an actual business. He had a plan, to take CDX and make it grow, so we could both do this as our day jobs. He used to say “How cool would it be if THIS was your job? It can happen!”. Dan and I became partners, co-owners of CollectionDX. His handling of the business matters freed me up to handle the day to day operations of the site.
Dan was not your typical businessman. He had no formal business training, but he had a way about him. He could talk to anyone, and somehow or another, they would be on board. He could sell an idea, he could make you feel his enthusiasm. I used to say Dan could sell ice water to eskimos.
When we first went to Comic-Con together, I got to see Dan in action. He talked to CEO's of companies as if they had been working together for years. It was amazing to see him doing his thing. He had a self-confidence that I could never have. I remember being at a rooftop hotel party for Lucasfilm, drinking wine with top names in the industries, and I remember thinking that I would not be there if it were not for him. That was the first time I thought that this thing we were doing could really be something after all.
Through all of this, Nadia supported Dan's involvement, and they became great friends of the family, coming to our kids birthdays and generally becoming inseparable with us. When we were hit with hard times, they were there for us. When my wife was driving a vehicle they thought was unsafe, they went out and bought her a van. Just like that. They thought with their hearts first and were always thinking of others.
A while ago they had the opportunity to move to Florida to get away from the harsh New England winters, and they took it. We didn't see them as much, but we kept in touch constantly, through email, phone and through our live CDX chats. While distance had separated us, CollectionDX kept us close. I talked to him on Friday, the day before the accident, about how exited we were about the new site. I am glad Dan got to see the new site finally launched. We had been talking about it and working on it since day one.
Wherever there Dan was, Nadia was by his side. She always jumped on chats to say hello, and was always a part of any get-together. She was one of us as much as Dan was. Nadia even did a few reviews on the site under the name “Shogunnadia”. Many of us who friended her on Facebook had even started to receive food from her as she was an amazing cook, and would make Beef Jerky to send to friends.
Dan and Nadia impacted our lives in so many ways, and if you are reading this, they impacted yours too. CollectionDX would not be the site it is today if it weren't for Dan's involvement. I feel like a better person having had them part of my life. It's another example of how this stupid little hobby is more than about toys, its about making lasting friendships with people who “get” you.
Dan “got” me.
Their passing has left us stunned, shocked, and saddened. As I write this, I still cannot believe it. Life is fragile and transient, and can be taken from you at any moment, without any warning. Dan and Nadia lived life to the fullest and were taken from us by a cruel act of fate. You just never know what is going to happen next. If we learn anything from their passing, it is that you must live life each day as it is your last. Live life to the fullest. Live with no regrets. Live with passion.
I feel like I should say more, but my words have run out. I miss you bro. Be at peace.
Josh
Comments
61 comments postedThis is a tragedy and they were much too young. My thoughts are with Dan and Nadia's family. This is very unfortunate, but there's some small consolation that they did get to see the new CDX go live and see some of the hard work pay off. I hope that everyone here takes a moment to remember them both from time to time and remember how they contributed to not just a hobby we enjoy, but the circle of friends we developed through the hobby.
-Jeremy
Like the man said, the four saddest words are "it might have been". I'm sure they had even more planned for the future, but at least their story didn't end unfinished.
A man of his caliber, shall truly be missed. . .
My condolences for them and their families.
And thank to you all who provide this site.
What makes it such a great loss is having never met them, and now having to wonder just how much I will never know of what they have done. I cannot find the right words to say how unfortunate this is, nor do I feel it is my right to speak of their passing to the extent as you have Josh. Our world is just that much emptier, but my condolences to their family.
I'm afraid I must mirror MobileSuit_Rob's words, as I too never met Dan or Nadia in person; being on the complete opposite side of the country from most of the CDX staff. However, I was fortunate to 'meet' them through several of the video chats we had here on CDX, and through a few minor business arrangements offline.
I can say, however, that Josh is absolutely right in saying how well they got along together. CollectionDX just finished a [second] major refit which ended not even two weeks ago, and is flourishing with supporters both from the collecting community at large, and several major toy & model brand names. This would not have been possible to maintain in its current atmosphere if it had simply been between business partners who started a 'review site'. No, CollectionDX, LLC is bound together by the passion that its staff and followers have for collecting and sharing with each other that passion, and the bond between Josh and Dan is evident through all of this.
Dan, if you can see this- I still owe you for those Valkyries you gave me, and I will never forget that. To you and Nadia, please be at peace.
If so, then his passing is very tragic news indeed. I only got to see him through the video chats, and those occasions were the only time I saw the real Dan.
My condolences to the Webber family, and the fervent hope that Dan and Nadia's souls rest in peace, wherever they are now.
I am really sorry to hear this. I always loved Shogundan's reviews on this site.
My condolances to the family, to the site members, who know him far better then I do, obviously, and of course also to you Josh, as they impacted your life so much.
......Mr. Bernard.....
It is hard for me to describe how shocked I am to hear about your friend and colleague Dan and his loving wife Nadia. Dan was one of most interesting writers in the CDX staff and seeing you with Dan was pleasurable moment to watch. When I see you guys make exclusive reviews on video, I've immediatedly noticed that you two got a buddy chemistry going on there & that to me is the hallmark of making CDX special for me. You guys were like blood brothers and now hearing this kind of news just...just makes my beating heart go numb. I never thought something like this would happen to this website.
Josh....you and Dan wer an incredible team together and now..... hearing this news is just shocking and painful. I would definitely put Dan & Nadia's family, your colleagues, and especially you in my codolences and meditations.
-R78
Dammit. What a loss. :-(
This is incredibly shocking and sad, and I'm so sorry for Dan and Nadia's family and friends that are left behind.
what a terrible loss of life.
I'm still in shock after I heard the news last night, today just isn't as good knowing that Dan & Nadia are not here in person, but they are definitely here with us in spirit. I was hoping he would appear to me in a dream last night so we could talk about Star Wars toys one last time. Maybe on another night.
Like many people I never met him in person but what a generous and cordial person he was towards myself and many of the writers and associates here on the site. His positive vibe was addicting, it showed with the way the site was ran and how his reviews had so much energy.
I'm glad Dan got to see CDX reborn. Part of Life is about building a legacy to leave behind, and Dan left behind a wonderful legacy that all of us could all build on.
I never talked to Nadia, but I always liked how she took his name, and I'm not talking about a married name but their CDX name, "Shogunnadia". I always thought that was very charming and made me laugh out loud everytime I read it. Any Lady that drinks pints has tattoos and loves toys is Great in my book and Dan couldn't had been more blessed with such a wonderful woman in life.
Nadia and Dan, I will miss you two greatly,
LF
Thank you so much for sharing, Josh. I'm Nadia's cousin, Jacqui. I'm sitting here with my brother (Nick) going through decades of family photos. I keep on googling Nadia & Dan for updates and I came upon this incredible post. I read this post out loud with tears streaming down my face. You touched upon a lot of things that I *got.* I really liked hearing more about Dan from your point of view. Thank you for writing this--I know it couldn't have been easy to put it all into words (I know I can't). Stay Strong! And Thank you again! -Jacqui
Dear Josh,
This is Nadia's cousin Nick (Jacqui's brother). For lack of better words (and with no disrespect), that was phu*king awesome! Thank you so much for sharing. We loved Nadia and Dan so much. Dan and Nadia often showed heavy interest in my collection of He Man action figures. I always wondered who's Dan's partner in crime was. Thank you for being such a good friend to Dan and Nadia. Nadia was a HUGE part of our lives. Dan and Nadia were so good for each other. They will be loved and missed forever! Thank you so for writing this! I would love to hear about any other memories you have about Dan and Nadia. Once again stay strong.
Thank you so much,
Nick & Jacqui Lantagne
nlantagne@yahoo.com
I always got a great kick from his reviews. Never knew him personally but felt like I did as a fellow die-hard collector and robot enthuze. Very, very sad news. He and his wife passing this way is such a tragedy. My heart goes out to their families and all the CDX peeps.
R.I.P Shogundan.
:(
Josh,
I'm so, so sorry for your loss, as well as the loss of the families and friends of Dan and Nadia. I did get to meet Dan and Nadia at Comic Con that first year when you guys were sharing the Onell booth. They were both so friendly, excited, and joyful about the whole thing. I loved seeing his reviews even more after that, when I could put a face and voice to the words.
Above and beyond my small experience, however, is the fact that you lost a good friend. There is nothing I can say that will ease that pain, but I hope you can gain some comfort in knowing that what you do here is appreciated, and while there are varying degrees of friendship on the internet, people matter, and your loss is ours as well.
Peace,
-Nas
My condolences to these fine folks' friends and family. I regret that I couldn't get to know them in person, but Dan and Nadia helped make this a fun and welcome place for many people who needed such a place. Godspeed.
This is truly sad news. Though I had never met Dan, after just a few short chats via email over Brave toys, I could tell he was a really great guy. The world is a poorer place now for his passing, and it surely seems the same for his wife.
Up until now, I was under the impression that Josh and Dan were brothers, that's how close they seemed to me...I'll miss Dan and his personality in the live chat rooms, and Dan, I hope you got that Formula 1 car...
I have read this site for the longest but never registered. I did so for the sole purposes of offering my condolences to both you and their families.
my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences go out to their families and close friends.
I saw this earlier today, and when I saw the headline I thought it was a joke. After reading the intro I was deeply sorry that it wasn't. I've been trying to figure out something to say over the course of the day, and in the end, there's really nothing that I can offer for the people hit hardest by this. Up to now all I knew about Dan and Nadia came from their reviews, and thoroughly enjoying their onscreen chemistry in the times I've watched the video chat. For me, that was enough to tell that they were very genuine people, and that this is an enormous loss.
I know that no one would have wanted to have to write this, but this article was a wonderful tribute to the Webbers.
All I can say is that I'm truly sorry for the loss of two wonderful people.
A terrible loss all around.
Josh, Jaqui, Nick, and all close family and friends, I can't possibly go saying I know how you feel now, but I hope you find some comfort in the support shown from the rest of this crazy hobby community of good people, many of whom have likely been through a tragic loss and can offer words, prayer, and just hugs of sympathy.
Personally I lost several key childhood, and longtime freinds in a short few years time. Being part of a large family, and active in community helped through the loss. But, those losses,I think, are part of the reason I wandered more seriously into collecting, and therefore, met Dan and Nadia amongst many other cool people through this site and other similar ones.
I have to say I'm honored to have met both Dan and Nadia a few times, though briefly. Such cool, well spoken, generous, vibrant, zany people!
As for sharing stories:
I'll never forget the fist time meeting them at the 2009 Summit at Mason's in Mass. I brought a couple pounds of freshcut bacon for Mason (the host), and upon hearing it being talked about, Nadia, whom I'd never met in person yet, zipped up out of nowhere, and exclaimed "You didn't really bring that?!" and whacked me hard on the shoulder, indignant that I hadn't thought to bring extra bacon for her! Haha! I can believe the "great cook" part for sure!
And Dan, at that event, was as usual a big hit with everybody. Just so cool, and easy going to talk to about all sorts of stuff. Gave me a couple cool gifts, and we worked some nice deals later. Many around here also shared Dan's love of motorsports, cars, trucks, bikes, etc. I mean seriously, if you haven't seen Dan's facebook photo albums, it's great! They enjoyed in the family VW bugs, racecars, motorcycles, trucks, fun cars, and Dan even got a towtruck at one point, lol. And the cutest litlle pets too!
Which brings me to this. It's a great example to see that they enjoyed the toy scene for sure, but it seems they fully lived the rest of their life to the extent possible.
Miss you both. May you rest in our memories, at peace.
Had some emails back and forth over robots, always friendly and informative with a baseline of humor/wit, they will be missed, very very tragic...
This site did affect my life -- in a small, but not insignificant way. Esoteric toys I've never heard of until I started reading this site started finding their way into my home and onto my toy shelf. My wallet cries for mercy.
My most sincere condolences. I'm terribly sorry for your loss.
Although I never met them, although I never chat with them, their reviews and comments spoke volumes about the kind of people they were. The world is less fun today.
I'm shocked and saddened.
Godspeed.
I have little to offer outside of condolences, so I hope sending them to all of Dan and Nadia's family and friends, off and online, can accomplish something.
Even though I didn't know them personally, the article speaks volumes. In a world and hobby so heavily interconnected, these losses are always surreal and always tragic.
Very sorry for your loss. We have had one in our family as well. Difficult times. I wish you well.
I don't know what to say. I never knew him personally,
but I feel like I've known him through this hobby.
He's done so much for this community and has lent his
hand to take this hobby to higher levels.
He'll be missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to
Dan and Nadia, his family, friends, and loved ones.
Wow what a shock, I've only talked to Dan a few times through email, but always very funny and down to earth, very sad to hear this. I always loved both of their reviews and posts. Much love to all you CDXers who knew him in person.
I am shocked and saddened at reading this very bad news!
I remember this summer when I was commenting about the Toynami Regult and had stated that it will be the same size as the ARII plastic models, Dan immediately replied to me and corrected me saying that it will be larger than that!
That was one interaction I will never forget!
My most heartfelt condolences to their family, to the site members and also to you Josh.
What a tragic loss!
Dan & Nadia you will be missed!
R.I.P. Dan & Nadia.
I'll admit. I haven't exactly been here long enough to get to know the people here. Regardless of that, it is always sad to hear news like this. I wish I had more to say on this matter..
This was a very nice tribute, Josh. My sympathies to everyone.
I hate to hear this, but this was a nice tribute written by a true friend. My condolences to their family, friends and loved ones.
This is such a terrible loss. Not only were Dan and Nadia great people, but things seemed to be really looking up for both of them. Dan had lost a lot of weight and had recently started a new job he really liked, while Nadia was doing great dog sitting and was just starting to make, and sell, her beef jerky, not just to friends but to local eateries as well. And while I know they both missed New England, they were also really embracing, and being embraced by, their new home in FLA. And if ever there was a couple who loved each other, it was Dan and Nadia. Although neither was shy about saying it, they didn't have to. It was plain to see.
If I've learned anything from this, it's to not turn down an opportunity to see your friends. Just last week I went to Atlanta and before going, Nadia had suggested I extend the trip to Florida to see them while I was in the south. I didn't want to spend the extra money, figuring I'd just see them when they came up to Boston later in the year. Hindsight is 20/20, but I can't imagine how much that visit would mean to me now if only I had made it.
man the news really sucks. Even though I hardly post, I chech this web site almost daily. Dan, Josh and all the team in Collection Dx have become my mentors and teachers in this stupid little hobby.
Farewell Dan
It's sad to hear this news, I was a schoolmate with Nadia back in Alvirne High School. A lot has changed since then for all of us, but nothing is more sad than being notified that a schoolmate has passed, especially one so young and the same age as myself.
Nadia reminded me of the trouble maker, yet she always found a way to make me laugh (although I think it was usually at the expense of myself). Although never being a close friend, I've shared times of getting in trouble in class and general mayhem.
While you all remember the Nadia now, I remember one frozen in time back in the early 90's.
My condolences to the Webber family, and all at Collection DX.
It is heartbreaking to read what has happened. What a tragic senseless loss.
My love and thoughts to all those affected.
We are lucky to make friends such as these, and must celebrate their work, commitment and love of life.
My most sincere good wishes to you all,
Rufus
Thanks for the great post! I am one of Dan's cousins, and when I got the call this morning from his brother Russell about the news, I was shattered. We were just trying to make plans to get together again this month or the following. For over 20 years Dan and I had been apart because of him living in Mass. and me living in FL. Then like most people's story, lives complicate, families quarrel, years go by and then you reunite.
Dan and I sat in my living room, with Nadia by his side, and reminisced about our childhood. How we (Russell, Dan and myself), one time at Nana’s house, almost caught a forest on fire; we were stupid and boys… What did ya expect? We spoke about the past being the past and whatever was between our parents wont keep us from being blood.
They’d come to my house, we’d smoke some food on the BBQ, and drink some beers and laugh a whole lot. I got to see the wonderful man Dan grew up to be. Nadia and Dan was the bomb. I could lament about losing them just after only getting to know him and Nadia (again), but I wont.
I felt like I gained back not just one relative, but a brother I had lost. Because of him, I also reunited with his Brother and am grateful to have that connection with him. My family and I may have lost them both from our lives, but what we gained in having them around us for a short time was a fantastic time!!!
Scott
I am stunned! I have always enjoyed my chats with Dan and found him to be everything Josh described and more! He will be missed...
My deepest sympathies.
shogundan was obviously a class act, whose work continues to benefit us all.
Steve
good friends are hard to come by.
genuinely good people, i believe even harder.
from what i've read, we've lost both. love your family and friends, but dont forget to love the others that are in your life too, you never know how what part they'll play in your fate.
I feel the loss of 2 people ive never meet and will never meet. I didnt know who they were nor where they ever in my thoughts, but, from halfway across the world they have played a small part in my life.
thankyou Dan for all you done and thankyou Nadia for loving him while he did it.
ramie
I just happened to check my normal websites while taking a break at work and stumbled upon Josh's article...
I dont even know what to think, I have no words for how I feel. I never met Dan or Nadia, but I did have the great pleasure to talk to them during a few CDX Live Chats and both of them were great people. Its an honor to be a part of this site and to be a part of Dan's dream. Im very saddened by this news, but Dan and Nadia will live on thru this site and thru friends and family. You will be missed my friend.
-Will
Obviously I don't personally "know" any of you guys,but from the reviews,the comments,the chats,and now forum,I feel like I do. I'm not sure how long I spent staring at the story on the front page,like it wasn't real. They were both great people to have in the hobby,I enjoyed their reviews and my limited interactions with them,and whenever I'd see an R2 figure at the store I used to think how quirky it was that Nadia specifically collected R2s.
R.I.P. guys. All I can say is that it was too soon.
Now... I never got a chance to meet Dan in person, but even through the internet he was always was of the most personable nice guys I've ever met. No matter what you were talking about, he was always listening eagerly and cheerfully. I still remember fondly on CDX Live, when he thought a Brave toy was the same Formula 1 car from a Transformer toy. It quickly became a joke that we never let him forget, and it always made those of us there chuckle.
Dan and Nadia were two wonderful sparking personalities that will be greatly missed. RIP guys.
I still can't believe it, or understand why things like this happen. Any way any of us look at it, it's a difficult thing to accept. You just wish there was a way to go back to right before the moment, and change the events that occur. While in reality all we can do today is be thankful to have known them in whatever capacity any of us knew them in.
My interaction with Dan was relatively brief in the grand scheme of things. Even moreso with Nadia. But I did have the privelage to meet them both during SDCC in 2008, and spend some good time hanging out and getting to know them more at one of the evening events. They were both lively and extremely friendly, and made you feel like a friend, right off the bat. I easily could have imagined myself growing up with Dan, playing with toys as kids, doing other things young friends do in their youth. He and Nadia just had this welcoming presence about them. Truly kind people.
Adding to what Josh said about Dan's enthusiasm, that is something else I remember when talking with him. His excitement for toys, the whole hobby, CollectionDX. You could tell this was what he was setting out to do, with CDX and all. Let his passion guide him. And Nadia was as supportive as anyone could be, having fun with it all as well.
I wish I would have had the chance to know them better, but at the same time, I feel like I already did. They are sorely missed. My condolences go out to their family and closest friends. Rest in peace, my friends.
Although I've never met them, I'm shocked by this news. My Condolences to their family and friends.
Over the years CDX has been so valuable to me as a collector and fan of toys. I've learned so much reading the reviews and looking at the galleries. I am gratefull for all this and therefore I'd like to say Thank you Dan, For making CDX possible. And many thanks to you to JoshB. I'm sorry for your loss.
Josh-
I came upon this beautiful tribute to Dan & Nadia on google. I was looking for more information because I still can't believe it happened. I worked with Dan and met Nadia through him. I was hired into an all male dept. so when I was introduced to Dan, he kinda looked at me (as though to size me up) and asked, "You ride"? Confused by his question, I replied, "yea"? He said, "Really, whatya ride"? I said, "a Softail'. He said, "Awesome". I thought maybe he was being sarcastic but it turns out that he thought it was awesome because that's what he rode.
The real kicker is that the first picture you have posted was sent by Nadia's phone. I know this because I was sitting next to them. It was the night I met Nadia. It was Bike Nite for the grand opening of Freddie Rebels in Naples. We hung out together all night with another couple they were friends with. Nadia invited me & my husband to their apt. the following week for the best jerked chicken & steak I ever had. She had two other couples over that night so all eight of us had a blast hanging out together and getting to know each other. Well ten, if you included their Boston Terriers.
The last time I saw Nadia, she brought in iced coffee for us. I greeted her with a hug and chatted for a minute before I got busy with work. The last time I saw Dan was the night before they passed. I told him he missed the costume party and my husband showed him a picture of us dressed up in our costumes. He & my husband were talking about getting together soon and we said "see you later" to each other. My husband and I went for a ride that Sunday morning and when we stopped for gas, I got the call and fell to the floor.
I only knew them for a little over a month but I know what everyone else who has known them longer knows; and that is that they were genuine people with big laughs and even bigger hearts. They were the kind of people you could really call a friend because they were so down to earth and up for fun.
I know that they are going back home and I will not get to see them one more time and say goodbye but Josh, thank you for this touchimg memorial. My husband and I wept as we read it and it allowed us to get to know them more and allows us to move into the next process of grieving. It gave us some form of closure.
To: Nick & Jacqui Lantagne-There are no words that can ease the loss of two great people like Dan & Nadia but if I may share, the only thought that has consoled me & my husband is that they left this world doing what they loved with the one they loved.
My deepest sympathy.
Dan & Nadia- You inspired & touched my life....I will be looking for you both whenever I get to the other side.
An obituary is posted, with information about services:
http://www.dumontsullivan.com/visitations/View.php?id=204
Thank you all for your kind words and support during this difficult time.
Josh
Wow, just catching up. Really sorry to see this news. My Condolences to their family, friends and everyone here at CDX. Hope you guys are doing well. Dan's a real warrior. You all built a great site and should be proud.
Josh and Dan and Nadia's family,
I am so sorry. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Comfort and blessings dear ones.