| Graduation Year | Class of 1966 |
| Date of Passing | Apr 23, 2008 |
| About | The Northern Illinois University community lost one of its own Wednesday when glassblower Daniel Edwards was killed in a motorcycle accident near Rochelle. Edwards, 60, joined the faculty of the NIU chemistry department in 1991, creating unique flasks, cylinders and beakers for scientists at the university. He was known for holding a public glassblowing demonstration each fall to support the NIU Chemistry Club. Edwards' final demonstration was last November. He was scheduled to retire at the end of this academic semester, and had planned to move back to his home state of Wisconsin to fish and to create art glass in a small garage shop. “It's a shock. We've not quite wrapped our brains around it,” NIU associate professor David Ballantine said Thursday. “We still expect to see him walking the halls.” Edwards was riding his motorcycle east on Route 38 near the Interstate 39 interchange at about 7:45 a.m. when a westbound semitrailer turning from the highway onto the interstate turned in front of him and caused the crash, according to a news release from the Rochelle Police Department. Edwards was taken to Rochelle Community Hospital, where he died from his injuries, according to the news release. His wife, Diane, was a passenger on the motorcycle and was also taken to RCH. She was later transferred by helicopter to Rockford Memorial Hospital, police said. A hospital spokeswoman said Thursday she had no information on Diane Edwards' condition. Ballantine recalled Edwards as a gregarious individual who made friends wherever he went. He would often make glass ornaments and gifts specifically for friends and acquaintances, from his fellow faculty members to the cafeteria workers at the Holmes Student Center who served him lunch, Ballantine said. Students returning to campus after a break would often seek him out for a visit, Ballantine said. “He was a very talented individual who thoroughly enjoyed what he did,” he said. “He took a personal interest in people, and he wasn't just here to do a job. He really enjoyed making connections with faculty and students.” And you will be missed by all who knew you. With all my love always and forever. Sandra Hofacer Berry |
