Dane Adkinson
It was a sunny October morning in the grand old city of Austin, Texas when William Dane Adkinson decided to bid farewell to this world, just a week shy of his 79th birthday. The skies were crisp and blue, and the streets were already a flurry with GameDay activities and the anticipation of the Horns and Bulldogs meeting up at Memorial Stadium, a proper backdrop for a man who always did things with a certain style. And Dane knew a thing or two about style.
He was born in Gainesville, Florida to William B. and Elaine Adkinson. He grew up alongside two younger brothers, Jimmy and Clay. While the Adkinson boys each had unique gifts, his parents encouraged togetherness through Peewee football, little league, fishing, swimming, water skiing, etc. Play was for fun and learning. Young Dane also lived across the street, from his paternal grandparents learning some of life’s earliest lessons for the kind of thoughtful, deliberate man he would become.
Dane matured in an era that prided itself on efficiency and hard work. He took that to heart by being employed at the university while earning his Doctorate in Education and Research from the University of Florida (Go Gators). An early “techie,” he was a pioneer in applying technology, creating one of the first U of F student database systems using early IBM equipment in 1972.
Dane left his hometown. Hearing the call of the Seventies, a “pivot of change” era, he took his family to Miami for a corporate living experiment with the Ecumenical Institute/Institute of Cultural Affairs (EI/ICA) and beginning at Florida International University, a distinguished career in public education. For Dane, it was linking his vocation and avocation of volunteerism. Great adventures were ahead.
Dane’s career flourished from Miami to Dallas Independent School District, to Austin ISD, and most notably with the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB – tazbee) in a start-up program called HR Services. He enjoyed more than 35 years of pioneering new tools and methods of compensation to help school districts reward thousands of underpaid school employees fairly in hundreds of school districts. He was deeply committed to putting people first. His work at TASB wasn’t just a job, it was his passion.
But to say that Dane was merely an HR expert would be like saying Paul Bunyan just chopped wood. He loved the humanities and could debate many finer points from Bonhoeffer to education and inequality. And let’s not forgetD, ane was a foodie. who understood the joy of a well-prepared and presented dish. He prized wine and friends often asked for him to be their Sommelier. Whether it was an afternoon in Central Market wine department sampling or a five-course dinner that spanned the evening, Dane appreciated the finer things.
Dane found joy in cycling for more than 25 years from mentoring Seven Gonzales by bellowing “pedal” on Shoal Creek; to conquering Colorado’s Mount Evans and Vail Pass with his riding buddy, Tom Hall. Cycling wasn’t just exercise; it was meditation in motion, peace in the rhythmic turn of the pedals, the wind on his face, and the open road before him.
Dane treasured friendships. Friends from Florida to expansive Texas and beyond maintained connections with Dane. He was the type of man who remembered your birthday, your favorite wine, and that book you mentioned liking three years ago. His friendships were varied and cultivated with the same care he put into every facet of his life. To know Dane was to be part of something special.
Dane put his care into action as a committed volunteer. With EI/ICA, he delighted in training and working with developing communities, including a stint in the Philippines. He spent years as a volunteer for a women’s center, a parent trainer for Family Forward, weekly deliveries for Meals on Wheels, and as a Tuesday greeter at the Blanton Museum of Art. In his last year, he even volunteered for an ALS medicine trial to provide hope for the future. Dane made life count.
Dane is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Glenda, who was his steady compass and most cherished companion through the twists and turns of life and their children, Cara, Josh, bonus daughter Marci (Josh’s wife) and grandchildren William Dane II (Will) and Jillian Elaine, who knew him as “Uno.” He will also be missed by many friends who loved and admired him. Uno was a man of grace and humor, whose love for them was as boundless as the open road he often biked down.
Dane’s unique and unrepeatable involvement in the human adventure was marked by quality engagement and fulfillment and for him that adventure is now complete.
Because Dane experienced life as a daily celebration, he did not wish for a memorial service. In lieu of flowers or donations, every day enjoy each moment and please VOTE. Thank you to friends and neighbors who gave caring support. Thanks to all the wonderful Hospice Austin home staff and Hospice Austin Christopher House for amazing care during his last days and especially for sending him out with a fitting anthem for a man who was always moving forward, seeking the next adventure.
On the road again
Goin’ places that I’ve never been
Seein’ things that I may never see again
And I can’t wait to get on the road again
A forever Visionary and Caregiver for ALL. Another member of our Austin Monthly Order Collegium has died and will be missed. The disease of ALS was his challenge for a year. We all hoped his willingness to undergo experimental treatments would postpone his death. He was an avid biker and in good health. Dane will be missed, but not lost, as he will always and forever in our hearts and part of the League. Grace and Peace,
~~ Wanda Holcombe
To know Dane was to love him. He was smart, funny, hardworking and just an amazing human. He was passionate about everything he did. It was a privilege to work beside him for several years at TASB. My deepest condolences to his family.
~~ Kathy Cook
I went to high school with Dane and Glenda. Dane and I were in the same fraternity in college. We were all three in the Order Ecumenical. I don’t know of any people who were more happily married than Dane and Glenda. I was amazed at the career achievements of both of them. His obituary captures who he was. He will live in my memory and heart forever.
~~ Herman Greene
What a creative honoring obituary. I had the pleasure of getting to work with Dane and Glenda when we opened the Miami Religious House with the Erskines. It has been a long time but I send blessings for Glenda and family.
~~ Elsa Bengel
The time that I knew Mr. Adkinson was brief, but his kindness was not lost on me. He remained positive and full of jokes each time I saw him. I loved watching the silent conversations that took place between him and his wife. Although his speech was affected, she always knew exactly what he meant with just a glance. A bond that can only be forged after a lifetime of togetherness and love. I am grateful to have crossed paths with this lovely couple. Thinking of you and your family as you celebrate the life of your beloved.
~~ Lauren Guilbeau