ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created by the family of Warren Daane so that friends and family can share photos, memories, and stories.


In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Warren's name to the Berkeley Tennis Club Foundation, http://www.berkeleytennisclub.org/foundation.html.     

June 11, 2020
June 11, 2020
Warren's name still comes up frequently among players at the Berkeley Tennis Club. Inside out dink overhead winners will provoke cries of "A Warren Daane!" The financial people still speak with dread about encounters with Warren.

My favorite story is the one told by Gene Cantin, former tour player and teaching pro. Gene was playing in a charity pro-am at the BTC. His assigned partner was Warren, a stranger to Gene. Warren shuffled out on the court for the first match, food-stained sweater with elbow hole.

A digression is appropriate here: Some tennis players have a God-given shot, one that is mysteriously really good. Warren had a forehand. You could have frozen Warren cryogenically, for a decade or so, thawed him out, and placed him in the serve return position of the deuce court, and Warren would rip a forehand return.

So, Warren shuffles up to Gene and says, quietly, "I really can play." "Right," thinks Gene. Their opponents serve first, a guy with one of the biggest serves in northern California. The guys hits a rocket. Gene, eyes ahead on the opposing net man, hears a small explosion from the back right corner of the court. Warren has hit an aspirin at the server's feet.

Game on!
May 15, 2019
May 15, 2019
No matter how time passes by, you’ll always be remembered! Happy belated birthday friend! If you were only here to have our usual discussions about politics and family
September 21, 2016
September 21, 2016
What a beautiful tribute. This sad news seems to have affected many of us deeply for each mentions Warren's unusual kindness, decency & sense of humor. 'Tennis' had already achieved something in the larger world at an early age ~ Even back then the game was his 'raison d'etre'. It does not surprise me that it remained a special passion throughout his life, along with his love for his family. Blessings to them in their loss; I wish he had had more time..........

From Lucia Davidson (Russom), Shaker Heights High
September 21, 2016
September 21, 2016
I am deeply saddened by the news of Warren Daane's passing. He was a genuinely kind classmate. Friends choose each other and he was one well worth choosing during difficult teen years. RIP my old friend.

From Elizabeth Kain (Guyton), Shaker Heights High
September 21, 2016
September 21, 2016
It was so sad to hear about Warren's passing. I remember him as a tennis prodigy, but more than that, a warm and kind classmate who was ALWAYS nice to everyone. Sending sincere condolences to his family.
- Bart Simon, Shaker Heights High
September 21, 2016
September 21, 2016
I send my heartfelt condolences to Warren's family. This Father's Day must be very sad for you but I know you must be cherishing all your wonderful memories together! Please know that so many people at Shaker HS regarded him as a good friend, a talented tennis champ and a really great guy! Ginny Langman Shaller
September 21, 2016
September 21, 2016
My deepest condolences to Warren's family. He was a pleasant , intelligent person with a smoth style of humor. I love news about Shaker Heights, except for the passing of some of our most wonderful friends. Rest in peace. There's no doubt where you're headed. That perfect Tennis club in whatever Heaven is--

Errol Cohen
(originally published on the Shaker Heights High Memorial Page)
September 21, 2016
September 21, 2016
I have fond memories of Warren at Shaker. I recall he and Clarke winning many tennis matches. So sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers to his familym jimmy kleinman
September 21, 2016
September 21, 2016
I remember Warren as a very good person of quiet dignity and class. Thoughts and prayers are with his family as I reflect on our time together at SHS.

Rick Brown
(Originally Published on the Shaker Heights High School Memorial Page)
June 12, 2016
June 12, 2016
To my my dearest friend Warren, though we can't see you, hear your voice, listen to your advice, we know you are still whispering in our ears trying to tell us that everything is fine even when it's not. Thank you for always being there and never let us feel we are along. How is heaven treating you?
August 4, 2015
August 4, 2015
I met Warren when he opened his Mortgage Brokerage biz. I was a real estate appraiser and did appraisals for him until he retired. Our offices were down the hall from each other for the past 20 years, and we would go to lunch together 2-3 times a week. Warren was from Cleveland, I was from Pittsburgh, PA. He was a Browns fan, I was a Steeler fan, which was a huge rivalry when we were kids.

I was recently at a Shiva, and the Rabbi gave everyone 30 seconds to talk about the first thing(s) that came to mind about our dear friend.

When I think of Warren, Kind Hearted, Impish Smile and Curly Fries come to mind.

Kind Hearted: In my 35+ years as an appraiser, Warren was one of a select few brokers who truly had his client's best interest at heart. The mortgage business is rough, and from my experience, unfortunately deserves its adverse reputation. We have all heard the stories about brokers who got clients "in over their heads". Several times a year my business partner Deena or I would do an appraisal for Warren and then find out that he didn't process the loan papers, because he referred the client to someone else that had a program that better fit that client's needs. Warren would not charge the client, but paid the incurred expenses. His client's best interest always came first.

Impish Smile and Curly Fries: On the days when just Warren and I went to lunch, without some co-workers steering us toward healthy alternatives, I'd answer the phone and hear "curly fries in 15 minutes". This meant Warren would be by in 15 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes, depending how long he was on the phone, and we'd head to Barney's for burgers and curly fries. When he got to my office, he would greet each of my co-workers and get the latest on how their families were doing. When he finally got back to me, with his impish smile he'd proceed to fill me in on all of the bad news he could find about the Steelers. I think he had a private service coming up with the stuff! Then off we'd go for curly fries.

We all miss you my gentle friend.
July 25, 2015
July 25, 2015
Thanks to Eileen and Warren’s family for “Remembering Warren” today (7/24/15). Thought I’d leave my (slightly edited) remarks for those who couldn’t be there.

I’m Steve Cohen, one half of the greatest team in the history of the Berkeley Tennis Club… According to Warren.

He felt no shame in telling that to anyone who would listen. I, on the other hand, would cringe with embarrassment when he did. That was Warren being Warren. And that’s what we loved about him. No one could ever accuse him of being cool. He was cool because he was authentic. He was a great character. Here are some sketches of Daane (with apologies to Miles Davis’s Sketches of Spain):

He walked slowly up the Berkeley Tennis Club steps khakis riding low, like up around his thighs.

Showed up 20 minutes late for your match when you last saw Warren talking to some guy in the locker room 30 minutes earlier. (As Myron keenly pointed out, even though he was late, he would say “serve ‘em up” when he arrived.)

He brought one racket with gut strings, generally hanging by a thread, nothing else. Often he would pop the string and he would go borrow a replacement from the office.

He wore a heavy gray sweatshirt in 90 degree weather. Sunscreen. No way!

He’d play the conservative (deuce) side and I played the progressive (ad) side and there wasn’t much room in the middle. Nor was there in our attempted political conversations. Bill Bradley was the big exception. Apparently Princeton trumped party affiliation.

Playing style: See BJ’s description on his post below. He didn’t mention double faulting with a truncated service toss that was still on its way up when he hit it at about a foot over his head. Steve Langmaid, who couldn’t be here today, was partnered with Warren in a 2001 4.5 league match, when after finally winning his serve, Warren famously remarked: “No one breaks Warren Daane seven times in a row!”

Post match diet. Drinking beers at the club, then going to Rick and Ann’s for steak, fries and more beer for dinner.

Conversation: He’d often greet us with Mr. Cohen. Mr. Drucker. Mr. Moon. And then he’d lead with a provocative question: “Mr. Cohen, Just how good a player is John Doe?” “Mr. Cohen, will you be voting for clay courts?” “Mr. Cohen, are you going to be at the Maze Cup dinner?” You had to go. Just to get him off your back.

Conversation continued the next day. He’d call me at work and after 20 minutes, he’d say, “I better let you go” or “carry on,” then talk for another 20 minutes, followed by “I better let you go” or “carry on.”

His patter about Cleveland sports franchises was so infectious that he even managed to convert me to adopting the Indians as like my third or fourth favorite team. In 1997, he and I were at the club watching the seventh game between Cleveland and Miami Marlins on that huge TV from that old couch upstairs (pre fitness room) for well over four hours. The tension was palpable and we were screaming and throwing stuff at the TV when the Indians caved again.

What’s important is that for all his quirks, Warren was really a lovable, generous guy with a big heart. As Tom mentioned, he took a fanatical interest in the club’s affairs and was a huge financial backer. He also supported a few interclubs I organized with Mill Valley Tennis Club. He supported BTC league teams by putting out pennants. He supported junior tournaments in word and deed. He gave away seats to the Big Game. He organized and supported the Millenium Dance, etc.

Warren was always there for me (and others). He never let me down. He was at my wedding as well as my late wife’s cancer benefits. He always asked me about her and my daughters.

Warren was welcoming. He welcomed me as a person and as a tennis player. He was the ice breaker. WD 40. That meant so much to me in my extended period of getting acclimated to the proverbial high altitude of BTC. He put me on his shoulders and he made me feel at home at his home away from home.

The last time I saw Warren was in the hospital ICU. I asked him how it was going. Here’s the capsule of his response: “Everyone dies. More importantly, Cleveland has to win tonight” (that was in the eastern conference semis against the Bulls). They did and went on to the NBA Finals.

Call me wistful, but WD died the day Cleveland was up 2-1 against the Warriors. As you know, that was the Cavaliers last win. Cleveland had a good run for a team decimated with injuries. We had a good run as partners and friends. Warren had a good run.

We all wish it could have been longer.
July 24, 2015
July 24, 2015
I've admired Warren ever since my undergraduate days at Princeton (class of '67). I will never forget Warren's hospitality when I first joined the Berkeley Tennis Club and became one of his doubles partners. And, as an economist I will always chuckle as I recall our regular conversations about the state of the macro economy and interest rates in particular. I will miss you Warren.
July 23, 2015
July 23, 2015
Dear Eileen and all the Daane Family,

Well, it was Warren's forehand and my backhand for many years of matches and practices at BTC. Never one to shy away from insightful opinions, it wasn't always about the tennis. Instead conversations covered sportsmanship vs. gamesmanship (had I read Bill Bradley's book, also a Princeton guy), would Cal ever get to the Rose Bowl again, and what did my husband Chris think of the latest Cal men's basketball recruiting class. Whether we were hitting balls, volunteering to host the Girl's 18's, or the Maze Cup, or just hanging out watching Wimbledon on the big screen TV, Warren was a wonderful presence at BTC. I will miss his friendship, his insights and especially his laugh. 

We are thinking of all of you at this time, and yes, carry on, as he would always say.

Sincerely, Susan and Chris Woodward
July 22, 2015
July 22, 2015
Warren was surely one of a kind in the nicest sort of way -- he always had a smile on his face and a quick wit ready to go; he was unfailingly pleasant to everyone around him; and he was the most gracious and fair competitor on a tennis court I ever knew.

I met Warren at the junior tennis tournaments back east and, like everyone else, took an immediate liking to him. After the juniors and college I moved to New York and was quickly transferred to Cleveland. I looked up Warren and he immediately took me under his wing and, along with Clark Graebner, sponsored me for membership in the Cleveland Skating Club (which, despite its name, was the major tennis club in the area). A year later I left Cleveland to go to law school in San Francisco and did not see Warren for many years.

At some point in my thirties (I am the same age as Warren), I ran into Warren walking down the street in the Oakland area, an experience that sounds much the same as Barry Baskin related. I had not played any tennis for some time, but the prospect of doing so again with Warren got me back into the game. We both joined the Berkeley Tennis Club and for the next 15 years or so played many doubles tournaments there and in some local NCTA 35 and over events. Our results were a tad below those of Grabner and Daane, but with the strength of Warren's legendary cross-court angle forehand and that old-time quick-action twist serve, we did pretty well. What we really did was have a great deal of fun. 

Thanks Warren for those very good times and for your wonderful sweet ways. You will be remembered so kindly and with a smile by all who were fortunate enough to know you. How wonderful and unique is that.
July 15, 2015
July 15, 2015
I knew Warren at Princeton and had another wonderful classmate from Louisville , Jeff Gorin who loved knowing Warren. I visited him in the hospital just before our 50th college reunion and know he regretted his failing health would prevent him from joining us. What a wonderful heritage of memories his friends and family will be able to enjoy. Harold Helm, Pleasant Hill, CA
July 12, 2015
July 12, 2015
I knew Warren through Eilleen, but did not know him well. After reading all of these wonderful tributes to him, I realize what a loss for me that I didn't know him better. He must have been a wonderful person to know well. You all were lucky to have such a generous person in your lives.
July 9, 2015
July 9, 2015
Uncle Warren was the best Uncle you could ever hope for. 

Warren was always so curious about the world, how things worked, why things happened, and he always had the most interesting take on how/why it was thus. He loved his family and friends and tennis... and of course, the Berkeley Tennis Club. 

Warren was also the BEST person to go shopping at a plant nursery with - Many memories with Warren at Pine Hill Nursery in Elk Rapids, MI - every plant I suggested we needed to plant at the cottage, he'd say "Just get it!"  So enthusiastic (and generous). He always met enthusiasm with enthusiasm.

One time he ordered a "hurricane" drink at Pearl's in Elk Rapids. The waitress said, "Sir, you'd like a half hurricane?" Warren replied, "No! You heard me wrong, I want a FULL Hurricane!" (add enthusiastic head gesture).

Warren did not excel at driving the boat at the cottage. From what I also remember, his car driving skills left something to be desired. One time I was in the water, tips up, ready to go water skiing. Warren hit the gas, problem was, he hadn't put the trim (engine) down, so when he hit the gas, the front of the boat went straight up in the air and I was dragged along for about 50 feet, unable to get up out of the water... I finally let go, then the boat went swinging around in circles at full speed, heading straight for the point (dry ground). Needless to say, the spotter was not eager to try water skiing after that with Uncle Warren driving the boat. Warren famously said after that incident, "What did I do wrong?! What did I do right?!" 

Warren also loved napkins. One time at the cottage, I announced that we were out of napkins. "No napkins?!" Warren declared, stunned... "We gotta have napkins! I LOVE napkins!" (again, full of enthusiasm for this wonderful everyday item.)

Once I asked him for insight into real estate. With a few rental homes in the Cleveland area, he used to call me "the real estate King of Cleveland." After hoping for some key insight, Warren enthusiastically answered, "Here's the key: Cash Flow! Cash Flow! Cash Flow!" He was right. Sometimes it really is that simple.

Warren was always ready to talk, to laugh - if you could get him to answer his darn cell phone! And forget leaving a message... though he once left me a message i'll never forget: "Beau, this is your Uncle Warren. I just went on the Elk Rapids garden tour. Beau, we have the best landscaping! Thank you and goodbye." 

Another saved voice mail I have from Warren from summer 2012 is, "Beau, ignore my previous message... I found the paddles for the canoe. You left them neatly tucked inside the canoe, which is different from my method of storing them. No harm no foul. Good show. Carry on." You gotta wonder what Warren's method for storing the paddles was. I'm sure it was different. But it also worked. It was Warren!

What I'll remember most about Uncle Warren was his curiosity, generosity and gentle spirit; his constant, genuine interest in what was going on in your life and his love. He is already missed, but will never be forgotten. We love you Uncle Warren!
July 8, 2015
July 8, 2015
To my friend Megan and her family, may your memories bring you happiness, peace and comfort. You are proof that your father was a wonderful man and left a beautiful legacy.

With love,
The Sheets Family
July 5, 2015
July 5, 2015
It was the summer of 1960 and I had traveled east to play the junior tournaments. The circuit started in Kentucky and ended at the national juniors in Kalamazoo, Michigan. My doubles partner decided not to make the trip that summer. When I checked into the tournament desk in Louisville they asked if I wanted to play doubles. After I explained I didn’t have a partner, the officials said they had someone I could play with. I asked who? They said Warren Daane. I responded, “you mean Warren Daane from Ohio who won the national 15’s doubles two years ago”? They said yes. My response, “sign me up”. Warren and I played doubles together at all the tournaments. These tournaments were played on clay courts and Warren kept cracking that wonderful forehand. We had a lot of fun that summer.

Many years later my family had moved to the east bay. I was riding the evening commute bus home when this fellow walked up the aisle, stopped and said “Hi Barry . . . It’s Warren”. As it turns out, Warren had moved a few blocks away from us and our kids were attending the same grammar school. We decided to hit a few balls and shortly thereafter I was Warren’s sponsor to the Berkeley Tennis Club.

Warren loved tennis and found in the BTC an arena to act on his desire to support and sustain the game in any way he could. Not only was he extremely generous with financial support but never hesitated to personally volunteer or was an endless source of ideas and suggestions for the BTC to continue its heritage as a 1st class tennis facility. Warren’s support of tennis was further demonstrated when he became a member of the committee that supports the men’s and women’s tennis teams at Cal. For many years, Warren was an active and meaningful member of this committee. His efforts helped lay the groundwork for the upgrades and improvements that have been completed at the home of Cal tennis. There is a historical consistency to Warren’s involvement. As a senior in college he had been honored with the award given to “the member of the Princeton varsity tennis team who has done the most to advance the interests of tennis at Princeton”.

Warren really connected with people. Over the years we would talk about many subjects: tennis, politics, economics, etc. We didn’t always agree, but that didn’t matter. Though he could be a bit cantankerous, it was always with a twinkle in his eyes. Warren was interesting, he was fun. Even if there were gaps in time when we didn’t see each other, whenever our paths crossed it was like we had just visited the day before. Warren was a very proud father and grandfather. A person who lived life with great wisdom and a gentle soul. He sure will be missed and the canteen area of the BTC will never be the same.
July 3, 2015
July 3, 2015
I first met Warren in 1984 when I moved from Ohio and joined the Berkeley Tennis Club. His being from Cleveland and I being from Toledo immediately gave us something in common. 

We played tennis from time to time and then entered a couple of tournaments together which we mostly won. We made the mistake of entering the open one time and wound up facing two young college students from the Davis Tennis Team. They were big hitters and huge servers. On the first serve Warren was receiving. He turned to me and said "was that in or out?" I told him that I never even saw the ball it was hit so hard. So we both backed up about three or four yards. 

Warren would often call me and we would go to lunch. The subject of the BTC would often come up. He was determined that it should be a first class club. He knew every detail. 

He always told me of his three children and how they were doing. He was so proud of them. He would also speak of his family and their place in Michigan which he loved. 

I will miss Warren and our talks.
July 1, 2015
July 1, 2015
My family and I had the privilege to meet Warren back in the late 80’s early 90’s while working for Crocker Bank (aka, Wells Fargo Bank, now). One of Warren’s many talents was his remarkable mind and sharp memory. Always remembered people we worked with and little tid-bits about them. He was a very optimistic person and had a great perception of the world; at the same time, he seemed to be a little naïve about some issues, i.e., tattoos. He couldn’t believe they were permanent and why would anyone to do that to themselves. It was no secret, his passion for his family and watching it grow, tennis, sports, numbers, ‘the cottage’ and helping people out. He seemed to find peace at ‘the cottage’. He loved the fact that it looked just the same as when he was growing up, the memories (old and new). I’d like to quote a couple songs and dedicate “What a Wonderful World” to my dearest friend because I do believe that’s exactly how Warren saw the world.

“It's been a long day without you my friend
And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
We've come a long way from where we began
Oh I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
When I see you again

So let the light guide your way hold every memory
As you go and every road you take will always lead you home.”

“The ballad of a dove
Go with peace and love” dear friend, Warren.


"What A Wonderful World"
I see trees of green,
red roses too.
I see them bloom,
for me and you.
And I think to myself,
what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue,
And clouds of white.
The bright blessed day,
The dark sacred night.
And I think to myself,
What a wonderful world.

The colors of the rainbow,
So pretty in the sky.
Are also on the faces,
Of people going by,
I see friends shaking hands.
Saying, "How do you do?"
They're really saying,
"I love you".

I hear babies cry,
I watch them grow,
They'll learn much more,
Than I'll ever know.
And I think to myself,
What a wonderful world.

Yes, I think to myself,
What a wonderful world.

Oh yeah.

And thank you to the Daane family for allowing us to share some of our own memories.
June 22, 2015
June 22, 2015
Dear Daane Family and Friends:

I spent much time today (Father’s Day) reflecting on remarkable friend Warren. What a remarkable father, friend, and leader he was!

Warren and I met in our 40s while we were raising families in Piedmont. Our friendship grew on the tennis court. He was a stronger player than me. We spent many joyful hours on the courts for nearly two decades until I had to move on to golf due to injury. Even then I loved to watch Warren play. If heaven exists, it has a tennis club in it, and my dear friend is bounding all over Court #1!

However, what I remember most about Warren was his abiding commitment to service – be it to a charity, friends (many times he’d been there for me), a community member, or his wonderful family – Maria, Megan, David and Eileen. Warren’s life was one of “always being there”, standing tall, and selfless giving. The words of tennis legend - Arthur Ashe- seem to capture Warren’s life well, “True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.”

Always caring, inspiring, and giving to others, I like to think that today, Warren’s remarks to his friends and loved ones might have run something along the lines of Mary Frye’s poem, “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep.”

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

To Warren’s family, our love and thoughts are with you. From Allan, Tom, and Elizabeth (Lisa) Hitchcock
June 22, 2015
June 22, 2015
Remembering Warren, my dear friend of 50-plus years …

Who was Warren's first roommate outside of any of his family members? Far as I know, I can claim that title. I met him in September of 1961 when we both arrived at Princeton to start a four-year journey to a bachelor's degree. There were some similarities in our family backgrounds and early experiences. Both of our fathers were Princeton graduates who later trained as attorneys. And both served in the US Army in the European theater during WWII. We spent our early years in middle-class families, east of the Mississippi.

During our freshman year, we lived in close quarters in a 3-room “suite” with two other guys, John Shirk and Steve Holton, who also became our long-term friends. Warren and I shared a small bedroom with bunk beds. He and I were sort of an odd couple: He was a jock and I was anything but one. I was sort of a techie neatnick while he was somewhat haphazard in organizing his possessions and affairs.

So I cannot say he was very well organized in managing his possessions including clothes. But he did have his clothes WASHING arrangements figured out. Always thrifty, Warren MAILED his clothes back home to suburban Cleveland in a big box for his mother to wash and mail back to him. (The others in our group found it more expedient to use an on-campus washing service.)

During the college years, our circle of close friends grew. But Warren and I continued to live in an expanding group that occupied several adjacent dormitory suites. Our group appears in a college graduation day photo, that appears elsewhere on this website. 

We never lived in the same region after graduation, but still tried our best to get together from time to time. A few years after college I was living in Albuquerque and Warren was setting up shop in the Bay Area. Having developed an interest in snow skiing after moving to New Mexico near real mountains, I thought it might be a good idea to introduce the sportsman Warren to skiing when he visited me one winter. My wife-to-be Christy and I took Warren to the top of snowy Sandia Peak, just outside of Albuquerque, to teach him the fundamentals of downhill skiing … whereupon he promptly broke his ankle in a bad fall!

In retrospect, I guess it was not such a good idea to attempt to teach a tennis champion new tricks on the snow. This was the first and last time I attempted to instruct another adult how to ski. Fortunately, Warren was back burning up the tennis courts in a few months.

When it came time to marry, we enjoyed sharing the celebrations with each other. Both Warren and I had significant roles in each other's weddings over 40 years ago. He honored me by naming me godfather to his first-born, Megan. And when our daughters married (Warren's: Megan and mine: Meredith), we each shared in the other families' celebrations also.

We enjoyed meeting together occasionally with our buddies at college reunions, most often throughout the most recent 15-20 years. I am sorry not to have had more time to spend with Warren in these later years. It was difficult to know of his health failing, with so little that could be done to slow down the process. As such, it was very special for me to meet with him and Eileen together for the last time during my visit to the Bay Area in early December of '14. I feel so grateful to Eileen for providing so much love, caring and support in his last years. And of course I also appreciate how much time his dear Megan, David and Maria spent with him in the hospital during his last weeks.

No one could have enjoyed a closer, more dependable friend than I enjoyed Warren over these many decades. He had a keen intellect with many varied interests, making both our telephone and face-to-face visits quite engaging. So I will sorely miss ringing him up on the spur of the moment for a quick meeting of minds over some issue of world affairs, sports or our college friends and related experiences.

I raise my glass to the memories of our times together, old friend. I will never forget you and the many ways you enriched my life with your friendship.
June 19, 2015
June 19, 2015
About 25 years ago, I needed a partner in the Piedmont Ladies Tennis Ladder's Annual Mixed Doubles Tournament. So, I asked Warren, one of my husband, Joe's, very good friends.

Warren, even knowing my level of play, agreed to be my partner in the tournament.

Since I played on the B ladder and was not a particularly good player, this placed us in the B category. 

Warren and I played a series of round robins against 6 other tearms. As we greeted our next opponents, Warren shuffling onto the court, offered no threat, however our poor opponents had no idea of what they were up against.

After winning a couple of rounds 6-0 , Warren took me aside and asked, "How many of these games do you want to win?" I said, "What are you talking about?" Warren replied, "You can tell exactily where they are going to hit the ball." I said, "You can? Well, lets take all of the games."
And we did.

We won the B's and they told me I could never play in the B's again. Thank you, Warren. You were the best.

I will miss Warren's quick, steel trap mind. And as my husband always remarked, "Warren is a prince of a fellow."
June 18, 2015
June 18, 2015
Warren, we called him Warny then, taught my brothers, sisters, and me how to play tennis. My brother, Bill, couldn't learn, but that was OK. One day Warny hitchhiked from Princeton to Deveroux school, outside Philadelphia, to visit Bill who was boarding there. What a kind gift to a lonely boy. I have many memories of Warren's kindness and gentle nature. Thank you, Warny, for having been in my life.
June 16, 2015
June 16, 2015
Dear Daane family - this is such sad news for us. We go back about to the beginning. My Dad, Terry, and 'Uncle Warren' Daane, were law partners and, with our mothers, Fanny and Mavis, closest of friends. I remember, or think I do, going to the Daane's house on Scottsdale Rd. in Shaker Heights, when my younger brother Bill, now deceased, was born, when I was nearly three years old. We spent lots of time with each other's family until Warny [last time for that] took off with his tennis, and I went to a different school in 10th grade. I also got to Princeton a few times while I was at Yale. Not sure who came out ahead in my annual $1 bet on that football game with Uncle Warren, though he did win all four during our college years. We saw a little of Warren and Pat before their move to California, and on a few occasions when we visited San Francisco, then with Eileen. The last time we spent time together was during his stay at Judson after he became ill at the rehearsal dinner for one of Bob's kids. Cranky, challenging, and funny as ever, that unplanned Cleveland stop did give us a few more times to hang out, especially cherished now. I'm so glad to read the wonderful stories about him and the Berkeley Tennis Club - younger players he helped along, Club's finances and such a welcoming and encouraging presence. Warren certainly made a lifelong tennis fan out of me, and we shared a love for all sports - and the frustrations of being Cleveland fans. I recall how fondly he spoke of his family that had grown so much by the time of his stop in Cleveland, and I love the expressions of love in return from all of you. We hope we will be able to be on hand here for your ceremony and gathering here later this year. Blessings and condolences! Ray Sawyer
June 16, 2015
June 16, 2015
Warren was an institution at the Berkeley Tennis Club and paid close attention to the younger players and how they were developing as players. He was a excellent tennis player and fun to play doubles with (and learn some new shots, too). 
It was always interesting to talk with Warren, as he had insightful suggestions as to how BTC could run smoother. He cared, and his passions were evident.
Warren will be missed by many and the reception area of the BTC will seem a little emptier.
Best wishes to the entire Daane clan. Elizabeth
June 16, 2015
June 16, 2015
Warren, such a special man with unforgettable character. He always challenged me with questions about today's youth in tennis, "Who was the highest ranked in the nation? Who was the next phenom? Who do we have from Northern California in the high rankings? What about this player, are they the real deal?"Warren would ask while often knowing the answer of the question he was asking, I knew I had to have my story straight and legit! Warren was a wealth of knowledge, asking questions to constantly learn more, he loved an engaged discussion about tennis that eventually became a discussion on ethics and life lessons. He definitely was not afraid to have a different opinion and he always embraced my independence to differ from his proclamations. If we went 6 months without talking he would call for a 30 minute call as if we last spoke yesterday. When visiting in the hospital Andrea and I brought a tee-shirt that read " Stay Calm and Play Tennis" , he smiled and then reminded me of another tee-shirt I had given to him that read, " We believe" saying he feels this year the Warriors will make that happen."
June 15, 2015
June 15, 2015
Warren was the "Member of the Year" at the Berkeley Tennis Club twice. For the President's Message in the May, 2012, BTC Newsletter, I wrote this about Warren, with his approval:

The canteen area has round, wooden tables, chairs, a lifetime supply of pain-killers, a blackboard, assorted trash receptacles, two sofas, a low table with issues of mostly sports magazines dating back to the era of Ty Cobb--and Warren.

Sidelined by kidney problems, Warren Daane is rarely on the courts any more. He was a really good tennis player, a doubles genius. He won the national 15 doubles with Clark Graebner and had one of the best forehands ever at the BTC--a God's gift forehand--actually, no--better than that--an Erika Smithean forehand.

Gene Cantin, who took all the canteen pictures of tennis players, tells of being the pro in a pro-am here, years ago. His assigned partner was Warren. Gene did not know Warren. Warren shuffled on court in his sweater with a hole in the elbow and so many food stains down the front that soaking it in hot water would have produced a hearty soup. Gene was not impressed, even when Warren edged up to him and said, “I really can play.”

The match began with the opposing pro, armed with one of the biggest serves in NorCal, serving to Warren. Gene, at the service line, in the ready position, eyes forward (of course), hears what sounds like an explosive device set off back over his right shoulder. It was Warren’s forehand.

Game on.

I played some league doubles with Warren. We would be having a normal point, and, suddenly, Warren would be standing at the net strap with a little grin on his face, hitting a high, forehand, inside-out, dink, angle, volley winner, while our opponents looked as though they had just witnessed the first earth landing of an alien.

Warren loves the BTC. He wants everything done well. He wants it to be a world class facility. He puts his money where his heart is. Geoff and I totaled up more than $40,000 Warren has donated to the Girl’s 18s, the flagpole, and assorted other events. No one else is close (although there have been some generous bequeathments).

Warren is a numbers guy. He likes numbers—actually, no—he’s obsessed with numbers. Ask Warren about BTC finances; be seated in a comfortable chair when you do.

Warren has a well-deserved reputation as a bit of a curmudgeon, partly the result of his habit of speaking sentences that have an implied opening phrase of “You idiot,” and partly because, when you are conversing with him, you may notice that he is cross-examining you.

I always talk to Warren when I have time. I always get a different perspective when I do. I learn things. I encourage each of you to try it. It will be a lot more interesting than reading about the kind of year Walt Dropo, who died recently, is having at first base for the White Sox.
June 14, 2015
June 14, 2015
Dearest Megan,Maria, David, Eileen, et al, We are so sorry for you all at a the loss of your dear Dad! Our prayers and love are with you.
When I think of your Dad I remember his gentle kindness, his generosity of heart and time and his deep love of you all and his greater family. He welcomed Robby and me into the Daane clan with open arms ( as did you all!) and was always curious to hear about our lives and interests.
"Uncle Waaren" was such a big part of our lives and Charley tried to speak with him every day for the last many years to lessen the logistical distance between Clevland and Oakland. They loved speaking of business and sports.
You all did such a wonderful job of loving and supporting Warren throughout his illness. He will be deeply missed by us all. We send you much love and we share in your sadness and loss. Betsy and Charley

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June 11, 2020
June 11, 2020
Warren's name still comes up frequently among players at the Berkeley Tennis Club. Inside out dink overhead winners will provoke cries of "A Warren Daane!" The financial people still speak with dread about encounters with Warren.

My favorite story is the one told by Gene Cantin, former tour player and teaching pro. Gene was playing in a charity pro-am at the BTC. His assigned partner was Warren, a stranger to Gene. Warren shuffled out on the court for the first match, food-stained sweater with elbow hole.

A digression is appropriate here: Some tennis players have a God-given shot, one that is mysteriously really good. Warren had a forehand. You could have frozen Warren cryogenically, for a decade or so, thawed him out, and placed him in the serve return position of the deuce court, and Warren would rip a forehand return.

So, Warren shuffles up to Gene and says, quietly, "I really can play." "Right," thinks Gene. Their opponents serve first, a guy with one of the biggest serves in northern California. The guys hits a rocket. Gene, eyes ahead on the opposing net man, hears a small explosion from the back right corner of the court. Warren has hit an aspirin at the server's feet.

Game on!
May 15, 2019
May 15, 2019
No matter how time passes by, you’ll always be remembered! Happy belated birthday friend! If you were only here to have our usual discussions about politics and family
September 21, 2016
September 21, 2016
What a beautiful tribute. This sad news seems to have affected many of us deeply for each mentions Warren's unusual kindness, decency & sense of humor. 'Tennis' had already achieved something in the larger world at an early age ~ Even back then the game was his 'raison d'etre'. It does not surprise me that it remained a special passion throughout his life, along with his love for his family. Blessings to them in their loss; I wish he had had more time..........

From Lucia Davidson (Russom), Shaker Heights High
Recent stories

Grandchild reflections

September 21, 2016

Shortly after Dad's death, I found a note written by my daughter, Lily (age 10):

"Things Gampy says to me:
- I like your shirt.
- Tell your mom to slow down.
- I have to go visit your cousins."

 

From James Goetz

September 21, 2016

Originally published at the Shaker Heights High School Memorial page:

The news of Warren Daane's death hit me like a thunderbolt.  Having played with Warren on Shaker's tennis team for 3 years and facing him once in college, I understood how much tennis meant to him and what great shape he was in while playing tennis.  We spent a lot of time together on the tennis court our senior year in a quest to win the state doubles title - a quest that fell one match short but was a great memory for me.  The last time I saw Warren was in 1990 when I accidentally bumped into him as we were delivering our freshman daughters to the same dormitory at the University of Notre Dame - talk about a small world!  Warren was certainly the best tennis player to come out of Shaker in a long time and it brought a smile to my face to read how he continued to enjoy to play the sport throughout his life.   He died too soon.  May he rest in peace. 

From the Princeton Alumni Weekly, 2/3/16

September 21, 2016

Warren died June 11, 2015, in Oakland, Calif., where he had lived for many years.

The son of G. Warren Daane 1932 and Mavis Daane, Warren came to us from Shaker Heights (Ohio) High School. He and Clark Graebner, a future Davis Cup winner, won the Boys Doubles National Championship in high school, along with a number of other tennis titles in the United States and Canada.

Warren was tennis captain senior year and played for all four years on our highly ranked team. He majored in history and wrote his thesis on “Tom Johnson and His Fight for Three-Cent Fare.” Warren took his meals at Charter and roomed with John Shirk and Jeff Gorin, who remained lifelong friends.

Thereafter he moved to the Bay Area and had a successful career, first at Crocker Bank and then at his own firm as a mortgage banker. Warren never lost his love of or skills in tennis, and was club president of the Berkeley Tennis Club and was twice named “Member of the Year.”

He is survived by his son, David; daughters Maria Daane and Megan Daane Lawrence; brothers Charles Daane ’74 and Robert Daane; six grandchildren; and his life partner, Eileen Ingenthron.

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