PORTLAND — Some people make your laugh a little louder, your smile a little brighter and your life a little better. Daniel “Dano” Clifford Sinclair was one of those people. Sadly, Dano left us much too soon at the age of 64 on Monday, Dec. 18. He would have been most displeased at the snow gently falling outside of his window as he peacefully wrapped up a life well-lived. After all, as he loved to say, “The two main letters of the word snow are no.” Although multiple sclerosis limited his ability to do all that he desired, he retained his sense of humor, sharpness of wit and kindness of heart until the very end.

Born in Lewiston on April 28, 1953, to Pauline and Clifford Sinclair, Dano accomplished a great deal in his time with us and may be best remembered for the large circle of friends who cared for him so deeply. He spoke fondly of childhood escapades in the neighborhoods of Lewiston and particularly of summers spent on the coast of Harpswell. Dano graduated from Lewiston High School in 1971 and the Art Institute of Atlanta in 1974, where he bonded with an amazing group of friends who became known as the Benedicci Brothers. This group of fellow photographers and artists remained friends until his passing and even held a reunion in Maine in 2006. After Atlanta, Dano moved to Miami where he made his first major inroads into the world of commercial photography by working as an assistant for a large photography house. He eventually moved back to Maine and opened his own commercial photography studio working for well-known clients such as Cross Jewelry, L.L. Bean, Sebago Shoe and more. His easygoing style, infectious sense of humor and skill as a photographer brought him much success. He had an amazing ability to capture people at their best by putting them at ease in front of the camera. Dano loved to help people see just how beautiful they were.

Dano was a sweet romantic and met his wife, Kimberly, in a parking lot on Elm Street in Portland. He wooed her by leaving anonymous notes from a secret admirer on her windshield. After finally meeting face to face, they were fortunate to spend 29 very happy years together. They consider themselves most blessed to share the same quirky sense of humor and enjoyed at least one good belly laugh every day. They loved each other deeply.

Even though MS ravaged his body, Dano kept his mind very active by following politics, cosmology and science. He especially enjoyed springtime in Maine and loved sitting in the garden among the colorful blooms and taking pictures of the cherry blossoms and tulips. He loved time spent by the ocean, as well as time spent with family, friends and his furry feline roommates. He was especially grateful for the friendship and laughter he shared with his cousin, Paul Corriveau.

Dano is predeceased by his parents, Pauline and Clifford Sinclair. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly B. Sinclair; his twin sister, Donna Jensen, and her husband, John; and two brothers, Glen and Gary Sinclair; as well as several nieces and nephews.

You may share your stories or offer your condolences at www.jonesrichandbarnes.com.

Daniel C. Sinclair