Dustin Paul Fagan, 28, of Pulaski, went to sleep and woke up in heaven Thursday, June 21, 2012. In heaven, Dustin reunited with his father, Paul, his brother, Bradley, and a host of beloved family members and friends.
Dustin was born Oct. 6, 1983, in Beckley, W.Va. His life is a tribute and testament to everyone he touched and inspired. His courage, as an amazing, strong, brave and kind young man will continue in the hearts of all who knew and met him through the years.
Time Magazine (1996) featured Dustin’s heroic battle with malignant brain cancer and the new procedures became protocol for future patients diagnosed with fatal medulloblastoma, the deadliest childhood cancer. Dustin’s three-year commitment to the aggressive treatment and his remarkable recovery is a tribute to Dr. Henry Friedman and the staff of Duke University. Dustin’s contribution benefitted cancer research and others diagnosed with childhood cancer. New River Valley physicians, especially Dr. Richard Gehrz and the staff at Children’s Choice, insured Dustin continued to thrive.
The family is so extremely thankful for everyone who touched Dustin’s life. He enlightened his family in a multitude of ways and we feel honored to have been blessed by Dustin’s love and charm. We are grateful to God for each day He loaned us His precious child.
Dustin’s local doctors, especially Dr. Richard Gehrz and the staff at Children’s Choice, insured that Dustin continued to thrive.
The family is so extremely thankful for everyone who touched Dustin’s life.
Dustin was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Pulaski, where he participated in the youth program and many trips to various parts of the country while working with the Presbyterian Relief Program. As a 21-year survivor of cancer, Dustin participated and enjoyed Relay for Life for many years. In his early years, Dustin attended Pulaski County schools and graduated from Pulaski County High School in 2003.
Dustin is survived by his mother, Jackie Fagan Myal; step-father, John Myal; sister, Jamie Myal, and brother, John Bradley Myal, all of Pulaski; best friend, Hugh “Chip” Huff of Roanoke; many relatives throughout West Virginia, and many friends throughout the United States.
All of the smiles Dustin brought to our lives is a gift and we thank you God for sharing him with use for 28 incredible years.
A service celebrating Dustin’s life will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Pulaski on Sunday, July 15, 2012 at 4 p.m. For more information, please contact Jackie at [email protected]
rhonda roop
June 28, 2012 at 7:57 pm
Dustin was an amazing young man. He always had a positive attitude and a smile. He was a very hard worker and was always willing to help anyone he could.
Crystle Morris
July 4, 2012 at 9:35 pm
I cannot believe Dustin is gone
Marie Farris
June 29, 2012 at 6:46 pm
Dearest Jackie & family, Oh my dear Dustin. I am so sorry, Jackie, for the terrible void you must feel. I saw Dustin a few weeks ago at Relay for Life in Randolph Park and got my usual hug & sweet conversation. He was an angel to all who knew him! And what an advocate you have been for him. May God begin His work in you as you begin this transition. You and the family are in my prayers. Let the Son shine! Love, Marie Farris
Laurie Armes
June 30, 2012 at 2:26 am
Jackie I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you during this time. God Bless.
Laurie Armes and family
Chris Van Dyk
July 1, 2012 at 1:09 pm
I think what I’ll always remember most about Dustin was hanging out with him at Teen Time at Valley Harvest Ministries. His faith in the Lord was always an inspiration. Prayers and love to his family!
Marie Farris
July 1, 2012 at 2:36 pm
Dear Jackie & family, Oh my dear Dustin. I am so sorry, Jackie, for the terrible void you must feel. I saw Dustin a few weeks ago at Relay for Life in Randolph Park and got my usual hug & sweet conversation. He was an angel to all who knew him! And what an advocate you have been for him. May God begin His work in you as you begin this transition. You and the family are in my prayers. Let the Son shine! Love, Marie Farris
Sissy Harless Watts
July 1, 2012 at 4:00 pm
Jackie, I just read ur post and my heart broke. My prayers r with u and the family. May God give u comfort as only He can.So very sorry for ur loss.
Crystle Morris
July 1, 2012 at 8:04 pm
I am so sorry for your loss Jackie I had so many memories of Dustin going to Prom in High school going bowling swimming at Randoph Park even playing video games at my house. Plus going to the mall & watching a movie in the theatre
Jennifer Lane
July 4, 2012 at 7:17 am
Dearest Jackie and family I have just read of Dustins homecoming. Jackie please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. He was an angel in words and actions. He was blessed with a wonderful role model in you Jackie for I was inspired by you on many occasions and by Dustin himself and his battles and his quiet ways. Thank you for sharing him with the rest of us. Thank you Dustin for sharing your life. May God be with you in the coming days..
David Stanley
July 6, 2012 at 7:54 am
Dear Jackie, what a beautiful tribute to your son…I admired him greatly and I am grateful for having shared just a little slice of his life. A remarkable human being. I know I will see his smiling face for years to come. Peace and love to all of you.
Karen Winkle
August 16, 2012 at 10:19 pm
Dustin was a wonderful young man with a heart of gold! He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Dustin was a close friend of my daughter, Amber Hollar, who was touched by his courage and love.
Our sympathy for his family is great and our prayers go out to each one of them.
May god comfort all of you in your time of sorrow.
Love and prayers,
Karen and Rick Winkle
Amber and River Hollar