Dean reports on his internet site
http://www.jananddean.com/biochp11/biochp11.htmlthat Jan passed on from a “heart attack.”
News agencies wrote Jan suffered a seizure. This must mean, following or during the final seizure, a heart attack ensued.
Other than what took him...as far as i know, he did not have other diseases.
This may be an inaccurate “memory”…but wasn’t the eye trouble a result, possibly, of injury….perhaps even from --this may be way off!…(but for some reason there in my memory somewhere) including an attack on Jan once?
Also, I am aware of some skin, on his back …(NOT the lower back trouble requiring surgery in 1992)… mole or something, to prevent cancer, having been taken care of mid 90’s as well. If that had a cause (and not all ailments do! )…more likely came from all his shirtless, sun exposure, in young years.
With all the factors against Jan’s heart….food choices would be the only one he could really control. Heart disease is the number one killer, or was. Diet only plays a part.
Jan’s sources of enjoyment were completely and understandably limited. Food is a major source of enjoyment….for ALL of us.
Did he actually order and eat six sandwiches at one time? Is it possible he was taking advantage of a “deal” at Wendy’s (my dad did!!) and taking advantage of a special they were having?…planning for later and/or sharing them? He may have had that in mind and not expressed it to you….assumption made that he wanted them for himself for immediate consumption.
-Jan did not always make his thoughts and intentions verbally known.
As I wrote in prior response, he chose “heartwise” food selections I listed, regularly (my impression! )….as well as, at times, the pleasure of “yummy…yummy” choices. (candy bars…. M&M’s…milk shakes…a hamburger….an Arby’s….onion rings….Dairy Queen, etc.)
He would even bring those calcium, vitamin, etc., enriched, supplement beverages along on his trips., as well as using “natural” type brands for things. Surfer Joe informed me he held Jan’s “milk” for him at the concert. Jan chose cranberry juice with his breakfast and milk! (examples)….I believe he, at least regularly, “normally” wanted and chose wiser food.
Repeating again, Jan thought, cared and talked about his weight. It mattered to him. He tried hard…and won through most of his entire life. Just see photo of the 2000’s publicity photo (last one up there! )…he only was a little too heavy (if even) at the very end…and that probably most due to the finality of physical activity when both eyesight and loss of balance…too many falls, slammed down hard like a final blow to getting around independently.
