But as this newspaper – and the community – got to know him better, a man of rare courage and conviction emerged.

His passing on Tuesday has sparked a torrent of grief, both from those close to him and many who knew him only by name.

How this seemingly regular 25-year-old managed to touch millions of hearts and change the trajectory of a national debate is a study in passion, perseverance and authenticity.

It is easy to eulogise a person after their death, but Dan, by any measure, was an extraordinary young man.

Stories of his generosity of spirit abound.

The greatest mark of his character came in the weeks and months before his passing.

Despite being in excruciating pain, he summoned the energy to continue fighting for what he knew was right.

He did not want to die a martyr.

Privately, he struggled with the profile and the pressure of being a poster boy for medical marijuana.

But he knew he was giving voice to thousands of Australians rendered silent by disease.

Much of the credit must go to his parents, Lucy and Lou – remarkable people raising a remarkable son.

Dan Haslam spoke to a truth greater than any individual.

He taught us to challenge our pre-conceived ideas, to question conventional wisdom and to fight like hell for what we believe in.

And he taught us true heroes can walk among us.

His selfless attitude was summed up in his final interview just weeks before his death.

“Nothing is ever that bad,” he told reporter Helen Kapalos.

“Love your family. Love your friends. Tell everyone you love them.”

He was saying that in the end, all the trivialities we agonise about in our lives are meaningless compared to the love we experience.

Dan has left a legacy of hope most of us could only dream of.

And the best way we can honour that legacy is continuing his campaign for more compassionate medical marijuana laws.

Rest in peace, Dan, we’ll take it from here.