We want to thank everyone for your kind thoughts and loving memories of our Dad, Husband, Papa, and Friend. Please enjoy the photo memories below. If you would like to donate to a charity in Dan’s name, please consider donating to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org.
Dan was born in Shelton, WA, on July 6, 1940. He lived there with his mom, dad, brother Frank, and sister Cherilyn until he graduated from high school in 1958. He then followed his parents to Ketchikan, AK, where he worked at Ketchikan Pulp Company for two years before leaving to attend Northern Arizona State University. He eventually transferred to Oregon State University where he completed his electrical engineering degree in 1965.
Life in Shelton growing up was full of hunting, fishing, hiking, and making a few cents selling stray golf balls back to the golf course. Dan was a high school track star and held the record for the 100-yard dash for many years.
Dan married Marilyn in 1963. They lived in Sweet Home, OR, while Dan finished his degree. They later moved back to Ketchikan, where Dan started his career as an electrical engineer at Ketchikan Pulp Company. 1969 and 1973 brought two daughters…and two new fishing partners.
Dan’s career at Ketchikan Pulp Company spanned over 40 years. He eventually became Plant Engineer and earned his Professional Engineering license in Alaska, Arizona, and Oregon. During his time as Plant Engineer, he oversaw many major projects—most notably the building of a high-tech, automated sawmill, and the construction of a pipeline from a remote lake. When the pulp mill closed in the late 90’s, Dan and Marilyn moved back to Oregon where both of their daughters lived. Dan became a project manager for Emerson Electric—a position that took him to Canada, Aruba, and Russia for work. He eventually started his own project management company before deciding to retire.
Dan had a passion for outdoor activities, and he shared this with his family. Summers were spent fishing, hiking, camping, and taking trips to the beach. When the weather was right, you could find him after work and on weekends taking his boat out on the inside passages around Ketchikan for some fishing. His love of fishing was so great that he started a fishing charter service as a side gig.
Dan was a cowboy at heart, and although his horse was a boat, he loved country music and country values. He was a true gentleman and will be remembered and missed for his strong convictions, kind but firm nature, sense of humor, and calm presence.
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