He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Janis DeFoe, and was a deeply loving father to his daughters Tracy Nelson (husband Mark) of Lynden WA., and Amy Fish (husband James) of San Marcos. CA.  Seven amazing grandchildren; Alexander, Megan, Daniel, and Isabella Nelson; Zachery, Alexis and Madison Fish all of whom were the delight of his life.  He is also survived by two sisters: Nancy Hanke and Julie Joerger (husband Michael)    all of Santa Rosa CA.

    Dan loved sports and was a great athlete himself.  He lettered in Varsity baseball and basketball in high school.  At SSU he was the all-league batting champion, hitting .444 and he also hit their first ever grand slam homerun.  He also excelled in scuba diving, hunting, fishing, and archery.  The consummate teacher, he nearly daily taught all of us something of value that would last our lifetime and make it better or safer. He was always learning as well and was an avid reader.  All that said, nothing was more important to him than his life change in 1974 when he committed his life and soul to Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour.  All of life took on new meaning and purpose as he continued to grow spiritually the rest of his years.  He shared his faith openly and lovingly; praying daily for so many people he cared about. He desired that they too could find the same peace, joy, and comfort that can only be found when one chooses to align one's life with their Creator.  In 2006 he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, stage 4.  There is no cure for this disease, and he was given 3-6 years to live. Convinced God was going to heal him, he asked to be prayed over and anointed with oil.  He had no treatments of any kind and never developed any symptoms.  He went on to live for over 16 years. He gave God all the glory and loved to share his story.  In 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, he suffered a major heart attack.  Again, he was not expected to live.  God gave him a little over 3 more years in which he made many precious memories. He was a "Grateful Dude".  He knew where he was headed and had few regrets. He had a very quick wit and sense of humor. His family and all who knew him could count on lots of laughs!  How we will miss that....and him, until we all meet in glory.

    There will be no local services. A celebration of his life will take place the Summer of 2024 in Kailua-Kona Hawaii, where he enjoyed a second home and lived there off and on for 10 years. It was his "Happy Place" on earth. You may donate in his memory to The Whatcom Hospice Foundation, 2800 Douglas Ave., Bellingham, Washington 98225.  www.whatcomhospice.org    They proved to be a united gift from God in helping Dan , and many others, transition to their eternal home in comfort and peace. Or to Samaritans Purse or the Billy Graham Association.