It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Mr. Daniel Lent, who left this world too soon on October 11, 2023, after a courageous five-month health battle caused by a MRSA infection that ultimately damaged his heart beyond further repair. He is survived by his loving wife, Kristie Drury Lent, whom he married in 2005. He is also survived by his father, Dennis Lent; his brothers, Dal (Judy Ann) Lent and Aaron (BJ) Lent, his sister, Tanya (Duane) Hagel, and his sister-in-law, Becky Lent. He was predeceased by his mother, Judy Lent, and his brother, Shawn Lent. Daniel was also a loving son-in-law, brother-in-law and uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was the proud pet parent to Macintosh, Sophie, Cassie, Loki, Pixel and Buttercup. He loved his dogs and cats as much as he would have loved his own children.

After graduating top of his class from high school in Billings, MT in 2000, Daniel embarked on a mission for the LDS Church in 2003. After returning, he moved to Alaska where his sweetheart, Kristie, resided. They were sealed for time and all eternity on June 25th, 2005 in the Mount Timpanogos temple. Daniel loved spending time with his wife. He wasn’t comfortable around most people, but with Kristie by his side, he knew he could be himself. They enjoyed walking their dogs, and going on many adventures throughout their eighteen years together. As amateur photographers they often spent many cold nights chasing and photographing the Northern Lights. They loved being honorary members of the mushing community and photographing the Iditarod was one of their annual highlights and traditions. They tried to live in the moment and dance and travel as much as possible.

Daniel’s personality was unique to say the least. His wife often joked that he was like caviar because his sense of humor was an acquired taste. He had a dry sense of humor, often sarcastic, but he was also very loving, and kind. Above all, Daniel emphasized the importance of treating others as one wishes to be treated, not judging others, and remaining open-minded. He relished living in the present moment with the understanding that the future is not promised. Whenever someone would ask how he was doing, he always responded with “Fat and Sassy”. While he would say his greatest accomplishment was his marriage to his wife Kristie, she says his legacy is that of kindness, compassion, bravery, and an enduring love for his family and friends. Although he had trouble relating to most people, for those who he let into his bubble, they got a rare glimpse of a very special man. Daniel Lent was stardust, made human, and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Daniel was highly skilled and accomplished when it came to computers. His passion for computers began when he was a toddler and grew into a life-long career in Alaska. The majority of his career was spent at GCI where he worked his way from the call center to being a lead technician and ultimately a manager. He was a jack of all trades and a genius when it came to anything involving computers. He loved days where he got to work on more than one project at a time. As he would say, he enjoyed “putting out fires”. He was well respected in his field and the community. His co-workers held him in the highest esteem. His loyalty to them is something that they will never forget. He also was self-taught in many other areas. He had a brilliant mind and was constantly learning. He could retain the most interesting facts as he surfed the Internet, and somehow, often to the amazement of his wife and others, he always seemed to find a way to incorporate it into a conversation.

Daniel had a heart for volunteering, devoting his spare time to the Iditarod Trail Committee Sled Dog Race, Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue, and The August Fund. He loved playing SantaPaws at Christmas while his wife photographed him with all the animals that would come in to see him. He loved seeing what other pets besides dogs and cats would come in every year. He developed quite the following over the years with families coming back year after year to see “the best pet Santa ever”. An advocate for animal welfare and disability rights, he was a crusader by nature, frequently supporting and educating people about the Americans with Disabilities Act, Autism, and Spina Bifida.

As a self-proclaimed and proud geek and Trekkie, Daniel enjoyed recreational activities that revolved around his love of Sci-Fi including cosplaying, reading graphic novels, and watching Marvel and Star Trek movies. He even helped his wife find her own “inner-geek“ and got her to watch almost all the Star Trek series. He enjoyed helping her incorporate her wheelchair into her costumes. The last project he was working on before he got sick was turning her wheelchair into Captain Janeway’s captain’s chair. One thing she will never forget is his devotion to her and how he went out of his way to make sure she always included in everything they did. He embraced the idea that no matter who you were, what you looked like, who you loved, or what obstacles you had to overcome….you were still a valuable member of the crew. If you were lucky enough to be a member of his crew, he always had your back.

Daniel enjoyed cooking and loved a good steak and calamari. He was an aficionado of literature and music, favoring Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Terry Prachett’s works, The Beatles, and Wheezer. He was a Star Trek enthusiast, enjoying the TV shows and movies and often cosplaying as William Ryker. Having been taught art by his mother, Judy, Daniel reveled in various art forms but favored watercolor, acrylics, and photography. He was a fervent player of D&D and PC games, including Oregon Trail and Star Trek.

Daniel was a beacon of resilience and dedication, known for his large-heartedness and unwavering spirit. His memory will continue to inspire and uplift all whose lives he touched so deeply. He lived his years embracing both happiness and hardship with open arms, displaying an inherent strength that will continue to resonate with his loved ones. Daniel's kindness, his infectious smile, his sparkling eyes, and his passion for life will be forever treasured in our hearts. Even though we mourn his loss, we take comfort in the fact that his light continues to shine through the countless lives he has impacted. As we bid farewell to Daniel, we are not saying goodbye, but rather cherishing the memories that he has left behind. His legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew him, casting an everlasting radiance that symbolizes his incredible life journey. He has a new mission now: to boldly go before us. Live long and prosper, Daniel. For now, one to beam up…until we will meet again.

The family would like to express their profound gratitude for the outpouring of love, support, and sympathy extended to them during this difficult time. Daniel was a man who lived life to its fullest, and we should all strive to remember and celebrate his life just the way he lived it - with courage, love, and an unflagging belief in the goodness of people.

His wife and family wish to thank all the numerous doctors, nurses and other medical staff who took care of Daniel. His wife would also like to personally thank her family and

friends who supported her for the last five months while she supported and advocated for her husband. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Providence Alaska Foundation: PO Box 19660 Anchorage, AK 99519 or to your local animal shelter or rescue in memory of Daniel. 

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