Daniel Merrill Kelley's Obituary
Daniel Kelley
Our Danny Boy dies at 65
It's impossible to sum up a life in a few paragraphs. Daniel Merrill Kelley, 65, a successful Northwest businessman for over 40 years, passed away at his home suddenly on August 5th, 2012. His memorial service will be held Friday, August 10th at 3pm in the Valley Chapel at the Mountain View Memorial in Lakewood, WA.
Dan was born September 15, 1946 in Tacoma, WA. He attended Claremont Men's College, graduating from The University of Puget Sound with a degree in English Literature. Dan worked hard in the construction industry, building single-family homes and apartment complexes and developing land. He continued to flourish as a homebuilder until the very end, working alongside his family members. A rock to his family, a joy to his friends, and a never-ending source of entertainment to everyone in his life. Those who knew Dan know there is no topic he couldn't talk about (or debate).
Some of Dan's most cherished memories were his summers on the family farm; competing in the rodeos, riding horses with his siblings and floating on the river. His love of horses stayed with him into adulthood, he was still in the process of training his Bay Tobiano Arabian stud named Starr Rider when he passed. Dan was an avid reader, a lover of animals and a long time golf enthusiast. His last day included 18 holes with his buddies and a swim in the lake with his family.
Dan is survived by his wife of 32 years, Nancey; son Jeff (wife Brenda); daughters Shannon, Kacey and Kirby; brother Dave (wife Mary); sister Janice; his grandsons Daniel Merrill Jr. and Jackie. (And his beloved doggies, Zoey & Zena).
Remembrances may be made to the Johnny and Chelsea Harbottle Scholarship Fund at Harborstone Credit Union, or help our Wounded Warriors by contributing to Friends of American Lake Veterans Golf Course by following this link: http://www.veteransgolf.org/tocontribute.html.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home.
What’s your fondest memory of Daniel?
What’s a lesson you learned from Daniel?
Share a story where Daniel's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Daniel you’ll never forget.
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