Daniel Novotny

Daniel Edward Novotny, age 56, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2025 of natural causes at his beloved home he named Loft Haven. Dan was born July 27, 1968 in Rock Springs, Wyoming, the son of Edward George Novotny and Dean Jean Crawford Davis. He graduated from Cottonwood High School in 1986 and then attended the University of Utah where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History.

Over the years, Dan worked for Boeing, American Stores Company, Fidelity Investments, Mygrant Glass, and Kane Warehousing, Inc. Dan enjoyed history, reading, watching documentaries, surfing the net, playing video games, pool, and the drums. He also enjoyed listening to music and could sing the words to any song even if it had been years since he’d heard it. He also loved going on long walks. Dan was witty and very intelligent and knew something about everything. Some friends even nicknamed him Professor Dan because of the intellectual conversations he had with everyone.

In July of 2018, Dan was diagnosed with Stage 4 Small Cell Carcinoma Lung Cancer and was given six months to live. His mom begged him to do at least one round of chemotherapy. He reluctantly agreed. Following chemotherapy, he did radiation. Nine months after first being diagnosed, Dan was cancer free. For the next seven years, Dan continued monthly immunotherapy treatments. One of the reasons for continuing immunotherapy and posting his infusion picture on Facebook was to give other cancer patients hope. Throughout his whole cancer ordeal, Dan remained positive, was more worried about inconveniencing others than himself, and he was a fighter. His family would like to thank Dr. Wallace Akerley, nurse Kelly, and the staff at Huntsman Cancer Institute for their phenomenal care, compassion, and friendship over the years.

Dan is preceded in death by his mother, father, and faithful dogs Frosty, Annie and Abby. He is survived by his daughter Hailey, brothers Dave (Angie) Novotny and Edward Novotny, sisters Christine (Jeff) Hart and Nicole (Mark) Smith; nephews Tom (Jacqueline) Novotny and Tyler Hart, niece Sarah (Steve) Crosby; great-nephews Clayton, Luke, Tucker and great-nieces Vivienne and Cecilia; lifelong friends Nick DeLand, Steve Andrus, Zane Opfar, and Jeff Jones. Dan is lovingly remembered by his cherished 2nd grade teacher and dear friend, Ms. Zeri (Susie McCurtain Cheese), the only person he allowed to call him Danny.

Dan’s wish was to be cremated. His ashes will be spread at his favorite places, San Diego and Yellowstone National Park. A Celebration of Life Open House will be held Saturday, April 5th 1:00-5:00 p.m. at the Hart Residence, 6338 W. Moring Point Way, South Jordan, UT.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Huntsman Cancer Institute.