Dean Danielsen

In many ways, birth and death are like sunrise and sunset. As dawn breaks on one’s life, hope springs eternal for what is to come. What happens in between birth and death is truly magnificent. Dean Danielsen lived 84 years, 4 months, and 24 days. During his time in this mortal realm, he had many varied experiences. Sunsets, like death, are inescapable. For our beloved Dean, sunset came at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 4, 2017. He passed away peacefully at the George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salt Lake City following a short illness.
Dean (Dino to his friends) was born Friday, August 12, 1932 in Logan to Henry Danielsen and Maria “Marie” Obray, the ninth of thirteen children. He lived in Logan until August 1937, when the family moved to Salt Lake City. Their first home was at 20 N. P St. in the Avenues. In 1943, they moved to 1377 S. 300 E. in Liberty Wells, where Dean spent the remainder of his childhood. He graduated from South High School, Class of 1949.
Married Judith Gayle “Judy” Adamson on February 15, 1956 in Salt Lake City; later divorced. Married Ruby Dean on February 15, 1962 in Salt Lake City; later divorced. Married Carol Barker on March 31, 1974 in Elko, Nevada; later divorced.
Dean was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, having served in the United States Air Force from 1952 until his honorable discharge in 1954. He was stationed in Japan. Dean had been a dedicated member of The American Legion since 1964, belonging to Post 112, District 8, Department of Utah. On March 15, 2014, in honor of 50 years of involvement, he was given a “Certificate of Continuous Membership.” Dean was praised for his “faithful and dedicated allegiance to the ideals of The American Legion” and that “such record of consistent loyalty to The American Legion merits the honor of being cited as an outstanding contributor to the programs of The American Legion.” He was dearly beloved by his fellow Legionnaires.
Dean was employed by Gibbons & Reed Construction for a number of years, working on several major projects for state and local governments. He also skillfully tended bar at Post 112. When not at the bar, Dean was golfing. He could often be found at Meadow Brook Golf Course in Taylorsville. Dean was a longtime resident of Millcreek.
He enjoyed a close relationship with his twin brother, Don (Dean was ten minutes older). They were known to everyone as “The Twins.” Dean was also close with his niece, Kacy Bult-O’Donnell, of Los Angeles, California. They spoke often by telephone and he would always look forward to her visits when she was in town.
Dean leaves to cherish his memory: his loving daughter, Debbie (Kelly) Martinez of Friday Harbor, Washington; four grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; brother, Doyle (LindaJo) Danielsen, of Arvada, Colorado; and sisters, Shirley (David) Pino of Draper and Margaret “Margie” Bult of Murray; as well as several nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Arlene (Garth) Clark, Margene (Henry) Peterson, Peggy (Merle) Huntley, Grant (Lola) Danielsen, Donald Danielsen, Dorothy Danielsen, Glendon Danielsen, Don Danielsen, and Larry Danielsen; and brothers-in-law, Brent Curtis and Steve Bult.
The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses who cared for Dean in his final hours. Our gratitude is also extended to his wonderful friends from Post 112. They took such great care of him and we are forever in their debt.
Farewell, Dean. Until we meet again.
In accordance with Dean’s wishes, he will be cremated. His ashes are set to be scattered in a place he dearly loved. A celebration of Dean’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at American Legion Post 112, 320 E. 3900 S., Millcreek.
“In Memoriam: Margaritae Sorori”
A late lark twitters from the quiet skies:
And from the west,
Where the sun, his day’s work ended,
Lingers as in content,
There falls on the old, gray city
An influence luminous and serene,
A shining peace.
The smoke ascends
In a rosy-and-golden haze. The spires
Shine and are changed. In the valley
Shadows rise. The lark sings on. The sun,
Closing his benediction,
Sinks, and the darkening air
Thrills with a sense of the triumphing night–
Night with her train of stars
And her great gift of sleep.
So be my passing!
My task accomplish’d and the long day done,
My wages taken, and in my heart
Some late lark singing,
Let me be gather’d to the quiet west,
The sundown splendid and serene,
Death.
– William Ernest Henley (1849-1903)
Service Information

Celebration of Life
January 14, 2017 at 2:00 PM
American Legion Post 112, 320 E. 3900 S., Millcreek.