Brian Daniels ’72 died Oct. 25.
Daniels died Oct. 25. Brian was born Aug. 21, 1953, in Bellingham, Wash., to Shirley and Dixie Daniels. He loved growing up “in the woods” in Deming, Wash., and always had a special place in his heart for western Washington. He attended school there and graduated from Mt. Baker High School in 1971. He then attended Pacific Lutheran University, where he met and married Cindy (Wyberg) Whitlock ’72. They had five children and were later divorced. Brian worked as a carpenter and general contractor for over 20 years. This experience played out especially well as he became involved with Habitat for Humanity through the Thrivent Builds program, volunteering many, many hours pounding nails. He also served on the Habitat Board and served as president. Habitat for Humanity and Thrivent Builds were very dear to him. In 2009, Brian went to El Salvador on a build, and that was a very moving experience for him. Deciding that a career change was calling him, he attended Western Washington University and completed his degree. He then attended Luther Seminary and was ordained as a Lutheran pastor and served congregations in Washington state. Another career change led him to Thrivent and to Idaho Falls and marriage to Joleen. He believed in Thrivent, loved the relationships he made with his Thrivent colleagues and with the Thrivent members; they were an integral part of his life these last eight years, and he felt truly blessed. Another connection that he felt truly blessed by was with the Idaho Falls Symphony, where he met another set of wonderful people. He so enjoyed attending the symphony performances and also served on the board. Brian was also a member of the Exchange Club; NAIFA; and his dearly loved church, First Evangelical Lutheran Church. Many thanks to his pastor and friend, Larry Cudmore. Brian was diagnosed with stage-four glioblastoma (brain cancer) on Nov. 30, 2013. After almost a year of surgeries, infections, chemo, radiation and much more, he is finally at peace. The family would especially like to thank Dr. Brad Adams, Michael Parsons and their staff at Teton Cancer Institute; Dr. Brent Greenwald and his staff; Dr. Richard Nathan and his staff; Dr. McAlistar and his staff at EIRMC Radiation; and so many nurses and staff at EIRMC and Hospice of Eastern Idaho for their special care of Brian. It made such a difference in his journey! Brian adored his children and grandchildren and was never happier than when he was with them. He also enjoyed almost anything outdoors, including fly fishing, hunting and gardening, and he loved to cook and feed people! He is survived by his wife, Joleen; children, Kristy Daniels ’99 (Esau) of Seattle, Jo (Jesus) of Nantucket, Mass., Russell of Bellingham, Wash., and Connie (Sharma) of Boise, Idaho; two grandchildren, Cory and Derek Partida of Nantucket; his parents, Shirley and Dixie Daniels of Bellingham, Wash.; siblings Dan (Andrea) Daniels of Bellingham, Hugh (Ruth) Daniels of Lacey, Wash., Cindy Daniels of Chehalis, Wash., and Jim Daniels of Bellingham; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jana (Mike) Livingston of Othello, Wash., Jason (Wendy) Thompson of Mukitelo, Wash., Jim Thompson of Spokane, Wash., and Jerry (Debbie) Thompson of Deer Park, Wash.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Cindy.
