Daniel Lester Wakeley

1950 - 2017

(Age 67) 
On December 31st, our beloved brother, uncle, cousin and dear friend made his journey into eternity. Dan was born May 16, 1950 to Helen and Henry Wakeley, joining 3 siblings, Christi, David and Robert, and 9 years later another sister Terri was born. His early years were in a small home that his Dad and Grandpa Wakeley built on E. Central in the Hillyard area. When he was 6 years old the family moved to a wonderful home close to Rogers H.S. and the entire family knew that as home until 1996. Dan graduated from Rogers High School in 1968, lettering in basketball, baseball and football. He was a gifted athlete and played football for Spokane Falls C.C. and then EWU as well. During those years Dan forged many friendships that have endured through the years. Dan was a member of the Army National Guard for 6 years. In 1977, he was hired by Kaiser Aluminum in Trentwood as a shipping dept. employee and is remembered by many for his reliability and responsibility. Again, many new friendships developed in that work environment. He retired in 2003 and the universe opened an opportunity that made his heart sing, Dan had discovered the game of golf and his passion for it grew every year. The chance to work as a groundskeeper for Indian Canyon Golf Course and later at Downriver G.C. increased Dan’s opportunity to golf every day and his passion and skills increased exponentially until he was no longer able to work in 2017. Dan was a master golf teacher to anyone who sought his advice, gentle and encouraging. Many more new and lasting friendships were born and flourished on the golf courses. During all of 2017 as Dan made his way through an aggressive illness, his love of life and relationships sustained and encouraged him. He passed peacefully at the North Spokane Hospice House surrounded by family and many friends who visited frequently to express their love and insure he knew how much he will be missed. Dan was preceded in death by his parents and sister Terri. He is survived by his sister Christi (Gilbert) Smith of Spokane, brother David (Sandra) Wakeley of Allyn, WA, brother Robert Wakeley of Kent, WA and sister-in-law Janine Wakeley of Kent, WA. He is also survived by 7 nieces and nephews, 11 grand-nieces and grand-nephews and numerous cousins. His life-long friendships have been one of his greatest treasures. There will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday, January 7th at 11:00AM at Heritage Funeral Home. The family is grateful beyond words for the care and support Dan received from the entire staff of Dr. Brett Gourley’s office and the gentle and compassionate care of the staff at North Hospice House. In lieu of flowers Dan requests memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Spokane or the charity of your choice.