Dan Twining was born on May 31, 1947, and passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on March 27, 2021.
Born in Seattle, Dan spent his childhood in Missoula, before his family relocated to Bellingham. He graduated from Bellingham High School, earned a BS from Central Washington University, and later received an MBA from University of Puget Sound. He initially worked as a CPA, before making his career in accounting and finance in the pulp and paper industry, retiring from Kimberly Clark in 2009.
Faith played an important role in Dan’s life. Since 1980 he was an active member of St. Luke Catholic Parish in Shoreline, where he was also confirmed into the Catholic Church. He became a strong supporter of Catholic education while each of his children attended St. Luke School and graduated from Seattle Preparatory School.
Dan believed “actions speak louder than words” and never shied away from a volunteer opportunity, as it allowed him to meet new people and make new friends. At St. Luke, he served as the maître d' for the annual Italian Dinner for many years. His warm smile was often the first thing people saw when they walked in the door. He also coached his children’s sports teams, coordinated CYO baseball and served on many committees over the years.
Dan continued to live that motto in his retirement years serving as a member and eventual Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Seattle Prep. He also was a longtime advocate for the Fulcrum Foundation, which supports Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Seattle, and served many years on its Board of Trustees.
Dan lived an active life and loved sports of all kinds. In 1976, it was through his love of snow skiing that he connected with his wife Theresa after meeting her at Potlatch Corp in Lewiston, ID, where they both worked. He played adult softball and soccer well into his 50s, and golfed weekly with the Men’s Club at Harbour Pointe. Dan loved traveling and enjoyed planning family vacations. He looked forward to March Madness, especially cheering on Gonzaga, and for 20+ years he and his buddies competed in a bracket challenge. He liked playing cribbage, watching the Mariners, hosting barbecues for family and friends, and working in his yard. He always enjoyed a nice glass of red wine and watching the sunset over the Olympic Mountains.
Dan (aka Mister T) was the type of person who could make friends wherever he went; everybody was either a friend or a potential friend. If you weren’t friends with Dan, it’s probably because you hadn’t met him yet. He will be remembered for his infectious smile, his love for telling stories, and the lasting impact he made wherever he went.
He is survived by Theresa, his wife of 43 years; his four children, James (Laura), Anne Marie, Jeffrey (Stephanie), and Paul (Hailey); his five grandchildren, Noah, Miles, Ava, Grace, and Lucy, with a sixth on the way; his brothers, David (Connie) and Richard (Linda); and a large extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Lucille; and his sister, Linda.
Due to COVID restrictions, a private funeral Mass will be held at St. Luke Catholic Church, in Shoreline, at 11 AM on Wednesday, April 7, 2021. To view a live stream of the Mass, please visit the St. Luke Parish Facebook page (facebook.com/StLukeCP). The family requests any donations made in Dan’s honor be directed to the Fulcrum Foundation, Seattle Preparatory School, or St. Luke School.
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