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Daniel Decious Obituary

Daniel Russell Decious
July 12, 1938 - January 31, 2021
Sacramento, California - Died peacefully in Sacramento, CA from complications from concussion and cardiac disease. Born to Doris and Stan Decious in Alturas, CA. Survived by wife Mary of 39 years; cousin Kay McDonald; niece Cindy Exline (Alex) and children Chloé and Kincaid; and nephew Chuck Davis (Carrie) and daughter Shiloh. Loving brother-in-law to John and Cinda Smith and uncle to their children Kevin Svendsen and David Brown. Predeceased by his parents, sister Beverly Gay Boehme and niece Leisa Smith Vitale.
Made in Modoc. Colorful characters, migrating geese, and starlit skies shaped Dan's roots. His bond with sports began with MLB games sputtered out on a radio he and his dearest friend Jerry Gloster coaxed into life. The boys became scorekeeper and batboy for the Alturas Tigers, a regional team with Stan at first base. $1 per game. They traveled with Stan to away games and occasionally tried to foil opposing batters by aiming mirrors and sunlight. Longer drives and deliberations carried the threesome through Pacific Coast League seasons. Candlestick and 24 Willie Mays Plaza followed.
Autumn brought true love to Dan's sports heart with his first CAL-Stanford Big Game alongside his dad, a CAL alum. This love hit hard and stayed a lifetime.
Dan excelled academically, yet knew his rural community didn't expect or even encourage its youth to seek higher education. No matter. His brilliant mind, spirit and motivation took him from a hometown of 2,000 to a UC Berkeley chemistry class of 2,000 and into a broader world of possibility.
Dan received his B.S. in Chemistry at UC Berkeley and Ph.D. from the University of Washington. Along the way, he wrote for The Daily Cal, announced UC Davis Aggies games, and formed lifelong friendships.
Dan's calling to teach came in graduate school when 250 students joined the pre-exam session he'd scheduled for 60. Two years of research at the Johns Hopkins University did nothing to change his mind. He taught at the University of Washington, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, and UC Santa Barbara. Dan's 36 years at CSUS lay ahead and would center on helping students achieve their own scholastic objectives.
Professor and Advocate. 'Dr. Dan', as he was affectionately known, was a magnificent teacher and academic advisor. In his lecture hall, Dan's great humor turned daunting chemistry curriculums into enjoyable semesters, backed by the Help! office he originated. In his department office, he tutored individually or directed spirited chalkboard problem-solving sessions. Advising was available at any time and place. In all cases, Dan's commitment and encouragement lead the way.
Dan was a passionate champion for students, dedicated to helping them realize their academic goals. First in line to engage in programs promoting student success, he was Founding Faculty Director of the CSUS Academic Advising Center, an innovative concept using faculty to help students navigate complex requirements. His work helped make the Center a model for California and beyond.
The Science Educational Equity (SEE) Program was dear to Dan's heart and values. Its collaborative learning community supports the academic goals of students from underrepresented backgrounds. SEE students seek to build diversity in health, research, teaching and STEM fields and to expand quality health care access to underserved communities. Dan signed on at SEE's inception and never said goodbye.
Dan's contributions were recognized with many awards, the foremost of which was the John C. Livingston Annual Faculty Lecture, a University Convocation honoring faculty whose active role in the life of the university reaches across a broad range of spheres.
In retirement, Dan counseled science majors at area colleges and taught privately. For twelve years, he volunteered at the SFBFS Adult Education Program, his second teaching home. His versatility and ability to connect with students ranged from illuminating P-Chem 'thermo-godammits' at CSUS to teaching adult learners in our community how to add and subtract. He made the difference for thousands of students and is remembered as a trusted friend and mentor.
The Great Loves. Dan enjoyed SF Giants spring training, golf, and visits north. At home, he read about the indigenous Modoc tribes, historic events, science and sports. In his garden chair, he relaxed with his pipe and the Modoc County Record.
Dan's depth of feeling and knowledge for sports cannot be understated. Any baseball or football experience with him was a master class in the history, lore, art and beauty of the game. No player was more revered by Dan than Willie Howard Mays, Jr., retired uniform number 24.
He was as intense as he was learned and could weep in joy or launch astonishing harangues into distant atmospheres. To cement marriage vows, Dan required Mary to become proficient in baseball. She was given books, quizzes and drills and passed her final by announcing nine innings of play-by-play and color commentary to a muted TV. Dan fulfilled Mary's return stipulation of learning one theater or music work per year, up until Thanksgiving Evening 1982 when his shout of 'play ball!' rang throughout the SF Opera House following the playing of the national anthem.
As dearly as he loved the SF Giants and 49ers, Dan's dedication to the California Golden Bears was a thing apart. It existed on a transcendental plane. From childhood seasons at his father's side, his devotedness to the Blue and Gold evolved with every coach, roster, team and game into complete love.
Dan was an old school spirit with a warm open-hearted nature. His dynamic personality, intellect, and sense of humor drew people into his orbit. To share his presence and friendship was a privilege.
Dan's heart for his family ran deep. He cheered on the younger generations' aspirations and delighted in their successes. For over forty years Dan and Mary cherished their love-lit cosmos of two, an entirety unto itself.
Treasured memories of who he was and how he was on this earth remain with Dan's beloved family, friends, colleagues, golf crew, and Men of Thursday. We'll gather to honor his life at a safer, sunnier time.
Memorial donations may be made to:
Dan Decious Science Educational Equity (SEE) Program Scholarship or CSUS Schrödinger Equation Scholarship c/o The University Foundation at Sacramento State 6000 J Street Sacramento, CA 95819
https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1894/19/home-hero.aspx?sid=1894&gid=2&pgid=418&cid=1063&dids=260.261
The Decious family thanks UCD Medical Center for attentive and compassionate care.
Man, educator, advocate, colleague, devotee, friend, uncle, and husband.
Go Bears!

Published by & from Feb. 12 to Feb. 14, 2021.
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Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Decious

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Never forgotten You left such an impact in all life´s around you. You left us all a beautiful gift.

Rosita Takach

School

February 6, 2024

He made Chemistry interesting. He came to watch my band play at some cheesy bar and cheered after every song. I couldn't stop smiling. When I returned to study for a Masters degree he told me "you were never really any good at Chemistry, Let's see what else we can find for you". I will always cherish those words.

Colin Aiken

Student

April 18, 2021

I was shocked and deeply saddened to recently learn of Dan’s passing.
My deepest condolences to Mary and Dan’s family.
I’d known Dan for more than 50 years.
Dan became my undergraduate advisor in Chemistry when I transferred to Sac State from American River Junior College in the fall of 1968.
My early academic career was less than stellar, and I foundered on the rocks of second semester P-Chem, a class that Dan taught in the Spring of 1970 (‘interesting times’ as the curse goes). I was ‘academically disqualified’ and had to sit out of school for one year. As I was 1A at that point, with a draft lottery number of 64, I chose to enlist in the Army instead of being drafted. I served for three years in the Army Security Agency as a Russian linguist before returning to Cal State in the fall of 1973, and successfully completing my BS in Chemistry (including passing 2nd semester P-Chem, taught by Paul Noble?), graduating in 1975.
It always weighed on Dan that my failing his PChem class led to my going into the military. I could never convince him that it was my responsibility, not his, for my predicament.
Later as a Master’s student in Chemistry (Analytical, under Dr Fredi Jakob), I had the opportunity to be a teaching assistant (TA) for Dan several times. Prior to the start of a semester, TA’s for Dan’s chem 1A (General Chemistry) lab sections would be required to ‘practice teach’ I. e. prepare and present a topic in basic chemistry, in front of Dan and the other TAs, while being videotaped. We’d review our presentations and Dan would critique our technique. Dan used to implore us to use Piaget teaching methods, to emphasize the teaching of concepts.
But it wasn’t always just about teaching chemistry. Dan and I used to commiserate about the state of Cal football (59’-73’, until Bartkowski came along). My family were proud ‘subway alumni’. Dan appreciated my family’s devotion to Cal football. From the early 70’s- late 90’s my parents were Bear Backers, had season tickets (section GG) and we’d occasionally see Dan sitting in the student rooting section!
I moved to Rhode Island in 1978 and only occasionally visited California afterwards, losing touch with most folks, including Dan. In the early 2000’s, Cal football started making a comeback, under Jeff Tedford, and an old friend of mine, Geoff Wong, also a Cal grad, convinced me to attend the 2003 Insight Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona (Cal, (w/Aaron Rodgers) vs Virginia Tech). On the way to the stadium, and one of the many the Cal pre-game parties, who should we run into, but Dan! Since then, I ran into Dan at other Cal Bowl games, the last time might have been in San Diego (Poinsettia Bowl?).
Dan’s hair might have gone from black to gray to white, but Dan seemed ageless. I will always picture Dan with his pipe (when I came back to Cal State, I gave Dan a simple Meerschaum pipe (white bowl, yellow stem) that I picked up in a post-exchange store in West Germany). I will miss Dan. (Whatever happened to that huge grand piano, I remember helping Dan move into his living room? Along with seven or eight other students). Again, my deepest condolences to Mary and Dan’s family.

Wayne Warren

Friend

March 15, 2021

Dr. Decious left an indelible mark in many of us who had him as a teacher. He was funny, helpful, sarcastic and a very tough professor. He was ahead of the curve in helping many of us who were first generation college students, which came from varied ethnic backgrounds. He will live on through the many lives he touched. Even after many years after graduating, I often thought about him and how he impacted my life. I am so glad I personally thanked him for all his contributions at a SEE event. Rest In Peace Dr. Dan. You will always be remembered.

Ricardo Martinez

Student

February 21, 2021

I was the "girlfriend" of a chem student mentored by Dan, and thus was blessed by his friendship and merry times. I became a teacher and recognize one of the Greats in Dr. Dan.

Kathy Fleming

Student

February 19, 2021

Professor Dan Decious impacted so many lives. I witnessed his passion helping so many students. Professor Decious left no stone unturned in breaking down barriers that would prevent students from being successful. It is through his efforts that so many students achieved success. It was my pleasure to have known and worked with such a special professional champion for students. My condolence to his family.
Rosita Takach
California State University, Sacramento
Financial Aid Office

Rosita Takach

Coworker

February 16, 2021

I was a Chemistry student at Sac State from 1966-1968 with a wife and newborn daughter. I had two part-time jobs (one in the Chemistry stockroom through the work-study program) and was a mostly full-time student desperate to graduate ASAP. Dan Decious was so supportive and encouraged me to join on the department softball team which was a highlight of that time of my life. My father had passed away in 1966 and Dr. Fish was like a helpful surrogate father while Dan Decious was like an additional especially important and fun older brother in that time. I graduated with a Chemistry B.A. in the summer of 1968 and luckily was hired right after as a research associate at U.C. Davis in the Food Science and Nutrition Departments where I worked and studied and received a M.S. degree. I kept in touch with Dr. Decious and Dr. Fish during my working life and made a point to stop by Sac State to visit occasionally. I returned to work at Sac State (2002-2007) and retired from the Chemistry Department as an Instructional Support Associate. I felt lucky that Dan was still there at the end of my working journey. Dan will be missed by many and we were lucky to know him and interact with him.

Brian Fletcher

Coworker

February 15, 2021

I am so sorry our world has lost this amazingly fine man. It’s been many years since we saw him at the Modoc Picnic in Sacramento and enjoyed his humor. RIP Danny!

Mary Fender, spouse of Guy Fender

Friend

February 15, 2021

Well, I did not wake up expecting to have a few tears flow, but then again, we have little control in how life plays out. Dan Decious was my Chem 1A teacher at Sac State, 1981. You too may have had him and if you did, you were treated to an extraordinary human with a desire to teach a topic that few understood and dare I say, even fewer wanted to understand. He was from Modoc County. He loved Modoc County. I am not sure why I recall this, but I do. He was a Cal Bears fan and a huge Giants fan. I recall those discussions as though they were yesterday. Its a sad Sunday morning all of the sudden.

Rob Aragon

Student

February 14, 2021

I knew Dan from the Academic Advising Center, lo these many, many years ago. He was a great guy, funny and wise, and really always had the students' interests at heart. I am so glad he found happiness with Mary--that is a story in itself!
With much respect for his generosity and kindness to all. The world was a better place with him in it. His life was too short!
Elizabeth Hanson-Smith
Professor Emeritus, Sac State English Dept.

Elizabeth Hanson-Smith

Coworker

February 14, 2021

Dan Decious never met a stranger. He was a true friend who I had the honor of knowing for over fifty years. He will be missed. My prayers and condolences to Mary and family.

Evelyn Bradley-Owens

Coworker

February 13, 2021

The world lost a passionate, generous, funny, loving soul and his presence will be sorely missed by those who were lucky enough to meet him.

Robert and I got to bond with Dan over Cal football. Sitting in section TT and traveling to various road and bowl games allowed us to soak in his stories. We admired him so much that we asked him to officiate our wedding. I’ll forever be grateful that he was an integral part of our special day.

Our thoughts are with you, Mary. Dan, we will miss you so much!

Go Giants and Go Bears forever!

Elin Feng & Robert Fry

Friend

February 13, 2021

I only got to talk to Dan once at the family reunion in 2019 and we hit it off immediately. Such a warm and vibrant person.

Mark Wemple

February 13, 2021

I tutored with Dan at the Sacramento Food Bank 10 years ago. We attended a Cal v Oregon football game too.
He was a great man and will be missed by friends and family alike.

Will Levin

Friend

February 12, 2021

I tutored with Dan at the Sacramento Food Bank 10 years ago. We attended a Cal v Oregon football game too.
He was a great man and will be missed by friends and family alike.

Will Levin

Friend

February 12, 2021

What a fantastic man. A generous and compassionate man that brought humor and thought to nearly every conversation. As a student of his, he was always available and challenged me and encouraged me to be better. I would certainly not be were I am today without Dan's encouragement and guidance. CSUS chemistry class on 1984

Joe Tuscano

Student

February 12, 2021

One of the most kind, loving, compassionate humanbeing I ever had the privilage of learning from.
Thirty years after leaving CSUS and bouncing around the world before retiring to Saint Augustine, FL, one day the phone rang, I regnized his voice from the word hello, after all those years.
We managed to get together a couple of times. The last time in Mary and Dan's home (thank you Mary for an unforgettable evening).
We talked and laughed late into the night.
I had gone to Iran to visit family and could not leave the country without proving that I was a full time student at CSUS, which I wasn't at the time. He made that miracle happen. We laughed about that at the giant plate of brownies I took to the chemistry department the morning after arriving back in Sacramento.
Rest in peace friend, you're gone but not forgotten.
With much love and respect,

Mohammed Mirzai

Student

February 12, 2021

What a beautiful tribute to an extraordinary man. It was a delight to know him. We share a love for golf, played together many times, and Dan was a frequent volunteer for the junior golf tournament I direct each August. He will be missed. Kathy looked forward to encounters with Dan as he always made her laugh. Our thoughts are with you, Mary.
Larry and Kathy Glasmire

Kathy and Larry Glasmire

Friend

February 12, 2021

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