Daniel Sims Obituary

Wasilla resident Daniel Lee Sims, 49, strongheartedly fought cancer with courage and bravery. His battle ended on May 29, 2011, with his loving wife and family by his side.

Memorial services for Dan will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Church on the Rock, 3571 W. Machen Road, Wasilla.

Daniel was born on Feb. 19, 1962, in Tucola, Ill., to Ronald and Mita Sims.

He grew up in Ambler and lived in Anchorage, Chitina and Wasilla.

He worked on the cleanup of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, and for the Alaska Railroad.

Dan met his loving wife and soul mate, Gina, in Wasilla, about 24 years ago. They were married five years ago and both agreed that their years together were the best they'd ever spent.

Daniel was a deeply spiritual person; he enjoyed reading the Bible, drawing, spending time in the garden with his wife, playing with his grandchildren and listening to music. As a burn patient, Dan overcame many obstacles; he was left without a hand on one arm and without fingers on the other hand. His positive outlook and his faith in God never wavered. He never took pity on himself or questioned God's plans for him. His great sense of humor, genuine kindness and unconditional love for family and friends will be cherished and remembered by all. The quality of our hours are absolutely more important than the quantity. Dan's life was so rich that he touched everyone first with his spirit and now with his soul.

Daniel was preceded in death by his mother, Mita, and his brother, Jeffery.

He is survived by his wife, Gina; father, Ronald Sims; brothers, David Sims and Ronnie Sims and his wife Janni and their children, all of Wasilla; father and mother-in-law, Gene and Gerri Sauer; stepchildren, Heather Townsend and her husband Wyatt and their children, Shane Foley and his wife Jolene and their children, and Nicole Foley and her fiance Sam and their children, all of Wasilla; his heart's daughter, Rosalynn Neeley and her husband Bob and their children; his family in California, grandmother in-law, Sophie Sachs; brothers in-law, Bob and Mike Sauer and their families; and sisters in-law, Annette and Stefanie and their families.

In lieu of flowers, donations of annuals and perennials to be planted in Dan's memory would be welcomed. Contributions to assist with expenses can be sent to Wells Fargo Bank, account 8965937397, 581 W. Parks Highway, Wasilla 99654.

The family was cared for by Valley Funeral Home in Wasilla.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News from Jun. 5 to Jun. 6, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Sims

5 Entries

Debbie Rigsby

June 16, 2011

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

Annette

June 11, 2011

To his wife Gina and all of Dan's family I ask for the peace and comfort of Dan's soul to sooth you in your time of loss. Such a beautiful human being! I love you Gina!

michael&crickiet oneil

June 7, 2011

ron sorry to hear of dans passing.mike&crickiet oneil.arrc retired 2005

Theresa Evan

June 6, 2011

I went to school with Dan, he has went to a peacefull place. Now he is with God. My Prayers are with his family.

Theresa Tellier ( Evan)

Charles Hubbard

June 5, 2011

The familey will be in my prayers.
I worked with his farther on the railroad years ago.

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