Daniel John McCaskill

Daniel John McCaskill
October 3, 1974 - December 30, 2016
Dan was taken from us much too soon on December 30th in an Arizona hospital after suffering a massive heart attack. He was 42. Dan had a passion for life and was never afraid to say what he was thinking even if it got him into trouble. He wasn't afraid to cry and was supportive of everyone around him. On occasion he had a fiery temper but was also genuinely kindhearted and loving. He loved animals, even though he was allergic, and always had at least 2 or 3 cuddle friends by him on the couch while he watched sports or movies.
Dan worked at Industrial Metal in Blackfoot as a purchasing agent for 5 years and loved his job. Dan was a great husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend co-worker and coach as was evident by the outpouring of support, calls, texts, messages, posts, etc. received by the family. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Dan was born in Pocatello, Idaho on October 3, 1974 where he resided his entire life. He was raised, along with his older brother Dave, by their father, John McCaskill. The McCaskill house was always full of Dan and Dave's friends who were treated as family. Their house was the meeting place where everyone gathered to play baseball, football, basketball and poker.
Dan met Julienne in 1992 and they were together over 3 years. They reconnected in 2002 and have been together ever since. In 2011 they were married in St. George where they always enjoyed spending time at their family vacation home. Dan helped to raise his step-daughter, Alexa, since she was 4 years old. Dan has been an amazing father to Alexa and was always there for her. He loved her as if she was his own. Dan was loved deeply and completely by both Julienne and Alexa and he will be forever missed.
Dan always loved sports and was active in baseball during his youth. He played 3 years of Highland High School baseball and 3 years of American Legion Baseball. He also played city softball for several years. His love for sports continued into his adult life where he coached little league. More recently he was the assistant coach for the Century Diamondbacks where he had the pleasure of coaching with his great friend, Duane Rawlings, for many years. Dan also coached in the Pocatello Legion Program from 2013 to 2015. During this time he coached the Razorbacks for 2 seasons. The 2014 Razorbacks had an unprecedented record of 57 - 1, went on to win state, and then continued on to win regionals, which were held in Alaska. This was a first in the program's history. He also coached the 2015 Running Rebels to state after a several year drought. Dan influenced the lives of countless young men and had a deep love and passion for coaching.
Dan teamed up again with Duane to coach his nephew, Gunner's football team, the West Highland Bucs for 4 years. He also attended his niece, Payton's volleyball and softball games on a regular basis. They had lots of inside jokes and he could always make them laugh when he would put an entire cupcake or roll into his mouth. Dan's nephew and niece meant the world to him.
Dan is survived by his wife Julienne; daughter, Alexa Pharis; father, John; brother, Dave and children Gunner & Payton; mother, Marjean (Rick) Hedstrom; and half-sister, Kim (Dan) Woodruff; step-mother, Cindy (Alan) Ulrigg and their son, Grant; mother-in law, Debbie Connett; sister-in-law, Melanie (Richard) Connett and her children, Mark, Matthew & Sophia; sister-in law, Rebecca (Nick) Drake and their children, Natalie Carter, Kathryn & Mick; brother-in-law, Dean (Carrie) Connett and their children, Elin, Claire & Grant.
The family wishes to thank the numerous EMT workers, nurses, doctors and surgeons at all 3 hospitals in Arizona who did everything they could to save his life. Julienne would also like to thank Dave McCaskill because if he had not performed CPR on Dan immediately John, Alexa and she would not have had the chance to say goodbye.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 11 am at Grace Lutheran Church, 1350 Baldy Ave, Pocatello, Idaho 83201.
All players who have played for Dan or coaches who have coached with Dan please wear or bring your jersey to the service so we can use them in an Honor Column at the conclusion of the service. Some Century and Legion jerseys will also be available at the service.
Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 S. 4th Ave. Pocatello, ID, is caring for Dan's family.
Condolences may be made at www.colonial-funeralhome.com