Daniel Courter

Avid Giants fan, nature lover, devoted father, and crossword aficionado Dan Courter passed away on the evening of February 14 at age 71. Dan was a steady force of unconditional love, unwavering patience and abiding kindness. Humor, curiosity, tenderness and joy were his compass. Dan was a Teamster for 35 years, softball coach for 10, and fiercely handsome Irishman for life. Nobody wore a cowboy hat, wool cap, tie dye, or yellow hemp shorts like he did. Dan was happiest breathing deeply outdoors, on the golf course, and in his garden, where he grew juicy vegetables and patiently taught a Scrub-Jay to eat seeds from his hand. He was thoughtful, as happy to listen as he was to speak. He loved delicious food and good beer, watching sports, Van Morrison, his morning newspaper, April Fools' pranks, good books, working in his yard, and a shuffle of CDs in the stereo. Dan could identify any wildflower or bird and was deeply fond of hiking, camping and backpacking. He adored family BBQs, laboring over his stained glass artwork, haiku, museum exhibits, live concerts, and street fairs. He made pesto from his garden and often muted televised baseball games because he preferred the radio commentary. Dan planned amazing adventures; day trips to SF, a bicycle tour through Tuscany, golf camp in New England, a family reunion in Ireland. He was peacefully content in his own company and cherished time with those he loved. Dan is lovingly survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Sara (Courter) and Dan Schwartz, his partner Jan Lee, siblings Paul (Kathleen), Joanne (Kevin), and Lynn, nieces and nephews, as well as troves of beloved friends. In the words of his favorite Avett Brothers song, "always remember there was nothing worth sharing, like the love that let us share our name."