Daniel Thomas "Dan" Bentley

Daniel Thomas Bentley, age 74, of Seattle, Washington, passed away on Tuesday morning, September 23, 2025.

He was born on December 3, 1950, in Seattle, Washington, at King County Hospital to Lloyd Bentley of Etty, Kentucky, and Erma Claire States of Oakland, California.

Dan grew up in several places. Born in Seattle, his family later moved to Phoenix, Arizona, then back to Seattle, and then to the Bay Area when he was seven years old. In 1963, his family relocated to Dallas, Texas, and in 1966 they returned to Seattle. He attended R.L. Turner High School in Carrollton, Texas, as a freshman, Nathan Hale High School in North Seattle as a sophomore, and graduated from Ballard High School after completing his junior and senior years there.

Shortly after graduating, Dan married his high school sweetheart, Pat Royer. His daughter, Jennifer, was born in 1971. Dan and Pat divorced several years later.

Dan married Toni Moye in 1987 and they son, Bradley, in 1988.

Dan began working for Greyhound Bus Lines at age 17 as a baggage handler and later as a driver. He continued to drive for Greyhound until a strike and lockout ended his career there more than 10 years later. During his time at Greyhound, he was a very active member of the Amalgamated Transportation Union, serving as a union steward and staunch advocate for workers' rights. His dedication included participating in many contentious actions and providing testimony before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Dan went on to continue working as a bus driver until his retirement in 2022, earning respect for his professionalism and the kindness he showed to passengers and coworkers alike.

Daniel proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserve at Fort Lewis, Washington, from 1970 to 1976 as a CH-47C Crew Chief, after completing training at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

Dan had two lifelong passions: photography and travel. Beginning in his late forties, he traveled extensively throughout the world with his friend and companion, Karen Francisco, as well as with friends and family. He continued to travel until medical conditions made it too difficult in 2023. He also loved sailing in the summer and skiing in the winter.

Daniel is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Bentley, and his son, Bradley Bentley. He is also survived by his twin brother, Michael Bentley; his sisters, Pamela Clack and Carol Armer Bentley; and his brothers, Randall Bentley, Barry Bentley, and John Bruce Bentley.

He was preceded in death by his infant sister, Maureen Bentley.

Family and friends will remember Dan for his adventurous spirit, dedication to his work, and his unwavering advocacy for others.

A celebration of life will be scheduled in the coming months when family and friends are able to come together.