Daniel O'Brian Golding

Daniel O'Brian Golding
March 17, 1957 – December 14, 2025
Daniel O'Brian Golding passed away unexpectedly on December 14, 2025, at the age of 68, due to a pulmonary embolism following a stroke. He lived a life marked by adventure, athleticism, and an enduring devotion to his family.
Born on St. Patrick's Day in Torrance, California, to George and Catherine Golding, Danny spent his early childhood in Redondo Beach before moving to the Palos Verdes Peninsula at the age of six. It was there he developed his lifelong passion for the ocean. He was a gifted big-wave surfer and proud Lunada Bay Boy. He was one of the first to scale the daunting cliffs to reach waves previously deemed "unsurfable". He had an almost magical ability to read the water and catch waves that others simply couldn't.
Danny excelled at individual sports of all kinds, with an almost uncanny ability to pick up anything he tried. He mastered pursuits such as skiing, snowboarding, dirt biking, and hiking with remarkable ease, earning him a spot on the BYU Ski Team during his college years. He also earned his pilot's license, cherishing the completion of his first solo flight.
Danny lived life fully and was a child at heart. A month prior to his death, he was surfing the best waves he has experienced in years, exclaiming to his family that he got "surf-stoked out of his mind!" He was also looking forward to catching some fresh powder this season at Snowbird.
He was an accomplished aerospace engineer. His career took his family across the USA including California, Georgia, Colorado, Hawaii, and Michigan. He was proud of his work on the B-2 bomber and the THAAD missile defense system. He was stoked to see the technology he helped develop, used in 2024 to protect U.S. lives.
Danny was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1985-1987 he served a mission in the Maryland Baltimore Mission. He held a firm testimony that life extends beyond the grave. Having lost much of his immediate family too young, there is great comfort in knowing he is now reunited with his parents and three brothers.
Of all the titles he held, the roles of father and grandfather mattered most. In 2015, Danny returned to Utah, which brought him immense joy as he could be near his children and grandchildren. He was their biggest support at every performance, game, and milestone with flowers in hand. His family was his greatest joy in life.
Danny is preceded in death by his beloved parents, George Elwin Golding and Catherine Frances Lamb Golding, his brothers Monte Carroll Golding, George Edward Golding, and Loren Luis Golding, and his sister-in-law Raeleen.
He is survived by his loving siblings, Patricia Anne Golding Knudsen (Dan), Joel Blake Golding, James Delos Golding (Kristi), and Kevin Fitzpatrick Golding, as well as his sister-in-law Lynda (Monte's wife).
He leaves behind his four cherished children: Catherine O'Brian Golding Mecham (Brett), Marah Dawn Golding Thomas (Andrew), Bailey Ann Golding Payne (Jacob), and Madeline Rose Golding; and six beloved grandchildren: Jack, Adelaide, Joey, Clark, Lindy, and Benjamin, with another granddaughter expected soon.
Words can't express the depth of our loss and how much we will miss his happy, free spirit. Dad is on his way to catch the eternal wave. Until we meet again - we will think of you in every wave, mountain peak, and sunset.
Funeral and Visitation Information
The family would like to encourage all attendees to wear Aloha wear (Hawaiian shirts, dresses, etc.) to the services to celebrate the life of the departed.
Funeral Services
The funeral will be held on Saturday, December 20, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1222 S. Nathaniel Dr., Pleasant Grove, UT 84062.
Visitations
Friday, December 19, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Walker Sanderson Funeral Home
85 E. 300 S., Provo, UT 84606
Saturday, December 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1222 S. Nathaniel Dr., Pleasant Grove, UT 84062
Graveside Service
A graveside service will be held immediately following the funeral service, at East Lawn Cemetery, 4800 Timpview Dr., Provo, UT 84604.
Flowers may be delivered on Friday, December 19, between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to Walker Sanderson Funeral Home.
A webcast of the service will be available at www.walkersanderson.com.