Daniel John Leyes

Daniel John Leyes died on the evening of December 24th, 2025, at the age of 55, after a long struggle with cancer. He died at home with family by his side.

Born in July 1970, Daniel grew up in Southern Oregon as the oldest of three children. He knew early in life that he wanted to pursue a career in EMS. He volunteered for the Applegate Valley and Jackson County Fire Districts from 1988 to 1990. In 1989, Daniel married his best friend, Leanna Dodd. They were both 19. The two moved to Bend in 1990, and Daniel began volunteering for the Bend Fire Department. After working briefly for Redmond Fire, he was hired at the Bend Fire Department as a firefighter-paramedic in 1995, and was a founding member of the rescue team. Daniel was proud to serve as a deputized medic with the Bend Police Department CERT (Central Oregon Emergency Response Team) for fourteen years. Daniel also enjoyed working as a licensed general contractor, specializing in concrete work. He retired due to illness in 2021.

Daniel was the loving father of two children, and a man of strong faith in Jesus Christ. He was an avid gardener and baker, and loved to can his own produce. He liked to build, sew, kayak, and go camping. Daniel was a man who valued integrity, generosity, service, hard work, and had an indomitable spirit.

Daniel was preceded in death by his son Zachary Leyes, who sadly died at age 17. Daniel is survived by his parents, John and Mary Leyes, his sister Anna (Leyes) Butler, his brother Jeffrey Leyes, his wife Leanna Leyes, his daughter Abigail (Leyes) Young, and many family and friends who miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, Daniel would have valued donations to Compassion International, or to Bend Fire's Community Assistance Program- or you could just help your neighbor in his memory. Memorials will be by private invitation only.

Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home of Bend was honored to serve the family.