Daniel Lloyd

Daniel George Lloyd
September 1, 1963 – April 5, 2024
" There is no request too big or small.
We give ourselves. We give our all.
Love isn't some place that we fall –
It's something that we do."
Clint Black
Let me tell you about the love of my life, and the best man I have ever known, my husband Dan. Love is something that he did.
Let me start with the superficial: Dan was HANDSOME! Six feet tall, dark brown hair, and those eyes I see those eyes in each of our children and am so grateful that my blue eyes are recessive. Dan discovered in our second year of marriage that his eyes needed glasses to improve his distance vision. I remember driving down the George Washington Parkway in Virginia and hearing Dan exclaim, "Look! All of those trees have leaves!"
Always handsome and clean cut, the first time he took my breath away – actually took my breath away-was a 1984 sorority formal. Dan arrived dressed in a double-breasted, black tuxedo, gel in his hair, and Don Johnson scruff on his chin (if you know, you know – if you don't, google it). Long stemmed red roses in his hand and driving his dad's black BMW - Dan stole my heart for good that day and we never looked back.
If you ever worked with Dan, you know that Dan was SMART! Dan graduated Cum Laude from the University of Utah with a double major in Accounting and Economics, and a minor in Spanish Language. He earned his CPA certification in Washington, D.C. at KPMG and quickly ditched audit for consulting. During the S&L crisis, Dan co-wrote a comprehensive evaluation of the demise and liquidation of savings and loans institutions across the country. Soon after the book's publication, Dan considered pursuing an MBA. When he reviewed the first-year curriculum, he discovered that the program used the book he co-authored as course material. Needless to say, Dan pivoted to law school.
Dan chose to attend the University of Virginia and earn his JD at "Mr. Jefferson's University." Three years of intense study and the discovery of life-long friendships changed the trajectory of his professional life. Dan always considered himself a CPA with a law degree, rather than a lawyer with an accounting degree – though his combined training prepared him to be both CFO and General Counsel for companies of various sizes and stages of development. Dan spent the most rewarding of his professional years in the fast-paced technology industry and he thrived there.
Dan was GENEROUS with his time and his resources. I have lost count of the proselytizing missionaries he helped to support over the years – if he saw a need, he always wrapped the expense into our budget and made it happen. Dan enabled single moms to get into houses, over-extended friends to get their heads above water, and more than one immigrant to start their own business. He didn't necessarily expect to ever be repaid, but when he was, he was grateful to have the funds back so he could quietly help someone else.
Dan was FAITHFUL! Whether you are a member of our religion or not, if you knew Dan Lloyd, you knew he believed and tried to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. He told me once that his faith had always been with him: he always knew and never doubted the teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the validity of The Book of Mormon. Dan served a full-time LDS mission in Montevideo, Uruguay and loved the Spanish language and Latino culture for the rest of his life. He was blessed with companions who challenged him, encouraged him, and strengthened him. One became a lifelong friend. We returned to Dan's mission areas 10 years after his mission ended, and it was wonderful to witness his joy reuniting with individuals and families.
Dan utilized his Spanish language skills in day-to-day life, professionally and – most importantly-when he served as the Gayton Ward bishop in Richmond, Virginia. The ward he served and loved with his whole heart became a magnet congregation for Spanish-speaking members in the greater Richmond area. As the attendance in our congregation began to swell, Dan found himself responsible for the equivalent of two wards. He loved the opportunity to get to know and care for people. Every morning found him on his knees in his home office praying for the people in his care. Dan spent the five years of his service immersed in the scriptures, and he spent countless hours every week reaching out to members and responding to needs. If Dan was here, he would tell you that those were the most rewarding years of his life – his priesthood duties were a privilege and honor.
Most recently, Dan served as an ordinance worker in the Jordan River Temple. He always enjoyed being in the temple. For the 40 years I knew Dan, temple attendance was a priority for him. Less than two months ago, he gave his final Sacrament Meeting talk about temple service and mountain snow, two things he loved. Both are white, cleansing, peaceful, and life sustaining.
Lastly, and most importantly, Dan was a FAMILY MAN! Dan was proud of his Ashton/Lloyd family heritage and was intentional about trying to live up to the high standards their legacy set. He was humbled to carry his grandfather George's name as he revered his missionary efforts and life-long service. The heavenly reunion of Dan with his dad, Glen, and Grandpa George brings me comfort.
Dan idolized his older brothers and always tried to watch out for his younger sisters. His loyalty and devotion to his mother is one of the things that drew me to him years ago. He loved them dearly and would have sacrificed anything on their behalf.
I am not sure I can find enough words to praise Dan's love for and dedication to his children. Madison, Cameron, and Danny – he thought you hung the moon and the stars. Being your dad was his favorite thing in this life. I know he told you often how much he loved you and how proud he was of you, but during the last 40 days of his life, I believe he said it more often, more passionately, and more intentionally than ever before. I know - I was there. The first thing he would ask every morning and at the conclusion of every day was what each of you were up to. He wanted a minute-by-minute replay of everything you were doing, seeing, and learning. He loved the Facetime calls with his latest delight – Claire Catherine Holtry. He called her "CiCi" and she continues to look for "Pop Pop" every time she enters our home. Dan relished being a grandpa.
As a husband, Dan was pure magic. I always felt adored and appreciated, he truly made all of my dreams come true. He loved my family like his own. Lest you think he was perfect he wasn't. Age and chronic discomfort could make him a bit of a curmudgeon, but his intentions and affection were never in question. He worked tirelessly to nourish, testify, and provide. He truly was one of the very best, and I am blessed to walk by his side eternally. Love is something that he did – every day, all day long.
Dan is survived by me, Alyssa Buxton Lloyd, daughters Madison and Cameron (Brad Holtry), son Danny, and granddaughter Claire. Mother: Sylvia Knight Lloyd, brothers Brian (Corinne), Warren (Jenny), sisters Allison (Allan Groebs) and Karen. In-laws: Nylyn Buxton (Paul Gifford), Cheryl (Doug Rock), Kerri Buxton (Brad Taylor), and Cortney Buxton. Numerous beautiful and talented nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life and viewing for Dan will be held on Friday, April 12 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and a funeral on Saturday, April 13 at 10:00 a.m. Both gatherings will take place at the Ensign Peak ward building (designed by Dan's dad), 155 N. Sandrun Road, Salt Lake City, Utah. If you have time, we would love to see you and hear your memories of Dan.