Daniel Reay

Daniel Reay passed away in his home on November 18th, 2023. He was born December 29th, 1972, and is survived by his wife (Lori) of 31 years, three children (Taylor & Melissa, Courtney & Morgan, and Braden), his Father (Tom), sister (Heidi & Nate), as well as his grand-pups (Ace, Dixie & Dug). Preceded in death by his mother (Elaine Kirk) and brother (Daryl). A native of Pleasant Grove, he graduated from Pleasant Grove High School in 1991. In 1992, at age 19, he married his high-school sweetheart, who had known each other since they were 12. In 1995 his love for aviation led him to a career working for McDonald-Douglass, which later merged with Boeing. In 1999, with his mother's intellect and his father's work ethic, he began constructing his home with the help of his loved ones, to later raise his three children. He graduated from Utah Valley State University with a Bachelor's in Accounting in 2009.
As a man of many talents, he could often be found in the woodshop with his father, hiking with his family, planning his next vacation with his wife, experimenting with various meats and cheeses in his smoker, or playing with his 3D printer in the basement. He recently finished building a desk for his beloved wife's office, followed his oldest son Taylor through Law Enforcement as an Honorary Colonel, hiked over 90 miles of backcountry with Court and Morgan, and just returned home from Europe with Braden.
Husband, son, father, brother, uncle, nephew, friend, leader, caregiver, sportsman, hiker, backpacker, traveler, camper, advocate, Honorary Colonel, and craftsman are a few of the titles he was proud to tie his name to. His door was open to all and he was a safe haven for many. Although he sanctioned a home of comfort, he was always looking for a reason to hook up the trailer and get the family together. He enjoyed visiting National Parks, with Glacier National Park becoming a family favorite annual trip, sometimes visiting multiple times a year. Dan had planned to hike all 734 miles of Glacier National Park with his kids during their annual trips to the park and had just reached his 250-mile marker. Other National Parks included Wind Cave, Yellowstone, Tetons, Badlands, Mesa Verde, Arches, Zion, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Great Basin, Bryce Canyon, Devils Tower, and Jewel Cave. World travels with family included England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, France, Netherlands, Czechoslovakia, Vatican City, Monte Carlo, St. Lucia, Jamaica, Mexico, and Canada.
Dan led by example, he never complained about work, he was always the neighbor to offer the helping hand, he always led with a sense of grace and goofiness, and taught his kids to never stop exploring.
Papabear, you better save some huckleberries and what not for us when we meet again...
Funeral services will be held Friday, November 24, 2023, at 11:00 am in the Timpanogos 4th Ward building; 425 East 500 North, Pleasant Grove, Utah. Family and friends may attend a viewing from 9:00 - 10:45 am prior to the services. Interment will be in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.