Daniel Ray Samuel

1954 - 2017

June 24, 1954 - July 2, 2017
Beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, son and friend, Daniel Ray Samuel, 63, of Dana Point, passed away on July 2, 2017.
Daniel, "Dan", was born in Marysville, California to Iris and Harold Samuel. Dan took his role as the oldest of 4 children very seriously. He was always there for his siblings, and later his nieces and nephews, with love, support, and his famed storytelling. Growing up, Dan developed a great knowledge and love for agriculture and the outdoors. He spent a great deal of time with his grandfather on a ranch in Marysville and summers working with his uncle on a ranch in Wyoming. When not on a ranch he spent summers on the San Joaquin Delta sailing and tending to boats on the marina with his friends and brothers.
After graduating from Lincoln High School in Stockton, California Dan attended the University of California at Davis, graduating with a degree in agricultural economics. Dan was an engineer, a builder, an entrepreneur and a farmer with a career in heavy engineering and construction. A true visionary, Dan was never afraid to take a risk in business for something he believed in.
Anyone that ever worked with Dan knew the quality of his work and how well he treated everyone who worked with him or for him.
Dan was an ardent supporter of education and lifelong learning for everyone. He believed the UC system was one of the best educational systems in the world. He was constantly reading and always shared what he was learning with his family and friends.
Dan married his high school sweetheart and had 2 daughters, Alyssa and Dana-Nicole. He was the definition of a true family man, he honored his wife every day they were married and provided a foundation of love and support for his children. His family lit up his life, he was an extremely proud and loving husband and father.
He enjoyed the patio, soaking in the sun and time with loved ones. He absolutely loved life in shorts and flip flops in Dana Point. He enjoyed sailing and golfing with his girls and wife as well as good country music. He was a great listener and also loved telling stories. His contagious laugh and brilliant smile will be missed deeply.
Dan is preceded in death by his father, Harold Samuel and beloved friend and brother Thomas Samuel.
Dan is survived by his beloved wife Kathy Samuel, daughters Alyssa and Dana-Nicole Samuel; mother Iris Samuel; brother James (Janie) Samuel, sister Rebecca (Michael) O'Ferrall, and sister in-law Teri Hegg Samuel; nieces and nephews Jacob, Zachary, Case, Chance and Abigail Samuel, Cleo and Augusta O'Ferrall, Christine Nockels, Kathryn Nockels Beers, Nicholas Bokides, Jr., and Anna Bokides.
Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Wednesday, July 12 at 7 pm at O'Connor Mortuary Laguna Hills Chapel in Laguna Hills, CA. A service in memory of Dan will be held on Thursday, July 13 at 11 am at St Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Dana Point, CA, with a gathering immediately following the service. The interment will take place Friday, July 14 at 10 am at Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona Del Mar, CA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Memory of Dan to the American Heart Association or Mission San Juan Capistrano.