Daniel Decious

1938 - 2021

Daniel Russell Decious
July 12, 1938 - January 31, 2021
Sacramento, California - Died peacefully in Sacramento, CA from complications from concussion and cardiac disease. Born to Doris and Stan Decious in Alturas, CA. Survived by wife Mary of 39 years; cousin Kay McDonald; niece Cindy Exline (Alex) and children Chloé and Kincaid; and nephew Chuck Davis (Carrie) and daughter Shiloh. Loving brother-in-law to John and Cinda Smith and uncle to their children Kevin Svendsen and David Brown. Predeceased by his parents, sister Beverly Gay Boehme and niece Leisa Smith Vitale.
Made in Modoc. Colorful characters, migrating geese, and starlit skies shaped Dan's roots. His bond with sports began with MLB games sputtered out on a radio he and his dearest friend Jerry Gloster coaxed into life. The boys became scorekeeper and batboy for the Alturas Tigers, a regional team with Stan at first base. $1 per game. They traveled with Stan to away games and occasionally tried to foil opposing batters by aiming mirrors and sunlight. Longer drives and deliberations carried the threesome through Pacific Coast League seasons. Candlestick and 24 Willie Mays Plaza followed.
Autumn brought true love to Dan's sports heart with his first CAL-Stanford Big Game alongside his dad, a CAL alum. This love hit hard and stayed a lifetime.
Dan excelled academically, yet knew his rural community didn't expect or even encourage its youth to seek higher education. No matter. His brilliant mind, spirit and motivation took him from a hometown of 2,000 to a UC Berkeley chemistry class of 2,000 and into a broader world of possibility.
Dan received his B.S. in Chemistry at UC Berkeley and Ph.D. from the University of Washington. Along the way, he wrote for The Daily Cal, announced UC Davis Aggies games, and formed lifelong friendships.
Dan's calling to teach came in graduate school when 250 students joined the pre-exam session he'd scheduled for 60. Two years of research at the Johns Hopkins University did nothing to change his mind. He taught at the University of Washington, UC Berkeley, UC Davis, and UC Santa Barbara. Dan's 36 years at CSUS lay ahead and would center on helping students achieve their own scholastic objectives.
Professor and Advocate. 'Dr. Dan', as he was affectionately known, was a magnificent teacher and academic advisor. In his lecture hall, Dan's great humor turned daunting chemistry curriculums into enjoyable semesters, backed by the Help! office he originated. In his department office, he tutored individually or directed spirited chalkboard problem-solving sessions. Advising was available at any time and place. In all cases, Dan's commitment and encouragement lead the way.
Dan was a passionate champion for students, dedicated to helping them realize their academic goals. First in line to engage in programs promoting student success, he was Founding Faculty Director of the CSUS Academic Advising Center, an innovative concept using faculty to help students navigate complex requirements. His work helped make the Center a model for California and beyond.
The Science Educational Equity (SEE) Program was dear to Dan's heart and values. Its collaborative learning community supports the academic goals of students from underrepresented backgrounds. SEE students seek to build diversity in health, research, teaching and STEM fields and to expand quality health care access to underserved communities. Dan signed on at SEE's inception and never said goodbye.
Dan's contributions were recognized with many awards, the foremost of which was the John C. Livingston Annual Faculty Lecture, a University Convocation honoring faculty whose active role in the life of the university reaches across a broad range of spheres.
In retirement, Dan counseled science majors at area colleges and taught privately. For twelve years, he volunteered at the SFBFS Adult Education Program, his second teaching home. His versatility and ability to connect with students ranged from illuminating P-Chem 'thermo-godammits' at CSUS to teaching adult learners in our community how to add and subtract. He made the difference for thousands of students and is remembered as a trusted friend and mentor.
The Great Loves. Dan enjoyed SF Giants spring training, golf, and visits north. At home, he read about the indigenous Modoc tribes, historic events, science and sports. In his garden chair, he relaxed with his pipe and the Modoc County Record.
Dan's depth of feeling and knowledge for sports cannot be understated. Any baseball or football experience with him was a master class in the history, lore, art and beauty of the game. No player was more revered by Dan than Willie Howard Mays, Jr., retired uniform number 24.
He was as intense as he was learned and could weep in joy or launch astonishing harangues into distant atmospheres. To cement marriage vows, Dan required Mary to become proficient in baseball. She was given books, quizzes and drills and passed her final by announcing nine innings of play-by-play and color commentary to a muted TV. Dan fulfilled Mary's return stipulation of learning one theater or music work per year, up until Thanksgiving Evening 1982 when his shout of 'play ball!' rang throughout the SF Opera House following the playing of the national anthem.
As dearly as he loved the SF Giants and 49ers, Dan's dedication to the California Golden Bears was a thing apart. It existed on a transcendental plane. From childhood seasons at his father's side, his devotedness to the Blue and Gold evolved with every coach, roster, team and game into complete love.
Dan was an old school spirit with a warm open-hearted nature. His dynamic personality, intellect, and sense of humor drew people into his orbit. To share his presence and friendship was a privilege.
Dan's heart for his family ran deep. He cheered on the younger generations' aspirations and delighted in their successes. For over forty years Dan and Mary cherished their love-lit cosmos of two, an entirety unto itself.
Treasured memories of who he was and how he was on this earth remain with Dan's beloved family, friends, colleagues, golf crew, and Men of Thursday. We'll gather to honor his life at a safer, sunnier time.
Memorial donations may be made to:
Dan Decious Science Educational Equity (SEE) Program Scholarship or CSUS Schrödinger Equation Scholarship c/o The University Foundation at Sacramento State 6000 J Street Sacramento, CA 95819
https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1894/19/home-hero.aspx?sid=1894&gid=2&pgid=418&cid=1063&dids=260.261
The Decious family thanks UCD Medical Center for attentive and compassionate care.
Man, educator, advocate, colleague, devotee, friend, uncle, and husband.
Go Bears!