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Dan Tempest Obituary
Dan Dixon Tempest took his own life on July 27, 2018. He was born in Salt Lake City on February 18, 1962, to John H. Tempest III and Diane Dixon Tempest.
Dan graduated from Highland High School, Class of 1980, where he was a two-year starter on the varsity football team that played in the State Finals in Rice-Eccles Stadium against West High School.
He attended the University of Utah and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Communications and also received a master's degree in Philosophy with an emphasis on Wittgenstein.
Dan suffered from a life-long affliction of severe depression and isolation. For fifteen years, he was a successful foreman for The Tempest Company, a family pipeline construction firm. He moved to Thousand Oaks, California, and held several key management positions in the field of logistics.
He returned to Utah and worked for Hawk Watch International banding golden eagles and other birds of prey during their migration. It would become a source of strength and inspiration.
Dan will be remembered for his keen and inquisitive mind. He was a deep and voracious reader. He was always physically strong and had remarkable stamina. He was a thoughtful observer of life.
Dan Tempest was proceeded in death by his mother, Diane, in 1987 and his brother, Steve Dixon Tempest, in 2005. His is survived by his father, John Tempest and Jan Sloan, his sister Terry Tempest Williams and brother-in-law Brooke Williams, and his brother Hank Tempest.
He is loved by his extended family of Tempests and Dixons, including three nieces, Callie Tempest Jones (Andrew Jones), Sara Tempest Kimball (Scott Kimball), and Diane Tempest Ferrin (Ted Ferrin) and a nephew, Louis Gakumba.
A private family memorial was held on July 29, 2018.
The family expresses gratitude to Darol Wagstaff for all his care.
"You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the
correct way, and the only way, it does not exist."
-- Friedrich Nietzsche
In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute to Hawk Watch International, 2240 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dan Tempest
Adam
September 3, 2023
Dear Tempest Family
I just read of Dan´s passing in Terry´s book. I did not know Dan and do not know the family....but I know viscerally the mindset so eloquently communicated in his texts to his sister. They are deeply familiar, as I too recently felt tugged down the same path. Somehow, despite my conviction to the contrary, I am still here. And at times I am now noticing that I am beginning to forget the depths of those isolated moments of despair. But tonight, as I lay outside in my beloved Utah desert, his life and my life suddenly seemed to cross paths - and I will not forget his eloquence in articulating his suffering. It will continue to inspire me as I ponder what comes next...
With gratitude from a stranger,
Adam
Lisa
November 10, 2022
Very sorry to read this. I was friends/neighbors with Dan and his wife, Thalo when they lived in Thousand Oaks, CA. I was trying to get back in touch with them.
Randy T. Burks
May 15, 2021
It is May 2021 and I have just learned of his passing. I am saddened by this loss. I went to Highland Highschool with him and was always impressed by his skill on the football field and his sharp mind. I admired him from a far. I am a bit late, but I extend my sympathy to his family and friends. He always seemed to have a special light emanating from inside of him.
Nania Merkley
July 30, 2020
Still & Always ...
August 24, 2018
My younger brother Frank Mahler was a good friend of Dan's at Highland High. I remember that he spent a lot of time at the Tempest home on Laurelhurst. My brother died 17 years ago ...perhaps they are catching up on old times in a better place. My condolences to the Tempest family...
Heinz J ( Joe ) Mahler
Cort Firth
August 13, 2018
Dear Tempest Family - I grew up with Steve Tempest. We hung out together and served in the same mission. I knew Dan and Hank as well. They were all studs. The scales have tilted severely to the unfair side for the Tempest family. I can't think of anything meaningful to say however it is heartbreaking to contemplate the loss the family must be feeling. Cort Firth
John Stringham
August 9, 2018
Dear Tempest family - I am so sorry for your loss. I always looked up to Dan for his skill and talent. I remember when he ran for Office in Junior High as Dan the Million Dollar Man. He was that to all those who knew him. Please accept my deepest condolences. John C. Stringham
Rick Raso
August 7, 2018
Dear Tempest family, we were so saddened to read about the passing of Dan. John and the Tempest Company are very near and dear to the Raso family and our prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Please let your special memories of Dan sustain and comfort you and bring you all moments of joy.
Rick and Karin Raso
August 6, 2018
Dearest John and family, i was very saddened to read of Dan's passing. At this heart-breaking time for you may you have peace and comfort. Blessings to you all. Shari Bennett
August 6, 2018
Dan, you were the age and friend of my sister, Marge. My husband, Rich and I met with your mom and dad back in 1978. We talked about Hawaii, one of your mom's favorite places. Her eyes lit up. Your family feels deeply about nature and cares deeply about people. Terry once told me how your grandmother believed that there was always darkness to balance the light. As you saw the beauty of the hawks, clear skies, and eagles with great joy--other times the darkness created that unbelievable. chilling loneliness. Forgive me for making assumptions. My husband died 34 years ago by suicide, and Terry and Brooke were there for me.
Thank you, Terry for sharing a love for nature with me, and years of friendship--which never dies. I love your family.
Dan, you are so loved! You know that now. I wish you peace and joy.
Condolences and love to all the family,
Janet Tate
Rob Young
August 5, 2018
What unpleasant news to hear about this from a sister. If there ever were a family entitled to question whether God is paying any attention, it is - in my view - the family of John H. Tempest, III. I have told a Dan Tempest story most of my life, a story that by now is about 50 years old. Perhaps the redeeming grace is to hear from cherished Commonwealth Ave. neighbors that I have neither seen nor heard from in many years. My heartfelt condolences and expressions of love to all.
August 5, 2018
Our love goes out to the whole family. Our prayers are with you in your grief. Dimmie & Greg Zeigler
August 5, 2018
Dear Tempest Family,
My heart goes out to all of you. I have fond and loving memories of our childhood years playing together on Commonwealth. Of course there are also the elementary, jr. high and high school years as well. Dan and I reconnected through Facebook a few years ago and I so enjoyed his beautiful pictures as he banded birds. May knowing that we all care for you help you through such a difficult and sad time.
Stacey (Wong) West
Doug
August 5, 2018
Loved you brother and that impossible trail you travelled. What courage, now peace. Doug
August 5, 2018
so sad to see Dans name in the newspaper,i knew him well from the Highland highschool days,our son Frank Mahler was a friend of Dan.we lost him in 2001.i remember your beautiful home,i am greatful ,for the wonderful memories we have from our beloved sons sending you love ,Lore Mahler.
Nania
August 5, 2018
Always...
Nanc Merkley
August 5, 2018
Nanc Merkley
August 5, 2018
CORBIN ANDERSON
August 5, 2018
I met Dan at 6 years old when we both attended Beacon Heights Elementary. The last time I saw him was while attending the viewing of his brother, Steve. Both times and with the times between, Dan treated me with kindness and with interest. In particular at his brother's viewing, Dan specifically approached from across the room to thank me for coming and to further inquire about my own life and family. I was deeply touched by this moment. Peace to the Tempest family.
August 3, 2018
My dear John, Terry, Hank and extended family,
I am so saddened by the loss of Dan. I am so, so sorry he felt this was his only choice. Sick at heart he could not be healed by all your many efforts to help him find joy and peace in his soul. Knowing this family over all these years; you've endured so much. I just held out hope that Dan could be the Sea change.
All I can hope for now is that your hearts will be healed knowing he is free from what tortured him. Such a beautiful man; son and brother.
"Some Men Are Too Gentle To Live Among The Wolves."
All my love -- Jolie Coleman
FRANK CARTER
August 3, 2018
Holly Sweeten
August 2, 2018
Dan ! Always remember you as this sweet quiet guy - tall enough to get a birds eye view of any situation/ constantly observing the rest of us in Junior high and High school. I remember an accident happening during school one day at Highland that hurt you badly. I am so sorry you have struggled for so many years and somehow couldn't go on. I know our Heavenly Father loves you and knows you best and will take care of you now. May all your loved ones take comfort in the knowledge they will see you again that you will be happy and at peace. Farewell for now Dan - you will be missed ! Your friend , Holly M. Sweeten
Mark Hall
August 2, 2018
Dan was a good and loyal friend in high school. Many times he ran to my side when I needed someone. I am truly sadden by this news and my heart goes out to the Tempest family.
Glen Williams
August 2, 2018
I didn't really know Dan personally, maybe just incidental contact over the years. But I have known and loved his family for years. We have walked many of the same paths. And so I mourn your loss. And express condolences to Terry and the family.
Deborah Wallin
August 2, 2018
It appears Dan was a beautiful soul who felt deeply, thought deeply, and was grounded in nature. I will contribute to Hawk watch as a tribute to Dan. My condolences to the family
Cynthia Bioteau
August 2, 2018
Dearest Terry and John,
We send our love and strength to you both. Please know the true pieces of our hearts that are yours.
With deepest sympathies,
Cynthia and Frank Bioteau
Melanie Griffin
August 1, 2018
Dear Terry and family: I am so terribly sorry for this devastating loss. You are all in my prayers.
Love you Dan, so sorry you had to go. Be at peace now.
Sharon Ashcraft
August 1, 2018
Marlena Lambert
August 1, 2018
This is heart breaking. To John, Hank, Terry, Brooke, Ann, Callie, Sara, Diane, I wish you much peace and comfort through your grief. My last encounter with Dan was very sweet. A couple of years ago we crossed paths at a cafe in town and he reached out to say hello, gave me a hug, and we had a lovely chat. I am grateful to have known him; I appreciated his complex character, his love of complex ideas and his ability to pierce through that complexity at times and just be clear. I still have a gift he gave me long ago, a gift that embodied that clear seeing. I shall treasure it always.
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