Daniel Johndrow

1948 - 2024

Daniel Johndrow
02/09/1948 - 04/25/2024
Daniel McGrew Johndrow, "Cowboy Dan", of Redwood City, CA, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Thursday afternoon, April 25, 2024, in Redding, CA at the age of 76.
Dan is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Carol Johndrow; son Matthew Johndrow and his wife Michaela, son Nicholas Johndrow and his wife Melissa; grandchildren Elliott, Amelia, Lily, Lucas and Sophia Johndrow; sister Janice Johndrow and brother Joe Johndrow. He is preceded in death by his parents Juanita and Neil Johndrow and sister Susan Fisher.
Dan was born on February 9, 1948, in San Francisco, California and shared countless stories about growing up, first in the Sunset District and later, Millbrae, CA. Dan attended Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo, CA where he was a standout athlete lettering in football and track, the latter in which he won the prestigious Blanket Award in 1966. Dan also served as the Student Body President and graduated with honors. He went on to attend the University of Notre Dame where he played football as a walk on for the scout team in 1967. His love for Notre Dame football never wavered and was passed on to his sons and grandchildren.
Dan met Carol, the love of his life, at the Rainbow Tavern in Lake Tahoe, CA and they married in 1971 at Corpus Cristi Church in Tahoe City. They eventually settled in Redwood City, CA where they raised their sons as parishioners of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Dan was actively involved in the school and parish serving as Athletic Director and coaching his sons' various sports teams. They created lifelong friends in the Mt. Carmel community.
Dan lived a fulfilling life marked by a long career in the insurance business. His children remember him as a kind, loving and steadfast father who encouraged them to pursue their goals. He taught them the values of loyalty, integrity, and honesty which they carry on today.
Dan was a man with many passions over the years (golfer, chef, cowboy, hunter & sailor to name a few) but none as constant as umpiring youth sports. He spent over 30 years as a volunteer umpire on softball and baseball diamonds all over California. And just last year fulfilled a lifelong dream to umpire the Western Regional Little League World Series tournament in San Bernardino, CA.
Dan will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
"Sssstrrriikkee!" Cowboy Dan, may you rest in peace.
A memorial will be held in San Francisco at a date to be announced at a later time.