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Daniel Whitfield Obituary

Whitfield

Daniel John Whitfield

Daniel John Whitfield was born September 14, 1982 at 10:15 p.m. in Birmingham, England to Michael and Jennifer Whitfield. He loved reading, writing, history, politics, Aston Villa Football, and Lord of the Rings. Dan grew up with his younger brother, Sam, in Redditch, England, and always loved school. He attended Astwood Bank First School, Ridgeway Middle School, Studley High, and Alcester Grammar School. He was Head Boy (class president) at both of his last two schools. As a child, he loved WWE, Star Wars, and GI Joe. He joined the Conservative Party at the age of 14 and had a photo of Margaret Thatcher on his bedroom wall. Dan always did well in school and achieved the highest examination results possible. He was theatrical and sang and acted in many musicals, Shakespearean plays, and opera. He worked as a haberdasher at Suits Plus for years starting at the age of 16 every weekend and over the summer breaks. After graduation, he took a year off to work as a tour guide at a local (UK) National Trust Site called Coughton Court and apply to University, and then attended Nottingham University where he obtained a first degree (the highest academic achievement possible). Just after graduation, Nottingham awarded Dan a scholarship to attend the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. He split his time at UW Milwaukee studying American and Japanese History and teaching British history as a teaching assistant. Dan's mother, Jenny Whitfield, died in 2005 while Dan was attending UW Milwaukee. After school, he moved to the Washington, DC area for an internship at the Leadership Institute where he began to make a life for himself in America. In 2010, Dan began working as a copywriter for the Eberle Communications Group, a job that he cherished from the start as it allowed him to stay in the U.S. where he would be able to pursue his future wife. While passionate about his career, his true love was for his family. He met Nena in DC in 2009 and they were married in England in 2014. His first daughter, Dagny Joy, shares his initials and was born on December 21, 2015. Magnolia Jennifer was born August 3, 2018, and his baby Zora Katherine was born August 24, 2021. He always wanted a big family. Dan's life ambition was to become a published author. He has written many books, but it was not until last year that his first book was published, "Eagle Ascending," by TouchPoint Press. His second novel is due to be released next year. Dan was a bon vivant, gathering with friends and family whenever possible. You would be sure to find a smile on his face, drink in his hand, and a small child in his arms. He was consistently the best dressed in the room and had a laughter that was contagious. He left us on July 18, 2022 at 7:32 a.m. His voice, jokes, phrases, and extraordinary spirit live on in all of us.



His friends will celebrate his memory at Irish Four Courts in Clarendon, Virginia on Thursday, July 28 from 6 to 9 p.m.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Jul. 26, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
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Terry McCormack

July 19, 2023

I am ashamed to say I have only just seen the news of Dans passing. I am so very, very sorry for your loss of a wonderful man and loving father and husband. I had the pleasure of meeting Dan in the Horse and Jockey pub in St Pete one afternoon and we clicked immediately. Great chat, great laugh. Didn´t see him again for quite some time after but, we kept in contact and, on one of my road-trips and as I was returning to Viera, Dan invited me to his home and I had the pleasure of meeting you and the little ladies. I was the Royal Navy veteran who did cartoons! I think your Mum was there as well. I feel so desperately sad for you all. Such an horrendous heartache for all concerned. I was proud to have him as a friend. He was a lovely, kind and considerate man. My thoughts are with you and the girls. Terry

Sheila Marie Winter

September 2, 2022

I am a complete stranger who came across the story of the accident on the internet and wanted to learn more about Daniel and Tracy. I am touched by the life of this remarkable man and saddened at his loss. Your family and Tracy's are in my thoughts and prayers.

Roger Alex

August 20, 2022

You have my deepest condolences! I am Tracy´s husband. I apologize for it taking awhile for me to reach out. This has just been a very painful challenge to overcome. I just wanted you to know you are in my prayers.

Andy Bourne

August 4, 2022

I grew up with Dan in Astwood Bank. He was a always such a bright and eccentric personality even when we were kids. We didn´t speak for 20 years and then next thing I knew he was in DC writing novels. What an incredible legacy. The World seems a little dimmer without characters like him...My heart goes out to all of his loved ones.

Single Memorial Tree

Stephanie Hansen

Planted Trees

Laura Drain

July 29, 2022

Dan was such a generous person. We will all miss him, but his legacy will live on through all the great work he did.
He will be missed.

Andrew Hall

July 27, 2022

I worked with Dan from afar for many years. Only once did I have the privilege to meet Dan in person, but this obituary runs parallel to what I imagined Dan's life to be like. He was a joy to work with and I looked forward to his calls and emails. Although cut short, Dan has left a wonderful indelible mark on the lives of those he touched. My love, prayers and best wishes go out to the others, like me, who will forever miss him.

Kathy Wilson

July 27, 2022

Nena I am so sorry to hear this! It was such a pleasure to have met Dan, you and those beautiful girls . Thank you for sharing your home with us on our vacation. I was truly impressed by the love of Dan as he fathered the girls and would look at you with such love. I am holding you in my heart.

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