Dan Griffith, 67

Roy Daniel “Dan” Griffith, 67, passed on Jan. 25, 2016, to spend eternity with his loving parents and other family members and friends who have passed before him. He was born in San Gabriel, Calif., on Dec. 7, 1948, to Roy and Betty Griffith. While a youngster, until the age of 17, Dan went to a special-needs school in Southern California. In 1966, the family moved from California to Denver, Colo., due to his father’s employment.

In 1970, at age 22, the family moved from Denver to Idaho. In North Idaho, Dan joined Tesh Inc., a private, not-for-profit organization whose core purpose is to provide choices and opportunities to people with disabilities of all ages seeking greater opportunities, self-sufficiency and participation in their community. Through Tesh, he was able to begin living independently in 1987, maintaining his own apartment and worked with other members of Tesh on janitorial crews and other jobs for some time.

Dan won many Gold Medals as a member of the Idaho Special Olympics team in bowling, baseball, snow skiing, and track and field, and was very proud of his accomplishments as were his family and friends. Through Tesh Inc. and the Idaho Special Olympics, he made many lasting friendships who we know will miss him greatly. Not able to get out to participate in these activities in his later years, Dan enjoyed watching Syfy and “The Three Stooges” movies, and sitcoms shows such as “Family Matters” (loved Urkel), “The Jeffersons” and “Reba,” among others.

Dan was preceded in death by his mother, Betty M. Griffith in April 2002 and his father, Roy E. Griffith in December 2004. He is leaving behind his loving Aunt Leona Hardesty of Banning, Calif.; his sisters, Robin Britton (Richard Britton) of Post Falls, Idaho, Renee Walters (John Walters) of Calder, Idaho, and Crystal Martin of Hollister, Calif.; two nephews, Erik Nash of Auburn, Wash., and Tad Walters of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; five nieces, Marcee (Britton) Hartzell (Kirk Hartzell) of Hayden Lake, Idaho, Megan (Britton) Kelley (Sean Kelley) of Rathdrum, Idaho, Amber Maxfield (Brock Maxfield) of Hoquiam, Wash., Stephanie Nash (Les Sagisi) of Las Vegas, Nev., and Jenee Walters of Pocatello, Idaho; nine great-nieces and nephews; numerous other loving family and friends; and his very special caregiver, Toady.

Dan has been living with numerous illnesses affecting his lungs for the better part of his life and it was these illnesses that have taken this very special man from us. If you wish, donations in his name may be made to Tesh Inc. and the Idaho Special Olympics.

The memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel. Please visit Dan’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.