Daniel Clinton Searls, 79

Daniel Clinton “Dan” Searls, 79, passed away May 4, 2016, in Lakewood, Wash. Danny was born on Aug. 21, 1936, to Carl and Anna Searls in a seven-room float house parked on the end of Third Street on Lake Coeur d’Alene. Later on, the family sold the float house, which was turned into a restaurant and night club.

When he was younger, his sister Joy, found him hanging onto a log at the float house. When he grew up and was a “bad boy,” she said she should have “put her foot on his head and dunked him under.”

He is survived by his wife, Jeannette of Lakewood; sister Joy (McConnell) French of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; and his children, Mike, Ron, Debbie, Melody, Jason and Jeromy; nieces and nephews; and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Danny, in 2015.

Dan was a Korean War veteran of the U.S. Army and following his discharge became a talented craftsman earning the nickname “Handy Dan.” He has built everything from large construction projects to sea-going vessels. His infectious smile, positive outlook and his unfailingly willingness to help others will never be replaced and will be greatly missed.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.