Dan D. Oswald, 84

Nov. 11, 1939 — March 12, 2014

Dan D. Oswald, 84, was the oldest of four children born to Noel and Delores (Sheetz) Oswald. He was born in the small town of Reedsport, Ore., and grew up in the even smaller town of Gardner, Ore. Our dear Dan passed away peacefully in the arms of his beloved wife, Leah, on the afternoon of March 12, 2024, at their home in Coeur d’Alene. 

Growing up next to the Pacific Ocean, he spent many days out on the Pacific with his dad in their tiny boat, fishing for any kind of fish but really hoping for a salmon to come for their bait. His love of salmon never left him — if he had a salmon sandwich and a big chocolate frosty, he was one happy man. His other loves were genealogy, bowling and reading. He was a quiet man who had a wonderful, big, bright smile.

After serving in the Navy (where he received the Outstanding Seaman of the Year Award), he went back to Gardner, where he met a lady who told him about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was baptized in 1964; after that, he served two missions and served in the Portland and Billings Temples.

Dan met and married Leah Fairchild May in 2009 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Although he never had children of his own, he loved her children and proudly wore the badge of “Grandpa Dan” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They loved and respected him and kept him smiling that great smile.

Those who preceded Dan in death were his mother and father and his brother, Todd D. Oswald. Those who are left here to miss him are his wife, Leah; his two sisters, Kay Leathers of Reedsport, Ore., and Gold Canyon, Ariz., and Connie Angel, of Milwaukee, Ore.; his sister-in-law, Rosemeri Dempsey of Spokane Valley, Wash.; his step-children: CharliAnne May of Oregon, Catherine Lemmon of Quinlin, Texas, Jeanette Fairchild and Richard May of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Douglas May of Spokane Valley, Wash.; 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

At Dan’s request, there will be no memorial service. A graveside service will be held for just his immediate family.