Daniel Robert Armstrong
(April 8, 1950 - February 27, 2010)
He was born to Delmer and Donna Armstrong on April 8, 1950 in Logan, Utah. His father was head ranger so he grew up in Zion, Yosemite, and Olympic National Parks. There he developed a love for the outdoors and sense of adventure, which he would carry with him all his life.
Dan graduated from high school in Port Angeles, WA and attended the University of Washington. He had many adventures in New Zealand, Australia, and all over the Americas. On April 9, 1977 he married Stacy Claypool. They settled on the family property in North Idaho in 1989 where they logged, built their own house, raised their children, and enjoyed the many wonderful outdoor activities this area offers.
He will be remembered for his undaunted spirit, his wild adventure stories, his dedication, love and support for friends and family, and his ability to make everyone around him laugh.
Dan is survived by his wife Stacy; two children Del and Mariah Armstrong; his mother, Donna; and Brother Randy Armstrong. His father, Delmer, preceded him in death.
Memorial services to celebrate Dan’s life will be conducted at 1:00PM, on Saturday March 6, 2010 at the New Song Bible Church in Sagle, with Pastor Barry Johnson, officiating.
MY Thoughts:
Last week I was so torn on whether or not to attend the memorial service. All these thoughts ran through my head about not being able to go alone, not wanting to make it harder on Del. I had decided to not go...all the way up until 15 minutes prior to the memorial. I stopped into Grandpa's, knowing I couldn't do it alone, to see if he might come along with me. We got to the church a little late, which was perfect. They were just getting ready to start - and that meant Del didn't have to see me there. You know when you become so close to someone that you consider them family...well I guess that's what happend here. Although I was never a part of the Armstrong family, I do love and appreciate Stacy and Dan so much. They taught me lessons I would have never learned otherwise throughout the past few years. I wanted to attend to show love and support to the family - History of drama aside. I didn't expect to say anything, just to show my love and support. Dan was such a great father, friend, and story teller. My most fond memories of him are when I'd show up and he'd be sitting in his chair - reading his newspaper - and listening to the basketball games on the radio. OR when I would be there in the evenings, and he'd be writing a small section of his memoir, or possibly a letter to the editor. He told the most amazing stories, there was never a dull moment the the Armstrongs. He will be dearly missed...
It was the hardest thing to do to sit in the back, all alone as those I used to consider friends all sat together behind the family. I knew it was not my place...But it was hard for me to cope too. Most thought I shouldn't have cared, most didn't expect it to affect me...But it did deeply, and I did it alone. I didn't say a word to the family, but they did see I was there as they walked out of the service. Grandpa and I left immediately so that I wouldn't cause a scene. That day was not about what was going on in the past, but strictly to reflect the adventurous most amazing life I've ever heard about. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to really get to know Dan and converse with him. He lived a life that many will never ever get the opportunity to experience. The Armstrong family are in the my thoughts and prayers and they cope with this great loss!
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