Thomas Rodger Daniel

Thomas Rodger Daniel, of Nine Mile Falls (Spokane), airline pilot and outdoorsman, passed away unexpectedly April 29th, 2009 at age 53. A highly skilled and experienced flier with more than 20 years of service with Horizon Air, "Tom" died off duty while on an overnight assignment in Kalispell, Montana. An avid mountain climber from an early age, he counted summits of Mt. McKinley, Mt. Whitney, and multiple summits of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, and Mt. St. Helens, as well as 21 of the 50 state highpoints amoung his accomplishments. He will be missed by his climbing partners and fellow adventurers. He was a dedicated runner who took pride in always finishing Bloomsday under an hour and keeping his yellow number. Tom was a "New Year" baby, born on January 1st, 1956 and grew up in the Yakima Valley on the family apple orchard during the 1960's and 70's. He attended Zillah grade schools, was an Eagle Scout with Zillah Troop 553, and graduated with honors from Toppenish High School in 1974. He had a natural affinity for anything with wheels or wings, whether it was tractors, motorcycles, pea trucks, wheat trucks, 18-wheelers or aircraft. His early career included time spent as a long-haul truck driver and charter aircraft pilot. He attended Washington State University, majoring in Business Administration, graduating cum laude, and remained a life-long Cougar fan. He was a member of the Alpha Kappa chapter of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity -a well-known and loved brother to all Phi Tau's. He remained an active alumni and chapter advisor up to the time of his death. On February 20, 1982 he was married to Debra Lynn Sutton, the loving wife and partner he cherished, at First Presbyterian Church in Yakima. Each year they celebrated their anniversary by exploring a new destination. Tom was a loyal friend and a devoted loving family man. He included those he loved in his pursuits and passions. The Daniel family cabin at Priest Lake, Idaho was a very important part of his life, and he loved spending time there, regardless of the season. Honeymoons, birthdays, or any other occasions were made more special by being celebrated at the cabin. He is survived by his wife, Debra; daughters, Sarah and Mary; father and mother, Rod and Carol Daniel of Selah, WA; sister, Sally Ladendorf of Kennewick, WA; sister, Molly Himes of Moxee, WA; and brother, David Daniel of Scottsdale, AZ; aunts, uncles, and cousins. The family attended Whitworth Community Presbyterian Church. A celebration of Tom's life will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at the Davenport Hotel in the Isabella Room from 2 - 5p.m. Casual attire is requested.