Daniel “Danny” Clyne
Daniel Ernest Clyne, 63, was carried away by angels and strong canyon winds into an amazing sunrise-filled sky with his wife by his side and his son in his heart and soul. Born July 12, 1960, to Haydee and Ernest Clyne in Inglewood, Calif., he lived an idyllic childhood surrounded by a large and loving family and Argentinian customs. Danny created lifelong friendships at Fountain Valley High School and is among the original bodysurfers to conquer “the Wedge” in Newport Beach. He began working alongside his dad in the office furniture industry after high school and met the love of his life, Melissa Hopkins, at Surfside; they married August 1, 1987.
The two began their married life in Northern California, and in September 1991 moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. Here Danny graduated from Westminster College with a bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude. Danny advanced as a project manager in the commercial furniture industry, working for Canadian-based SMED International, where he managed large installation projects in Turkey, Japan, Chile, Canada, and several major U.S. cities.
While enjoying an exciting work-, family-, and friend-filled world, Danny and Melissa heralded the 21st century with the birth of Christopher Daniel Clyne on October 20, 2000. Danny’s destiny among the first “stay-at-home Dads” was solidified when from December 2003 to July 2004, he survived two brain stem tumor surgeries. Although he lived “in constant pain” as an incomplete quadriplegic, he bravely rebuilt his life by applying his strength, tremendous willpower, good humor, a positive attitude, a strong belief in God and truth, and a passion for fun sprinkled with a return smile--and more luck than most--to build and expand the community he used to support his family through the ensuring 20 years.
Danny was Dad first. He enjoyed life through his son’s eyes as a First Robotics Mentor and Coach, Troop 202 Cub / Boy Scout Leader and volunteer, active St. Ambrose Catholic Church parishioner, and a reliable J.E. Cosgriff HSA parent leader and activity organizer. He was a jack of many trades: Sugar House home renovator, writer, public speaker, an acting extra, ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, cook, landscaper, gardener, rockhounder, radio contest winner…
Danny received a blood cancer diagnosis (MDS/MPN) in July 2022, and was fortunate to spend the last six months of his life surrounded by his many friends, family, and pets in cherished surroundings. Danny is survived by his loving wife, Melissa; son Christopher; sisters Adri Hale (Mike) and Dinah Ward (Rick). He was preceded in death by his brother George Pina (Sandy); mother Haydee; and father, Ernie; and parents-in-law, Philip and Shirley Hopkins.
The Clyne family wishes to thank the variety of wonderful and supportive caregivers and staff at The University of Utah Hospital / Huntsman Cancer Institute, as well as CNS Huntsman at Home-Hospice Care for their respectful and loving support.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated on March 22 at 11:00 AM at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Saint Ambrose Catholic Church, 1975 S 2300 E, Salt Lake City. He will be laid to rest at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio.