Danial Vance Wilson

Our beloved family patriarch and dear friend left this life today following an extended bout with cancer. Dan was a young, vibrant 80 year old who continued playing golf to the end. "Dan the Man" as some referred to him could fix anything or everything in his garage/shop. He lived a remarkable life, filled with family, good work, fun times and great adventures. 

Danial Vance Wilson was born August 17, 1937 in Lehi, Utah to Lyall Alma Wilson and Audrey D. Thomas Wilson. Dan joined the Air Force after graduating from Lehi High School. He went through basic training at Hamilton AFB, CA in 1955. He then completed training as a heath technician at Chanute AFB, IL and was stationed in Japan during the Korean conflict. 

Upon completion of his four years in USAF, Dan was hired by the National Weather Service and assigned to the Weather Office in Ely, Nevada. There Dan met his lovely wife Thyra Broyles, and spent 56 years together. They had two daughters, Kym and Terri. 

In 1965, Dan moved to the Western Region Headquarters for the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City as a hydrologic installation specialist. During the following three years, he attended U of U Electrical engineering classes and became an Electronics Technician at the Salt Lake City Forecast Office. 

In 1970, the Wilsons moved to the Pacific Region to live soon Wake Island. Dan was a Computer Specialist for the region as well as a Diver. For nearly four years Dan and his family enjoyed the good vibes and great adventures of island life. After living on Wake Island, they moved to Hilo, Hawaii, where Dan continued computer work and diving. His diving ventures laid out some of the initial plans for Tsunami Waning network. 

Late in 1974 Dan moved his family back to the Western Region Headquarters in Salt Lake City where he worked on the modernization of the Nation Weather Service. Dan's integrity and know-how enabled several promotions during that time and was promoted to Chief of the Electronics Branch for the region. 

Dan was instrumental in the new Doppler radars installation program that covered much of the territory in the eight western states. In 1995 he was awarded the Department of Commerce Bronze Medal for his achievements in this project. He retired from the Weather Service in 1997. 

After retirement, Dan and Thyra began even more adventures. They moved to St. George, built a new home, and began spending much of their time traveling in their RV. They served as campground hosts in several National Parks in Utah and Colorado. They also enjoyed extended trips to Alaska and Montana. 

Dan loved working n his man cave workshop where he would rebuild cars, motorcycles, snow mobiles, and golf clubs. He enjoyed many sports. He owned several Harley Davidson motorcylces, and he would always ride his Harley to Wendover for the Muscular Dystrophy Drive. Dan and Thyra were both avid golfers, but Dan was especially skilled at the game and even hit a hole-in-one… at the age of 80 year old! 

Dan is survived by his daughter Kym Hogan and Terri (Kirk) Morawetz; five granchildrem Krysta Busey, Nick (Kelly) Hogan, Jaycee Morawetz, Matt Morawetz, and Trevor Morawetz; six great grandchildren; and sister Deborah (Rulon) Parry. He is preceded in death by his prents, and his grandson Danial Cole Morawetz. 

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2018 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking on the north side of the building.