Daniel L. Vigil

While still "In his prime", Daniel L Vigil, 54, left his friends and family suddenly February 27, 2017.

Born January 12, 1963, in Oakland California, to Patsy Lee Maestas and Herman Vigil, Daniel grew up in Salt Lake, graduating from Kearns High School in 1980. Never content with simply learning a skill, from plumbing to car repair, Daniel strove to be #1; this was evident to anyone who challenged him to a game of darts, or watched him work on his '68 Camaro.

The oldest son of seven children, Daniel became the ultimate protector of his mother and sisters. His sisters knew that they could count on Daniel to help keep the nephews in line with either a "boot in the butt" or by sharing with them the art of mechanics, which they all still use today. He was the rock of his family and of his long-time love, Katie Higgins, all of whom depended on him, not only for his physical strength, but also for his wise advice and emotional fortitude.

Daniel married his high school sweetheart, Cherry Skinner (Dornbier) with whom he had sons Michael (1983) and Daniel (1984). Michael died in 1984; the couple later divorced. The loss of first his infant son, then family left a permanent scar.

Daniel was a licensed plumber, and acquired many skills associated with building homes. He could fix most anything, but working on cars that was his true love. Daniel would often drop what he was doing to go help a friend whose car broke down, and at home you could often find him under someone's car or fine tuning the motor of his ‘68 Camaro.

Daniel started playing darts 2012, and quickly became one of the top players in Utah and the country. He played in world championship tournaments in Las Vegas, and in 2013 won the Medalist World Cricket Doubles Championship with partner Aaron Clark, and gained the love and respect of dart players around the world. His Utah dart family embraced both him and Katie, and was a huge part of their lives for the past five years. Their love, generosity and support during this difficult time has been amazing.

Daniel is survived by his son Daniel; mother Patsy and step-father Lupe J Cobielles; girlfriend Katie Higgins; sisters Debbie, Irene, Vivian (Moises) Vigil Brambila, and brother Chris Gutierrez; stepsons Ryan (Evans) and Sterling (Platts); two grandchildren; Aunt Irene Valdivia; and numerous nephews and nieces. Preceded in death by son Michael; sister MaryAnn Castillo; brother James Castillo "Wedo"; father Herman Vigil; and numerous family and friends.

Funeral Services (celebration) will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, with interment on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at Redwood Memorial Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan.  A Celebration of Daniel's life will continue on Sunday, March 12, 2017 at 12:00 noon at Scofy's Social Club, 7176 South 900 East. Daniel, your infectious, hearty laugh will forever echo in our hearts until we meet again.