Obituary of Daniel "Dan" Paul Smilanich

Daniel "Dan" Smilanich, 66, went to be with Jesus on Monday, July 23, 2018 unexpectedly at home. Dan was born to Glenn and Margaret Smilanich on March 29, 1952 in Denver, Colorado.Dan was most recently a delivery driver for Swift Courier Service until he had to retire early due to Parkinson's Disease and dementia. Dan was a charismatic, kind, genuine man who made friends with almost everyone he came to meet. His passions in life were his family and the outdoors where they were blessed with many years of memories camping with family and friends in Routt National Forest. He was an avid fly fisherman and hunter. Going hunting with his band of brothers and sisters who hunted was always a high point of his year. He had not been able to do either of those in these last years, however, God gave him two grandchildren who brought so much life and joy to he and his wife. This past year was blessed with so many memories with family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Margaret Smilanich; and his sister, Glenda Elder.Dan is survived by his beloved wife, Gail, of 31 years; his son, Joshua Smilanich (in whom he was so proud of) and his daughter-in-law, Catherine Smilanich (who he absolutely adored); his grandchildren, Liam and Grace Smilanich (who breathed life into him); his sisters, Kimberly Pine and Tracy Wilton and her husband, Clarence Wilton, who was like his brother, and their families; his sisters-in-law and their spouses in Ohio, including our nieces and nephews and then our "greats". They all loved him and he loved them all back. He is also survived by his pup, Shep, who was their third rescued fur baby, they were all of course the best dogs ever.Dan had a way of making an impression on others, he had a smile that would light up any room, he was one of the most caring and laid back people. Never real driven but always willing to help. He was Gail's grounding force. As honest as the day was long, what you saw is what you got. He will be greatly missed by family, friends, neighbors, and strangers he met along the way while walking his dog, Shep.In the past two years Dan and Gail enjoyed the gifts of the amazing skies, you could say that they became skywatchers, and also the many variety of birds. Dan and Gail have always loved their wildlife. They both loved the Denver Broncos and football was a pastime enjoyed together, as well as other sports and music.Celebration of Life, 1:00PM, Saturday, August 4, 2018, The Springs Funeral Services - North, 6575 Oakwood Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80923. In lieu of flowers we would appreciate you to donate in Dan's memory to either Parkinson's Association of the Rockies or Alzheimer's Association.Parkinson's Association of the Rockies: https://parkinsonrockies.org/online-donation/Alzheimer's Association: https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=32112&32112.donation=form1 Events Celebration of Life Saturday, August 4, 2018 1:00PM The Springs Funeral Services - North 6575 Oakwood Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80923 Phone: 719-207-8611