Mark Kevin Daniels

Mark Kevin Daniels was born in Dearborn, Michigan on October 14, 1958.  He passed away at his home on January 30, 2023, in Polson, Montana.  He graduated from Forest Hills Central High School in 1976.  Mark had a unique sense of humor and a kind heart.

As a young child living in Detroit, Mark showed remarkable skills in identifying different makes and models of automobiles.  By age 5, he could identify all the neighbors on the block by the names and year models of their cars.  He also demonstrated deep appreciation for music ranging from rock to opera. 

Mark’s life changed in 1969 when the family moved from Detroit to Grand Rapids.  The family home was located on the Thornapple River where Mark enjoyed boating and swimming.  He also loved riding bikes, playing hockey, and tobogganing.  Other times he could be found body surfing in Lake Michigan, tossing Frisbee with his younger brother David, or driving his 1973 LeBaron on country roads with friends. 

Mark also spent time living in Arizona, Florida, Washington, California, and British Columbia. These experiences gave Mark the ability to reach out and communicate with a variety of people. Mark graced us with his talent in music appreciation ranging from rock to opera. His favorite memories included attending concerts by the Grateful Dead, Queen, Yes, and Willie Nelson.

Mark was beset by serious health issues at an early age. He displayed tremendous fortitude by closely monitoring his blood sugars, exercising, and adhering to strict dietary guidelines. Mark also suffered from rheumatoid arthritis.

Mark loved dogs and spent endless hours with the family dog. During his time in Montana, this included sit-on-top kayaking with his dog Yogi. Mark was reluctant to go anywhere without his dog. He was also master of the croquet game during family picnics and reunions and was generous with his time and conversations with his niece and nephew.

Mark is survived by: his parents, Peter and Carol Daniels of Polson; his younger brother David (Lyn), his niece Maya Daniels (Elijah) and grand-nephew Silas Daniels-Chiland; nephew Sequoya Daniels; his aunt Lydia Sabo (John); his uncle Howard Caylor (Carolee); cousins Leanne Caylor, Scott Sabo (Amber), and Tracy Vickery (Mike); second-cousins Chuck Litvin (Shirley) and Pat Bloodworth;  and other cousins and friends around the country. 

Mark was preceded in death by his grandparents; Walter and Lillian Gugas, and Pete and Jean Daniels, and his aunt Judi Caylor.