Daniel John Smith: December 1959- June 2024

This section includes announcements of important events in our lives–births, graduations, engagements, marriages, and deaths. If you want to share an event with your community, please send a photo and a written piece to [email protected].

Daniel John Smith. December 1959- June 2024. Pug as some knew him in his younger years, Big Dan the BBQ man or just Big Dan. He was born in burney, CA to Elizabeth and John Smith. He grew up in a small town with his grandparents, parents and sister, Katherine. As a kid Dan would help his grandfather out in his resturant prepping potatoes, mostly. From there he would grow to have a nack for BBQing. When Dan got older he joined the army and served our country well. Dan lived a life full of adventures. He had jobs ranging from fishing and crabbing in Alaska, Washington and California; mechanical jobs, cooking in various places in the off season to spending the last 25 years working with Bob lumbering redwoods here in arcata. He loved his community. Going to crabs games was one of the many things he loved to do besides

cooking, fishing, hunting, shooting pool and being known to have some drinks at the local bars. Big Dan loved to cook. He would cook for everyone. He would cook for birthdays, weddings or just because. He had a heart of gold and some of the best barbecue around. He is survived by his sister Katie and nephew Zach, Jesse Adams and Tabatha Riley. A service will be held on  August 24th Bob’s Lumber at 230. There will be BBQ, food and lots of stories of Big Dan. In lou of flowers anyone is welcome to bring food, drinks and memories of Big Dan.