Obituary Photo for Daniel Bennion McKean

Events

Friday Evening Viewing

Salt Lake Wasatch Stake Center located at 1930 S. 2100 E.

Friday Sep 27, 2024 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Saturday Morning Viewing

Salt Lake Wasatch Stake Center located at 1930 S. 2100 E

Saturday Sep 28, 2024 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

Saturday Noon Service

Salt Lake Wasatch Stake Center located at 1930 S. 2100 E

Saturday Sep 28, 2024 12:00 PM

Our kind, gentle, loving, husband, father, grandfather and brother, Daniel Bennion McKean passed away surrounded by his family on September 24, 2024, at the age of 64.

He was born in Salt Lake City on April 11, 1960, to Franklin and Eileen McKean and was the 8th of 9 children. He graduated from Highland High School and earned an Associate Degree in Nursing from Weber State University. He worked at Primary Children’s Hospital for 24 years and at Shriner’s Hospital for several years. Dan was a compassionate caregiver and absolutely loved his time working with his patients, their families and his amazing coworkers. He joined the Army Reserve in 1978 and after proudly serving his Country for 24 years he retired as a Captain. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Dallas, Texas and served diligently in various callings throughout his life. He met his wife Suzanne at Holy Cross Hospital while training to be a nurse. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on May 13, 1989, and shared 35 wonderful years together. He was an amazing husband and father and he and Suzanne are the proud parents to their son Max and daughter Marlee.

Dan was a talented artist and loved spending time with his family. He loved camping, riding his bike and reading. In fact, it was not unusual to find him reading two different books at the same time. He had an endless curiosity for the world and loved playing, collecting, learning, tinkering, and creating.

Dan loved serving others. He was kind and genuinely cared for everyone he met. His warm and inviting presence allowed him to become friends with everyone he crossed paths with. He was a great example to all.

The last 15 years of his life, Dan had to deal with hard physical challenges that eventually took away his ability to do many of the things he loved doing and several of his hobbies. However, he never complained. He faced his challenges head on with grace, courage and with a smile on his face.

Dan is survived by his wife Suzanne, son, Max (Brianna), daughter Marlee, grandchildren Milo and Mabel. His siblings: Sally (sister-in-law), Susan, Nick (Kathleen), Becky, Julie (Bill Prince), Paul (Rosalia), Bill (Diane) and David (Linda). Siblings-in-law: Stephanie (Thomas Scheffler), Stephan (Erin), Tricia, David (LaVonne), Matt (Yen) and James (Kevin) and many adoring nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his Father, Mother, brother John, and brother-in-law Lynn Cottrell.

Services will be held at the Salt Lake Wasatch Stake Center located at 1930 S. 2100 E. on Saturday September 28th at noon. A viewing will be held at the same location on Friday September 27th from 6-8pm and prior to the services from 11-11:45 am.

To view the recorded service, please click on the Watch Service button above.

Guestbook/Condolences

Dan will be missed! He was a very kind and gentle man that really stole your heart. I loved working with Dan all the years at Primary Children's. He was a giant kid at heart and loved his family very much! Fond memories of him driving his truck with all the stuffed animals on it! Rest in peace Dan

- Valerie Ashby

I worked with Dan for 20+ years at Primary Children's Hospital. He was so funny, kind, generous and had such a tender heart. Families, patients and staff all loved being around him. My love and prayers for peace and comfort to you and all your family. -- Sonja Ohsiek

- Dear Sue, Max and Marlee,

Dear Sue & family,
Sending our love of Dan and the wonderful life he lived~
I have many positive memories from over the years at PCMC (night shifts especially).
He was loved and many families and kids enjoyed both his nursing skills and friendship

- Randy & Pam Harrison

Thanks for being my friend, Dan. You are such a great guy. A great example for me and everyone around you. God bless you my friend.

- Mat Hyder

I am so sorry and will miss seeing his faithful attendance at church. He was always friendly to those he saw. And grateful that I knew him.

- Lucy bodily

Dear Suzanne and family

We were so sorry to get the news about Dan's passing. Suzanne, you and Dan's have been in my prayers so very often. Please know that you and he were just one of those people that seem to stick out in one's mind. Your kindness and gentle personalities were one of those things that make you stick out. Our prayers are with you all, at this hard time, which comes to us all when our Father in Heaven wants us back to continue on as given to us in his plan for each of us. Hope i didn't say anything that would be offensive to anyone. We do love you very much.

- Ed and Larraine Wilde

Working with Dan was always a pleasure ! He was ever so kind & caring all the time !! Such a gentle person 😔 ! I know he will be truly missed !

- Cid Thomas/ Health Unit Coordinator

I will dearly miss my friend Dan! He taught me alot about being a genuine friend and love of your fellow man. I'm grateful for all the memories I carry of cycling, jetskiing and military times together! I love your family Dan and will be praying for comfort for your lovely wife and family! I'm a better man for knowing you brother and cherished working at Primarys with you! I wish everyone could know you Dan and your friendship as I have! Meet you on the other side!

- Brad Robison

So very sorry for your loss.

- Jennifer Foote

My heart is so sad at the loss of this sweet incredible person. So much of my childhood memories include of him and his gentle spirit. His influence lives on. Condolences to his family, children & grandparents and to the wonderful Mckean family. I feel blessed to have known you.

- Todd & Jeannette Stander England

Suzanne, I ran across Dan's obituary and was so sorry to see your husband had passed away. My condolences to your family and prayers of healing and peace through this difficult time.
I have many memories of the year we spent together as executive officers in lambda delta sigma. May the Lord bless you ,

Marie Wessman Goddard

- Marie Goddard

I had the unique privilege of being Dan's primary care doctor for 10+ years. Whenever I saw his name on my schedule, it always brightened my day. Dan was a ray of sunshine and positivity despite his many health challenges. His kindness and love for others dominated his life. We often spoke of his love for his family, especially his grandchildren who he relished spending time with. I am blessed to have known him and am sad I won't get to see him again. I am grateful for the grace he taught me. My love and prayers go to Suzanne, Max and Marley! Love, Dr. Jackson

- Heather Jackson

What a good man. I was lucky to have known him. I see the same goodness in his son. One of the best and kindest people I know. I share these words from composer/song writer Michael McLean:
“Well, it's hard to say good bye and let go
And it's hard to see it end
When the mem'ries we've just made
May never happen again.
But it's harder for time to ever erase
The together times we've shared.
So, when we're apart remember
All the love we shared together
And for all that love,
Thank the Lord above
Who showed us the way
That we can be together, forever someday”

- Michael Bown