Daniel "Dan" James Speare, age 75, a 52-year resident of the Colville and Kettle Falls, WA area, passed away on June 5, 2023 in Kettle Falls.  Dan was born on June 11, 1948 in Boulder City, NV the son of John and Mary (White) Speare.

Dan's earliest years were spent in Boulder City, NV where he began kindergarten.  He moved with his family to Downy, CA in 1956 where he continued his education and graduated from Downy Senior High School in 1967.  He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served overseas in Vietnam on the U.S.S. Asheville (PGM-84) High Speed Gunship.  Dan was honorably discharged in 1971 in Long Beach, CA.  Later that same year, Dan, married his lifelong friend, Diane McViker.  They began a family with the birth of their daughter, Kimberley.  In 1973 they moved to Pleasanton, CA where, Dan, worked at the Vallecitos Nuclear Center.  Dan and Diane parted ways in 1979.  In August of that year, he moved with Kimberley to Colville, WA.  While in Colville, he worked as the Assistant Manager of Coast to Coast Hardware, Parts Manager at Tyler Chevrolet and then for the Red Apple as their vendor truck driver.  During this time, he married Judy Bright in 1981.  Their family grew with the birth of their son, Bryan in 1986.  In the late 1980's, Dan, accepted the director's role of the Colville Food Bank.  He served as director for 25 years and was integral in the construction of the new food bank facility.  In 1991 he began as a social worker and wrote many grants while working Rural Resources until his retirement in 2012.  He had found a lifelong friend and companion in Leigh Ann Brooks and together they shared life and love for 20 years.  Leigh Ann walked by his side throughout his retirement years and cared for him in every step of his slow progression of Alzheimer's until his passing.

Dan had a heart for people and gave special care to those in need.  He served as a Veteran's liaison and social worker with Rural Resources for many years.  He enjoyed life with his own goofy sense of humor and a passion for fishing.  He took his family camping and with a stream located nearby, was always looking for that "nibble and bite" that would give set to a plentiful fisherman's catch.  Dan had an open home policy with expectation of good behavior or a strong reprimand was offered as encouragement.  He enjoyed painting, picking apples, Friday Nights and a frequent Acorn's Saloon and Feeding Station breakfast to start the day of well fed.  A favorite fishing trip was planned yearly to Bishop, CA where he created many great memories with family and friends.

Dan is preceded in death by his siblings, John Speare, Patricia Speare and niece, Betsy Speare.

He is survived by his life partner, Leigh Ann Brooks, at the home; daughter, Kimberley Anderson (Ron) of Colville, WA; son, Bryan Speare (Jacqui) of Bremerton, WA, grandchildren, Tashena Tipton (Matthew Marcy) of Kettle Falls, WA, Nickiya Tipton (Hailee) of Kalispel, MT, Henry Speare, Eliza Speare; great grandchild, Sylas Tipton; nieces, Cozette Livingston, Maddie Speare, Elizabeth Wilder, Olivia Hjort; nephews, John Speare (Leesa), James Wilder, Scott Livingston and Nick Livingston; step-kids, Derrik Brooks, Sonya Brooks, Keano Anderson; step-grandchildren, Ben Anderson and Brittney Anderson and a host of extended family and friends.

Services for Mr. Daniel Speare began with a time of family visitation at the Danekas Funeral Chapel.  The memorial service will begin at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at the Ag-trade Center in Colville, WA with food and fellowship to follow.  Dan will be laid to rest with his granddaughter, in an ash interment at the Highland Cemetery in Colville, WA.   Memorial contributions may be given to any local food bank.  Please visit the on-line memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com.  Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted in care, cremation and services for Mr. Daniel Speare.