In Loving Memory

Daniel Gilbert Tapia Sr.

Daniel Gilbert Tapia Sr., a longtime resident of southern Stevens County, passed away unexpectedly on the morning of August 21, 2021 in Chewelah, Washington.  Daniel was born on November 7, 1943 to Pasquel and Josephine (Drinkhouse) Tapia in Torrence, California.

Daniel was raised in the Torrence, CA area with 13 siblings, Daniel beginning working in the construction field until he found his real passion as a mechanic. He soon found his calling as a junkyard mechanic. He learned to run heavy equipment and could fix anything, At a party celebrating his return to town, he would meet the love of his life, Jackie Twiford, after she had been invited by one of his sisters, and they were immediately inseparable.  Daniel and Jackie would soon be married, and they would soon welcome their first child, Daniel Jr, followed by Denise, Melissa, and Jason.

Daniel fell in love with Washington State when visiting, and he and Jackie would relocate to the area around Lake Stevens. In 1982 he took a summer vacation and drove to Chewelah.  Here, Daniel would look for work and became a supervisor at L-Bar and worked as a mechanic. He soon became a natural mentor and helped several people in the area. People never forget a TAPIA'S. His time here, as well as at L-Bar, only made his love for Washington State, and the Chewelah area, grow.  While 1989 brought Daniel and his family back to Monroe, Daniel becomes the Scrap Metal expert mechanic. He made many memories with friend's family and even strangers, Everyone was welcome at Daniel's house. After his retirement in 2006, settling down in the Chewelah area on the Mountain top property Daniel had always dreamt of. He can now rest and enjoy the outdoors.

In retirement, Daniel was given the time to do the things that brought him happiness. He loved his family, fishing and hunting. Daniel taught his kids how to shoot, hunt, and fix their own cars; he passed his work ethics to anyone standing around. He had a special place in his heart for his girls, especially Melissa who he would give the world to. He loved his family and the people around him greatly, and although he was a man of few words, he showed his love through his actions.  Daniel always made sure that the people he loved were well taken care of and that their needs were met.  He and his wife took in many people over the years, providing a loving and supporting family to those in need.  Daniel and Jackie have kept contact with many of these people over the years, and it brought him great joy to hear of their continued successes. While he preferred to stay at home on his piece of mountain, he always supported Jackie in her missionary work as she traveled to far away places, eagerly waiting for her return home.  He may not have traveled with her on her missions, but Daniel's heart was always with the Lord in silence.

Daniel is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Jackie Tapia; his sons, Daniel (Liz) Tapia Jr. and Jason (Kindra) Tapia; his daughters, Denise (Kerry) Braa; and Melissa Tapia; his grandchildren, Aslan, Caleb, Makia, Mckinley, Bobby, Lauressa, Taya, Titus, and Titan; and he will be missed most of all by his loving sidekick, Cutie the Chihuahua.

Please visit the on-line memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com .  Danekas Funeral Chapel is entrusted in care.