Dan Lee Pursley

With heavy hearts we announce Dan Pursley, 72, passed away on September 14, 2014 at home in Richland, Washington, surrounded by his wife Carolyn and children. Dan was the kind of man the world needs more of: a good neighbor, citizen, friend, a hard worker, and a devoted family man.

He was born in Jerome, Idaho on October 10, 1941 to Annie Fay and Lee Ernest Pursley. Dan grew up in the wide-open country of Eastern Oregon and Southern Idaho, where he explored the wonders of the great outdoors. These experiences shaped his young life tremendously. Dan was known to readily share stories of his youth and early adulthood; if you knew him you were sure to have enjoyed a story or two.

After spending his high school years in the Caldwell/Emmett, Idaho area, Dan attended the University of Idaho. His studies eventually brought him to the University of Portland where he also began dating Carolyn Marylhurst College. Dan graduated with a BS in Engineering Science in 1966, the first in his family to attend and graduate from college. Dan valued education, both formal and informal. He leaves this legacy of education to enrich his family for generations to come.

Upon their graduations, Dan and Carolyn were married on September 10, 1966 and moved to Richland where Dan took his first job with Douglas United Nuclear. Dan was proud to be a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Washington, and took great pride in always signing his name with integrity. He worked his entire career on the Hanford Site.

Dan lived his life simply and quietly. Blessed with a sharp mind and photographic memory, Dan was a gifted storyteller and historian. Some of Dan's cherished stories were of summers working for the Idaho Bureau of Roads in between college years. He embraced many hobbies during his 48 years in Richland. Dan was an enthusiastic home winemaker. Family, friends, and acquaintances were often recruited or persuaded to take part in the yearly crush. The process was everything and the finished product was savored, even if the quality was occasionally inconsistent. He was regularly found perusing through old stamps in his office, building a puzzle around the kitchen table, or dozing off to a crossword puzzle in the living room. Dan was also a reader, writer, observer, lover of music, dancer, scuba diver, outdoorsman, and photographer. Dan has been described by others as a mentor, teacher, partner, helper, and listener.

A family member recently commented, "Dan taught me life is not to be rushed through and judgment, as well, is not to be rushed or passed on." The quote by an unknown author, "We build our own environment, then we are privileged or condemned to live in it" was his way of expressing his philosophy of life. Dan was a constant in the lives of his family; they feel fortunate to be influenced and nurtured by his actions and personality. He imparted the example that patience and persistence would guide us to the right place. In honor of Dan, please tell a story that moves you, hug and honor those who you love, and find joy in life through both simple and profound passions. Dan is survived by his wife Carolyn, his sisters, Pam York of Emmett, Idaho and Georgia McMillian of Caldwell, Idaho. His children and their spouses: Leah and Matt Sakach, James Pursley and Ankhmandakh Baatar, Joseph Pursley and Marta Bull, Sara and Mike Crowley, Dana and Richard Condrey, Jana and Travis Meinhold, Laura Pursley and Dan Clark, and Christina and Adam Peck. Grandchildren: Devin, Kiann, Logan, Emma, Sienna, Minka, Zebastian, Madison, Michael, Sage, Jackson, Lyla, Miles, and Hudson. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Linda Ford.

An open house celebration of a life well-lived will be held for Dan on October 11th at Goose Ridge Winery, 16304 North Dallas Road, Richland, WA from 5 - 8pm. Special thanks to Katrina, Amy, and Craig of Hospice at The Chaplaincy for their support and care. Please share your thoughts, memories, and condolences at www.einansfuneralhome.com. The family asks that any memorial donations be made by contacting The Reach Foundation at 509-943-4100.