Daniel Eric Crittenden

Daniel Eric Crittenden was born in San Antonio, Texas to Roy Claude Crittenden and Arlene Norma Hubler on October 20th, 1957. He was named after the famous song Danny Boy, and a lot of his family and friends referred to him as Danny Boy growing up. Dan was the third of four children born to Claude and Arlene. He was a boy full of energy and adventure. You could regularly find him with skinned knees and up to mischief, but he would redeem himself when he’d spend his hard earned money from weeding to buy a hamburger and fries that he’d surprise his mom with after her long day at work.

Dan’s family eventually found roots in Gresham, Oregon where Dan grew up. He attended Gresham High School where his friendships and sports played the most important roles in his life. Dan played varsity football, was involved in varsity track and field, and was passionate about Tae Kwon Do. He graduated from Gresham High School in 1976.

After graduation, Dan started working as a machinist for Boeing. He met a coworker who became a life-long friend who introduced him to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Dan gained a strong testimony of the LDS church and was baptized in 1979. He went on to serve a mission in the St. Louis, Missouri Mission from 1980-1982. During his mission, he was called to serve as an assistant to the mission president (Dr. Kimball) in Nauvoo, Illinois, which was a separate mission in itself. He was then able to return to the St. Louis, Missouri Mission and serve as an assistant to the mission president again, this time with President Leon R. Hartshorn. He had amazing experiences on his mission which taught him many leadership skills that carried on into the rest of his life. His testimony was incredibly strong and his faith meant so much to him. He served in many church callings throughout the years, but his time spent teaching his ward's high priest group was one of his favorites.

In 1985, Dan’s friend arranged for him to meet a woman named Laurie. Dan and Laurie became fast friends which developed into an engagement and Dan married Laurie Ann Stratford in the Seattle LDS Temple on a very windy day in March, 1986. They were then blessed to have four beautiful children who were Dan’s pride and joy: Bradley Stratford was born in February 1987, followed by Brandon James in September 1988, then Jeremy Daniel in June 1990, and finally Brooke Ashley in October 1992. The greatest memories of Dan’s life were those spent with his children. He was notorious for making the best forts, and his passion for Christmas became one of his kids’ favorite memories. Other highlights include the many trips they’d take as a family, especially Cannon Beach at the Oregon coast; they visited there regularly and it became a very special place for Dan and the family. From the time Brad was born and up until Brooke was 8, Dan traveled around the U.S. following different jobs: he took them to Arizona, California, Washington, Missouri, Idaho, then eventually settled back in Gresham, Oregon and primarily raised his children there. Then Dan relocated with his children to Layton, Utah after he and Laurie divorced in 2008, and he spent the rest of his years in Utah, ending up in Ogden.

Dan held many different jobs throughout the years. One dream he fulfilled was attending the police academy, later serving as a Deputy Sheriff for Dallas County in Missouri. After returning back to Oregon, Dan set out to fulfill his dream to find a career that would allow him the freedom and flexibility to be with his family more often. It was after that point that Dan found a passion in the field of pool maintenance. He built and ran a successful business called Crystal Clear Pools in

Oregon until 2008, then he went on to build a new business in Utah called Pool Medic which he was currently running at his time of passing. Dan was commonly referred to as Dan the Pool Man by his customers, and spent time getting to know them and enjoying conversation. Each of his kids also have wonderful memories of going to work with Dan and learning about what he did.

In his last wonderful years of life, Dan enjoyed welcoming his four grandchildren and loved spending time with them. They referred to him as Pop Pop, and he always made sure he arrived to family dinners with a special toy or treat for them to enjoy. Dan was passionate about cooking and his kids will always remember his famous shish kabobs, smoked salmon, and enchiladas. His passion for food was all about the aspect of gathering to eat it and share it with those whom he loved. Dan’s other hobbies included guns, gardening, listening to music, sharing conversation with his sweetheart Deb, and enjoying the mountains.

On May 6th, 2021, Dan was welcomed home into the arms of his loving Savior and shared a grand reunion when he was met by his mother and father, two brothers, and close friends and family. His infectious smile and sincerely kind heart will be missed on the earth by many. Dan is survived by his children: Brad (Erin) Crittenden, Brandon Crittenden, Jeremy Crittenden, Brooke (Chris) Searle; his grandchildren: Lilia Arlene Crittenden, Samuel Jacob Crittenden, Dakota Saige Searle, Kyson Christopher Searle; his sweetheart Deborah Williams; his sister Terrie Walker; and many close friends and extended family members.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 5th, 2021, 2-5 p.m., at Rohmer Park located at 5175 S 600 W Ogden, UT 84405.