Daniel Douglas Massman, age 34, passed away on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, in the early hours of the morning. Daniel was born in San Diego, California to Richard Massman and Monica Safreed. He became little brother to sister Kelly (Bart) Davis and big brother to sister Katie Massman. Daniel also had an older brother, Shane Steele, who he met as an adult. Daniel never married nor had any children, but was “uncle Dan” to Maddi, Riddick, Brooklyn, Thomas, and Bonnie.
Daniel spent his early childhood in Lakeside, California. He enjoyed swimming, playing Crash Bandicoot on the PlayStation, and, although he would never outright admit it, he loved playing Barbies with his sisters. In fact, Daniel had his very own collection of McDonald’s toy Barbies that were kept separate from his sisters’. One of Daniel’s favorite childhood memories was cookies (original Chips Ahoy and Oreos) and milk with his dad and sisters at 2 or 3 in the morning when Richard would get home from a long assignment. Daniel became a skilled bowler and avid roller-skater during the year our family lived in Pocatello, Idaho. After moving to Price, Utah at age 11, he became involved in football, basketball, and student government. Daniel was a member of the first graduating class at Pinnacle Canyon Academy High School. He was grateful for not just the education, but the friendships he cultivated at PCA.
Daniel was a member (although not currently active) of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had the opportunity to baptize his dad, Richard, in 2012. Daniel, we hope that you know how much your Savior loves you and we take comfort in knowing He was there to greet you with open arms.
In more recent years Daniel found his calling in working with clients at Chrysalis Supported Living Services. Daniel loved his job, his coworkers, and his clients. Working at Chrysalis was a huge part of who Daniel was.
Daniel loved firearms, tactical gear, and survival skills. He and his older sister, Kelly, would talk for hours as children about what they would do if all the adults in the world suddenly disappeared. Trust us, they had a solid plan. Daniel also really, really enjoyed getting everyone at the family dinner table (looking specifically at you, Katie) absolutely bent out of shape over politics, religion, and culture. Creating an uproar was his gift. His obnoxious, near-riot inciting conversational skills will be deeply missed. When not causing a complete uproar at the dinner table or working with his beloved clients and coworkers, Daniel really enjoyed movies. It didn’t matter what genre; he loved a good film. His mom, Monica, was his favorite movie watching companion and together they critiqued more shrewdly than Siskel and Ebert.
Daniel struggled with addiction off and on for a large portion of his adult life. It is his family’s wish that his battle with addiction and the pain that it caused him and his family to be publicly expressed. The pursuit to be free of pain, both physical and mental, consumed most of Daniel’s adult life.
Daniel, not unlike most, had loved ones that passed away before he did and ones that loved him that will remain here to struggle with the reality of a life cut too short.
We as Daniel’s family would like to thank the staff (nurses, clerks, doctors, respiratory therapists, lab techs, etc.) of Castleview Hospital’s Emergency Department and Medical Surgical Unit. We would also like to thank Daniel’s coworkers and clients at Chrysalis. You all spent significant time with Daniel and showed him both grace and respect. Thank you.
In lieu of flowers or donations the family asks that you spend the day with your family, call a loved one, or do a kind deed when and where you are able to.
Funeral service, Saturday, February 3, 2023, 11:00 a.m., Carbonville Ward Chapel (1985 West 4000 North) in Spring Glen where the family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment, Mt. View Cemetery in Helper. Arrangements are in the trusted care of Fausett Mortuaries where friends are always welcome and may share memories online at www.fausettmortuary.com.