Daniel Lyle McPhee

Daniel Lyle McPhee (Dan) left this earth on Saturday, October 25, 2025, in Puyallup, WA, surrounded by love. Dan’s passing leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of those who loved him.

Dan made his home in Roy, Washington, with Laurie Nicol (McPhee), and his world was enriched by the love and laughter of her beloved sons, Zach, Chris, and Nick McIntosh, whom he loved as his own. Their bond was one of deep love and mutual respect.

Though his heart gave out unexpectedly, the warmth, humor, and unwavering devotion he shared will forever be remembered. Dan and Laurie envisioned a complete life side by side, and Laurie fulfilled Dan's deepest wish by building a family that included her family becoming their family with children and future grandchildren. Dan was a source of strength and joy whose absence will be deeply felt by his loved ones.

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The love and companionship of Laurie Nicol remained one of Dan’s greatest treasures. Those who knew them saw in Dan’s eyes the happiness that Laurie inspired—a tenderness that showed in his gestures, every story he told about their adventures, and every meal they shared. Their engagement in August 2024 was the flowering of a partnership rooted in respect, laughter, and mutual care.

Born February 16, 1970, in Laramie, Wyoming, Daniel Lyle McPhee’s life was a tapestry of love, laughter, and strength, woven deeply into the heart of Wyoming and Washington, and to all who knew him.

Raised by William Garway McPhee and Patricia Lou Edmiston McPhee, Dan grew up in a home where compassion and hard work were daily lessons, and where courage meant meeting every challenge with a smile.

As the youngest son of four siblings, Dan thrived in a family marked by gentle grit and unwavering warmth. Alongside his brothers, William James (Will) and John Edward, and his younger sister, Margaret Anne (Peggy), Dan learned that kindness was the true currency of connection, and that an individual should be as solid as the Wyoming earth. The McPhee home was a haven—meals shared, chores done together, and support extended freely to family, friends, and anyone in need.

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From the time Dan was one year old, he was known for his openness and ability to make every stranger feel like a friend. Dan had a knack for sensing when others needed encouragement, offering a helping hand or a listening ear to friends, cousins, and family. In every setting, Dan’s problem-solving skills, humor, and bravery lifted those around him. Additionally, Dan enjoyed spending time with his cousins and engaging in lively activities together.

Dan was very active in Boy Scouts, from Cub Scout through Eagle Scout. The Boy Scouts played a formative role in Dan’s life, instilling in him the values of leadership, community, and outdoor skills. In December 1996, Dan earned his Eagle, and in November 1987, Dan received his Eagle Scout.

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Central to Dan’s journey was the enduring love and friendship of the Sorensen family, Jim, Betty, and their son Lance, who became another McPhee brother. Betty and Jim’s positive impact helped shape the foundations of loyalty and joy in Dan’s life, and their closeness was a source of strength and comfort during times of both celebration and hardship.

Dan graduated from Lander Valley High School in 1988, after winning multiple State Championships and setting new records (actively in football, wrestling, track – shotput and discus, Speech and Debate, and Theater). Dan obtained 2 bachelor's degrees and his teaching certificate from Chadron State College, Chadron, NE. Dan started competing in the Scottish Highland Games from an early age and continued throughout his adult life – making friends along the way.

Boy Scouts played an important role in Dan’s upbringing and continued to influence his life well beyond his youth. He dedicated himself to working at Boy Scout camps, nurturing those same qualities in others and embodying the power of kindness, perseverance, and friendship. Both during and after college, Dan worked at Boy Scout camps in California (Camp Kern) and Washington (Camp Hahobas), dedicating his time and energy to fostering the same values of leadership, community, and outdoor skills that shaped him growing up, and sharing these experiences with Lance. His commitment to the Boy Scouts reflected his enduring belief in the power of kindness, perseverance, and friendship.

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After spending his early years in Wyoming, Dan made the courageous decision to seek new opportunities and a fresh start in Washington. It was a move that would profoundly shape the rest of his life. In Washington, he not only found meaningful work that fulfilled his ambitions but also forged deep, lasting friendships. The connections he made there brought him joy, support, and a sense of belonging that enriched his life in ways he never imagined. His time in Washington was more than a chapter—it was a turning point, filled with laughter, growth, and love. Dan spent many years living with his brothers, Will and John, and helping them find jobs in WA. In August 2024, Dan and Laurie bought their first house together and filled it with love, laughter, and ties to their heritage.

Over almost 30 years, Dan worked as a corrections/detention officer, deputy sheriff, teacher, football coach, and for restoration management/construction companies in WA. These were roles that might seem tough, but Dan brought his signature empathy and humor to each one. Whether working long hours, lending tools, or spending time with family and friends, Dan’s laughter, stories, and reliability lifted spirits. He brought problem-solving to every setting, fixing things with what was on hand and always finding the humor even in the ironic or difficult moments.

Dan’s easy laugh, thoughtful stories, and loyalty were constant reminders of his generous spirit.

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Dan is survived by his loving fiancée, Laurie Nicol, and her three sons—Zach, Chris, and Nick McIntosh—who brought joy and companionship into his life. Through their love, Dan’s legacy lives on, a man who deeply valued family, welcomed friends with open arms, honored tradition, and embraced life.

He leaves behind his devoted brother, John Edward McPhee, and his cherished sister, Margaret Anne (Peggy) McPhee. He also leaves behind his supportive brother-in-law, Bradley T. Piesco, and his two beloved nieces, Margaret Lou (Maggie) and Catherine Gianna (Cate) Piesco. The bonds Dan shared with family were a source of strength and support throughout his life, and the memories created together will be treasured always.

Dan was preceded in death by his brother, William James McPhee; his mother, Patricia Lou Edmiston McPhee; and his father, William Garway McPhee.

Dan’s legacy is one of strength, love, and a relentless pursuit of joy—even when facing life’s toughest challenges. To have known Dan is to have received an extraordinary gift—a demonstration, every day, of what it means to care, to live with strength, and to find joy even in difficult crossings. As we remember Dan, may we carry these lessons forward and honor him not just in our memories, but in the way we treat others, seek joy in simple things, and hold close to the ones we love.

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Though the world is quieter in his absence, it is richer for every moment Dan spent among us. His legacy is measured by the countless lives he touched—hand extended, heart open, smile ready, love abundant.

Graveside services will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 1 pm with a private family viewing prior. Reception to be held at the banquet hall at the Inn at Lander immediately following; please come prepared with stories and photos. Desserts and coffee/tea to be served. The address for the Inn at Lander: 260 Grand View Drive, Lander, WY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating trees to be planted in Daniel Lyle McPhee’s name, in the state of Wyoming, with the Wyoming National Forests as the preferred forests https://shop.alivingtribute.org/products/plant-a-tree-ecertificate. Please send the e-certificate to a family member so they can share it with the rest of the family.

Please sign the online guestbook at: hudsonsfh.com