Daniel Robert Dishon
May 2, 1978 – January 8, 2018
Daniel Robert Dishon, 39, of Ephrata, Wash. passed away on Jan. 8, 2018 surrounded by loved ones. He was born on May 2, 1978 in Williston, N.D. to Robert and Kimberly (Andersen) Dishon.
Dan spent most of his childhood growing up and attending school in Sidney, Mont. before the family relocated to Kalispell in 1996; where he graduated from Flathead High School in 1997. Dan returned to his hometown area to work in the oil fields after graduation. In 1998, he moved to Moses Lake, Wash. to work for the Pacific Northwest Sugar plant. On his way into town, Dan reached out to Grant County Fire District No. 5, and so his journey began.
In 1999, Dan met his true love, Tina (Vick). During a short hiatus, he briefly moved back to Kalispell and then to Santa Barbara, Calif. where he skillfully worked in the construction trade. However, it didn’t take long for Dan and Tina to realize that they were meant to be. Not wanting to live their lives apart any longer, Dan returned to Ephrata in 2007. He started up his business, DRD Custom Home Builders, upon returning and Tina and Dan were married shortly after. Together, over the years, the two of them built a life for themselves and their children with a foundation of security and love.
Dan remained a volunteer firefighter with GCFD No. 5 throughout the time that he lived in Grant County. He also began volunteering with GCFD No. 13 in Ephrata where he served as a battalion chief and training officer. In December 2016, Dan’s dream job came true: he was offered a full-time position as a captain with GCFD No. 5. During this time, he continued his job with Moses Lake Industries, who were always willing to work with and support his firefighting life.
Dan made many friends in all facets of his life and touched so many. People that had the honor of knowing him, knew that being 6 feet 5 inches wasn’t the only thing big about him. He had an even bigger heart. Dan truly cared about those around him. If you were “one of his people,” Dan never thought twice about giving you the shirt off his back; likewise, if you weren’t, you also knew that. He was always quick with a witty remark, ready with a crude joke, or simply willing to share a story. He loved to constantly be on the go, whether it was snowmobiling with his buddies to “Dishon Drop,” cruising around in his town car, tinkering on equipment at one of the fire stations, having family day out on the boat, or traveling to a cross country meet in the “Erv.” Dan also enjoyed using his ingenuity to build or alter anything to make it better, teaching those willing to listen and learn, and traveling to China with co-workers/friends. He touched so many in his short lifetime by inspiring, encouraging, and mentoring. May these memories be cherished and always continue.
Dan was preceded in death by his grandparents Delbert and Rosie Dishon and Eugene and Jean Andersen. He is survived by his beloved wife, Tina; their children Keagan, Maia and Alek, all of Ephrata, Wash.; parents Bob and Kim, sister DeAnn and nephew Tristan, all of Kalispell, Mont.; mother-in-law Debbie, sister-in-law Jamie (Rocky) and nieces and nephews Payton, Koby, Kyndal, and Addyson, all of Ephrata, Wash. and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Dan was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother and friend that was taken from us too soon and will be greatly missed. A celebration of life will be held in his honor on Jan. 20, 2018 at 1 p.m. in the DeVries Activity Center at Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake.