Donald Wayne Daniels
July 28, 1961 – May 30, 2023

Donald Wayne Daniels went by “Don”. Don was born in Tulare but lived in Humboldt County practically his entire life. Don was born with a brain injury that doctors said would impact his entire life so that he could not do things independently – but Don ended up proving them wrong and doing it all. Don went to school in Eureka City Schools and graduated from Eureka High School in 1979.

Don was loved by all who knew him. He was kind, funny, compassionate and a gentleman. His sister Connie recalls special moments when he would take her for rides to the South Jetty or Blue Slide RD in Ferndale on his motorcycle. Don loved working on his bike and tinkering around the garage. At Christmas time, he ran with the United Bikers of Northern CA (UBNC) non-profit motorcycle group for their Toy Run to deliver toys to underprivileged children while riding motorcycles.

In 2017, Don attended his first Redwood Run and couldn’t wait for the next one! Other favorite hobbies of Donald’s were to care for animals, camping, and spending time outdoors. His love for the outdoors made being a Cub Scout his favorite activity in childhood. As an adult, he worked at Bayshore Mall for many years and at local restaurants in Eureka.

Don will be missed dearly. He is survived by his mother Barbara Daniels, his sister Connie Harlow, sister Lori “Daniels” Burkhart, and Brother in-law Scott Burkhart. He is also survived by his nephews, Bradley Larson, and Deven and Christopher Burkhart. He will also be missed by his long-time friend Bruce Jesse who Don always looked forward to going on rides in Ridgewood, HWY 36, and all over Humboldt throughout the years. Bruce was a loyal friend of Don’s and still attends bible with Don’s mother each Saturday.

Donald’s sister Connie was not expecting his death so suddenly and thought they would have more time together. Her message to her brother is “We didn’t always see eye-to-eye, but you were my baby brother and I’ll miss you very much… The day you passed I was so lost, but now I know you are happy and free. I know I will see you again someday and that will be the happiest day of my life, but until then little brother – you will always be in my thoughts and in my heart.”

He Only Takes the Best

A Heart of gold stopped beating,
Two shining eyes at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove us-
He only takes the best.

God knows you had to leave us,
but you didn’t go alone.
For part of us went with you
the day he took you home.

To some you are forgotten-
to others just a part of the past,
but to us who loved and lost you
your memory will always last.

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