Daniel died in the late afternoon of October 25th at Utah Valley Hospital in Provo, Utah, after a challenging life. He was 67 years old. Dan was the son of John Howard Telford, Sr. and Ruth Devereaux Telford, and was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he lived most of his life. Dan was a “blue baby” at birth and the lack of oxygen during that time affected his entire life. He was both mentally and physically challenged and was never able to live independently or function without supervision. He lived with his parents for 46 years, during which his mother taught him to read and write. His father was his best friend and Dan never quite got over his death. After the death of his father, he moved to the Bungalow Care Center, where he was lovingly cared for and made many friends. Most recently he lived at the Provo Care Center in Provo, Utah.
Dan didn’t have the life his family wanted him to have, but he did his best. He was a gentle soul who got along with everyone and was loved by everyone who crossed his path. He was a hard worker and enjoyed working in the sheltered workshop of the Provo Care Center. His family meant everything to him and he asked about each one of them every day when he called his sister Nancy every day. Loved family members died one by one, and Dan had extreme difficulty understanding why this had to happen. He had such a tender heart and just wanted everyone to be happy and healthy and with him.
Dan loved playing his turntable as a kid, watching his beloved videos as an adult, all Neil Diamond concerts or CDs, PEZ candy dispensers and donuts. Oh how he loved donuts! They were on his wish list for every special occasion, and he always wanted enough donuts to share with his friends at the care centers!
Dan leaves behind his sister Nancy Telford Barron, nephews Russell T. Barron (Sonia), Brett D. Telford, a niece, Holly Jo Telford, six great-nephews and nieces, and nine great-great-nephews and nieces. He was preceded by both parents in death, his brother John Howard Telford Jr., his brother-in-law Howard P. Kendell and Thomas C. Barron and his “fur brothers”, his dogs Pete and Casper.
The family sincerely thanks the wonderful Provo Care Center staff for taking care of Dan over the years. Words are not enough to express our appreciation. Please know that you made a difference in his life.
The funeral will take place on Friday, October 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah, with a tour of the same location from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. The funeral will take place at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 South Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah.
Dan is now free – finally perfect in mind and body – and reunited with all the loved ones he has missed so much. Those of us who stayed behind can no longer wish for him.
Published by The Salt Lake Tribune October 28 to November 2, 2021.
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