Daniel W. Dailey

Aug 9, 1953 -

Mar 10, 2026

Daniel "Dan" W. Dailey, 73, passed away peacefully the evening of March 10, 2026, at Providence Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Dan was born in Jamestown, N.D., to Joe and Susan Dailey of Minot, N.D. He grew up with a sharp mind and a sense of humor that would later become one of his most recognizable traits. Friends and family knew him for his quick wit, sometimes dark humor, and his magnificent fishing abilities.

In 1984, Dan moved to Alaska to work for Carr-Gottstein Foods on what was supposed to be a five-year contract. Alaska quickly became home, and Dan went on to build a remarkable 38-year career with the company. He eventually retired as Sales Director for J.B. Gottstein.

Dan met the love of his life, Debra Blackmore, while they were both working at Carrs. They were married in March 1989, and went on to build a life filled with adventure, laughter and a deep love of the outdoors. In 1993, they purchased property on the Kenai River, where Dan set to work building a fishing cabin and a guest cabin. Over the years, it became a gathering place shared with multitudes of friends and family. Dan especially loved teaching others how to fish and navigate the river, generously sharing both his knowledge and his enthusiasm for the sport. He was also known for his patience and even keeled personality.

In addition to his wife Debra, Dan is survived by his children, Brendan Dailey and Ryan Meier; stepchildren, Melanie Johnson and Daniel Johnson; brother, Joe Dailey; sisters, Jane Dailey-Hammond and Pat McGillivary; and many nieces and nephews. He will be remembered for his humor, his generosity in sharing his passions and the many adventures he created with those he loved.

His memory will live on in every cast of a fishing line, every story told around the cabin and in the hearts of the many people fortunate to have shared time with him.