Daniel Willman

Apr 16, 1973 -

Jan 17, 2023

Daniel Andrew Willman, age 49, of Anchorage, Alaska, born on April 16, 1973, in Lowell, Mass., to Herbert E. Willman Jr. and Barbara K. (Smith) Willman, passed away on Jan. 17, 2023, in Anchorage, after valiantly battling a long illness.

Growing up in Massachusetts, Dan earned his B.S. in geology from Hobart and William Smith College, and began his career in Alaska as a geotechnical field geologist in 1996. Besides being an Eagle Scout, Dan had an intense interest and love for the outdoors. It was easy for Alaska to quickly become his true home, as he was willing to embark on any wilderness adventure, and immersed himself in running both mountain and road races. He was a 20-time finisher of Mount Marathon, and could be found running, skiing, hiking, biking and kayaking throughout the state.

Through his work he was afforded the incredible opportunity to see more than 100 villages across the state of Alaska, while working for DOWL, Duane Miller Associates and Golder Associates. Profoundly shaped by his own father's passing at a young age, Dan decided to focus his time on his family, retiring early from his geologist career. The years he spent being a full-time parent were short however incredibly full, and will be forever cherished by his family.

Dan is survived by his wife, Holly (Daugherty) Willman; three children, Harper (14), Ruby (12) and Brooks (10) of Anchorage; mother Barbara. (Smith) Willman of North Chelmsford, Mass.; sister, K. Sue Cote (Michael) of Holliston, Mass.; brother, Douglas A. Willman (Michon) of Lakeville, Minn.; and many extended family members and friends from all around the world. Dan was preceded in death by his father, Herbert E. Willman Jr.; and brother, David A. Willman.

A memorial service open to the public will be held at the Anchorage Museum on Monday, March 20, 2023, at 1:24 p.m. Please bring your wonderful memories to share with friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Healthy Futures AK, Challenge Alaska or Fred Hutch Cancer Center.