Roy Arthur Daniel

Roy Arthur Daniel, 60, of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, February 8, 2017, surrounded by his family. He was born in Mesa, Arizona, on February 18, 1956, the son of Charles Owen Daniel and Georgia Marie Dixon Daniel. Roy grew up in Tempe and was active in several sports, church activities, and the Boy Scouts of America; having achieved the rank of Eagle. He graduated from McClintock High School in Tempe, Arizona, in 1974. After high school he attended Mesa Community College. Roy served an LDS Mission in Rome, Italy, between 1975 and 1977. Upon his return, he married his high school sweetheart, Deanna Cope, for time and eternity in the Mesa, Arizona Temple on August 5, 1977. They first made their home in Mesa and later in Gilbert, Arizona. They were blessed with seven beautiful children; and have ten grandchildren, with another due in September. As an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Roy served in many callings, from teaching Primary to serving in the Stake Presidency. He was a natural teacher and leader in his family, church, and the community. He was an eloquent speaker and story teller. He had a special place in his heart for scouting and served several times as Scoutmaster and Varsity Scout Coach. In 1984, he was awarded the San Tan District Scouter of the Year award and in 2000 the District Committee Hall of Fame. Roy's chosen occupation was in the field of construction, originally as a laborer, and later with Southwest Building Systems for almost 40 years. Over the years he has created many lasting friendships through his work with them. In 1997, he took on the task of building his own home, from the drawings to the physical construction. His construction crew was his wife and children. He has planted many fruit trees on the property. He loved to walk his trees and garden. He has served his neighbors for several years as the manager of their common well and interests and has enjoyed his relationship with each one of them. Roy was never happy, unless he is busy working, either serving in the church or involved with some project at home. He was an excellent handyman and repaired anything that was broken. If he didn't already know how to fix it, he figured it out. In his leisure time, he enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, playing sports, and serving others. In early 2012, he began to experience symptoms from the disease that would eventually rob him of his mobility and speech. He suffered from a Parkinson's Plus condition called Multiple System Atrophy. Even with the many challenges he faced he continued to attend church and be involved in most events and activities. He was an inspiration to those around him. He is survived by his wife, Deanna Cope Daniel and six of their children, Jared Daniel Alisa of San Tan Valley, Arizona; Bradley Daniel Tara of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; Stephanie Gonzales Julio of Gilbert, Arizona; Keri VanderPloeg Matt of Gilbert, Arizona; Devon Daniel of Gilbert, Arizona, Taylor Daniel of Gilbert, Arizona, and 10 grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother, Georgia Marie Dixon Daniel of Mesa, Arizona, and his two brothers Gene Daniel Julie of Gilbert, Arizona and David Daniel Lawanna of Mesa, Arizona. He also leaves many other extended family members who love and respect him. He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Owen Daniel and his oldest daughter, Jennifer Ann Daniel, who passed at age 20. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 18, 2017, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1010 S. Recker Road, Gilbert, Arizona. Viewing will be at the church on Friday, February 17, 2017, from 6-8 p.m. and the following morning at the church from 9:00-9:40 a.m., with services beginning at 10:00 a.m. Internment will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the Mesa City Cemetery, 1212 N Center Street, Mesa, Arizona.