Daniel "Danny" Lee Birklid, Sr

            Daniel Lee Birklid Sr was surrounded by his family when he peacefully went to be home with the Lord on April 4th, 2025 after a short battle with cancer. Danny, as friends called him, was born on August 8th, 1936, in Seattle, Washington to Ruth Capps. Ruth met and married Ted Forrester in 1948 together they would raise Danny and his brother Jim in Kent, WA. Soon, a sister Kathleen joined them, and the family would be complete. Danny spent many years of his childhood at the home of his aunt Mary Capps. Danny graduated from Kent Meridian High School in 1955 where he excelled in track, football, and won the golden gloves award. Shortly after high school, he met and married the love of his life, Carole Breske. Together they had 6 children: Daniel Lee Jr., Theresa, twins Ted and Tom, and twins Mark and Tony. Having 6 children under the age of 5 earned them a picture in the local newspaper that was kept framed and proudly displayed in their home. He was active in bowling league, and he spent many years coaching his children and numerous others throughout Kent in soccer and baseball--out of 900 nominees he was chosen to be inducted into the Kiwanis’ Hall of Fame as volunteer youth coach in 1978. Danny kept busy providing for his family with jobs at Massey’s, Kenworth, & Peterbuilt.

            Work was a necessity, but he was truly defined by his passion for horses. He loved everything to do with them, from horse-racing and breeding to long camp-out trail rides and even playing horseshoes! He was actively riding up until a year before his passing. He spent many years dreaming of getting out of the city and moving to the countryside to be a farmer. After his retirement and coinciding passing of his wife, Danny moved to Cle Elum, WA. He met and married his horse-riding partner, Julianna Morton. They were married for 6 years before deciding they made better friends than spouses. In those years, he made a life for himself in the Ellensburg area and created lasting friendships. He belonged to the Melody Riders, Kittitas Trail Riders, Roslyn Riders, and the Washington State Backcountry Trail Riders and he rode in all the local parades. Danny is now in heaven celebrating with his mother Ruth, father Ted, and he is now back with the love of his life Carole and dearly missed son Tony. He leaves behind his sister Kathleen (Larry), brother Jim (Carol), children Danny Lee (Teresa), Theresa, Ted (Cindi), Tom (Becky), and Mark as well as their children and spouses: Nick (Callie), Nathan (Erin), Neal, Mandy (Jason), Maria, Jeremy (Jewel), Katie (James), Tera (Cody), Elizabeth (Jesse), Annie, Samantha (Jacob), Jacob, Timothy, Lydia (Patrick), and his inherited grandchildren from Julianna. As well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was blessed to also have 30 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson on the way. Danny will always be remembered for his roaring belly laugh and ability to enjoy anyone’s story, his love for his dogs, horses and other animals, and strong work ethic. We will have an upcoming memorial service at the South Seattle Saddle Club in Maple Valley, WA where he was a lifetime member at a date TBD and announced on Facebook in the future.