Daniel Michael Davis, 33, of Spirit Lake, died tragically in an auto accident on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011.

Daniel was born in Coeur d'Alene on March 29, 1978. He is the first born son of Kevin and Philena Davis of Cocolalla.

At a young age, Daniel and his family moved to Haines, Alaska. Being an outdoor enthusiast with a zest for life he absolutely loved Haines and the wonderful friends he had there. He enjoyed hunting, trapping, fishing, panning for gold, camping, snowmobile riding and even loved cooking his catch. He played basketball and was also on the track team in high school.

During the summer months he was a deckhand on a fishing boat and played men's softball. Shortly after graduating with honors from Haines High School he moved back to Idaho to attend college for a short while.

In 1998, he met and eventually married, Rachael Branson Turner, the mother of his three beautiful children, Austen (12), Larissa (9) and Vanessa (8), who became his pride and joy with an enormous love to be surpassed by none other. Daniel was born to be a father and his children had no doubt that they were his No. 1 priority. Dan was also a wonderful father and role model to Christian Branson (16).

Daniel worked as a millwright. He was also a member of the NRA. He enjoyed dancing, playing games and barbecuing for his friends and family. He was called the man with the marshmallow heart by many family members.

Daniel had many wonderful friends and will forever be in our hearts. He was a compassionate, sensitive and loving man.

Daniel is survived by the mother of his children, Rachael Turner, of Spirit Lake; children Austen Michael, Larissa Marie and Vanessa Mae Davis of Spirit Lake; Christian Branson of City, Calif.; parents Kevin and Philena Davis of Cocolalla; brother Gabriel (Gator) Kevin Davis and sister-in-law Wendy Davis of Cocolalla; grandmother Evelyn and husband Alan Collinson of Rathdrum; numerous Aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Daniel was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Harold M. Benham and Roger A. Davis (Boompa) and grandmother Betty J. Davis.

A special tribute and huge thank you from all Dan's family goes to Michael Parker of Post Falls. You and your family meant a lot to Dan. He considered you his extended family.

Donations will be placed in trust funds that have been set up for his children at Inland Northwest Bank in Spirit Lake.

Come celebrate Daniel Davis' life with us at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011, at The Lifeway Chapel an Assembly of God, West 15th Ave., Post Falls. Please sign Daniel's guest registry and view his online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.