Daniel Paul Featherston, 85

Daniel Paul Featherston passed away January 28, 2026. He was born April 9, 1940, in Walla Walla, Washington, to Paul and Olive (Munsey) Featherston. Dan was an active, lifelong member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, a faith that shaped his values, his family life, and his commitment to service.

Dan attended Upper Columbia Academy and graduated from Walla Walla College Academy (now Walla Walla Valley Academy) in 1959. He continued his education at Walla Walla College, where he met Sandra (“Sandi”) Elaine Dorr. The two fell in love quickly and were married on June 24, 1962, at the Green Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church. Dan would later say that Sandi redirected his sometimes-wayward life choices and made it possible for him to achieve what he did. They remained married for more than 63 years, until Sandi’s death in August 2025.

Shortly after their marriage, Dan was drafted into the United States Army and served near Stuttgart, West Germany. Their first child, Brent, was born in 1965, the day after Dan’s 25th birthday.

After returning from Germany, Dan and Sandi completed their degrees at Walla Walla College by taking turns working and attending school. Sandi earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1966 while Dan worked to support the family. Dan then completed his Business degree in 1967. The couple moved to Moscow, Idaho, where Dan earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Idaho College of Law in 1970.

Following law school, Dan and Sandi lived briefly in Caldwell, Idaho, where Dan had grown up working for his grandfather, C.M. Munsey. Dan passed the Idaho State Bar Examination and served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Canyon County, while Sandi worked at a hospital in Nampa. It soon became clear that Caldwell was not their forever home. After a visit north, Dan and Sandi knew Sandpoint, Idaho was where they belonged—a place that satisfied Dan’s desire to live near the mountains and raise his family in the outdoors, and that captured the beauty Sandi loved.

Sandpoint became Dan’s lifelong home. He joined Glenn Bandelin’s law firm in late 1971, recalling early city council meetings where “old business” included discussion of a future Sand Creek Bypass. In 1974, Dan started his own law firm and was elected Bonner County Prosecuting Attorney. He practiced law in Sandpoint for decades, becoming a fixture in the local legal community. While Dan achieved many professional accomplishments, he took greatest pride in the relationships he built—with judges, opposing counsel, colleagues, and friends. He valued the camaraderie of the profession and cherished lifelong friendships with classmates and colleagues, including Gary Finney, Phil Robinson, Bruce Greene, and many others. Dan especially enjoyed mentoring young attorneys—and occasionally judges—encouraging them to seek wisdom, professionalism, and friendship within the legal community. It was a particular source of pride when his sons, Brent and Jeremy, joined him in the practice of law.

Family was central to Dan’s life. On March 16, 1967, Dan and Sandi lost a baby boy at birth while living in College Place, Washington. Their son Robert Joel (“Robbie”) was born March 25, 1968, and died June 8, 1972, due to complications from birth defects. Determined to build the family they had always envisioned, Dan and Sandi later adopted Jeremy Paul Featherston, born September 23, 1972, and Tiffany Suzanne Featherston, born June 4, 1976.

Dan’s love of the outdoors was legendary. In 1971, he famously returned home from an auction with a burro in the back of his 1940 Ford pickup—marking the beginning of his determination to become the toughest cowboy and mule packer he could be. He spent countless days in the mountains packing, riding, skiing, and exploring the backcountry with family and friends. These adventures became part of Featherston family lore. Dan instilled in his children and grandchildren a deep appreciation for skiing, hard work, and life outdoors. He often joked about keeping his skis in his law office so he could sneak up to the mountain for a run after court. Dan shared a particularly special bond with his daughter Tiffany during their many packing and riding trips into the backcountry.

Dan was a devoted member of the Sandpoint Seventh-day Adventist Church for more than 54 years. He strongly supported Sandpoint Junior Academy and served his church in numerous capacities, including service on Upper Columbia Conference boards. His faith, generosity, and steady presence were hallmarks of his life.

Dan was preceded in death by his wife Sandi; his children Robbie and Baby Boy Featherston; and his parents, Paul and Olive Featherston.

He is survived by his children: Brent Clayton Featherston (Robyn), Jeremy Paul Featherston (Kim), and Tiffany Suzanne Vaughan (Brad); five grandchildren: Conner Featherston (Brooklyn), Micaela Featherston, Isabella Taylor (Ashton), Dane Featherston, and Takoda Oxford; and two great-grandchildren, Briggs Thene Featherston and Ella Bee Featherston. He is also survived by his sister, Carolyn Featherston Hodgen (Larry) of Pendleton, Oregon, and his brother, John J. M. Featherstone of Sonora, California.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Dan’s life on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the Sandpoint Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2235 Pine Street, Sandpoint, Idaho. Lunch will follow. The service will be live-streamed for those unable to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Sandpoint Junior Academy’s Student Assistance Fund. Donations may be made in person at 2255 Pine Street, Sandpoint, Idaho, online at sja.org, or by contacting Cristina Welser at 208-263-3584.

Family and friends are invited to sign Dan’s online guest book at coffeltfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.