Danny Lee Nordgaard

Proud of his Norwegian heritage and service to our country in the Marine Corp, Danny Lee Nordgaard engaged life in his own unique style. “Dan the Man” as he was known to family and friends passed away on September 28th after a long battle with dementia. He was just 68 years old.

Born in Seattle, WA to Fred and Betty Nordgaard in the summer of 1954, his elementary years were in Pasco, WA. He loved playing little league baseball and swimming in the local park pool a short walk from home. The family moved back to West Seattle in 1967 where Dan graduated from West Seattle High School in 1972. Following graduation Dan immediately enlisted in the Marine Corp serving four years as an Ammunition Technician. Like many veterans, Dan loved to share numerous stories of his time in the Marines…numerous times. He always sought out veterans at restaurants, malls, and events to thank them for their service and to share a story (or 2 or 3).

Dan’s love for craftmanship and creativity was passed down to him by Grandpa Nordgaard and Dan displayed that love in his custom-made stunt kites, wall hangings, beautiful stained-glass, and various home projects. His stained-glass pieces were loved by his family and displayed for all to see. Dan not only loved creating these various items, but also sharing his thinking into the design, color, texture, etc. of each piece as it reflected his deep thoughtfulness for whom the item was being created. His craftsmanship skills also showed in a long career as a laser operator/machinist for Korry Electronics in Seattle for 15 years plus his many years as a rigger for TODD Shipyard in Seattle. For several years his side hustle was selling wholesale fireworks imported from Montana…you know, the good kind.

Dan met Barbara Welch at James Madison Junior High School and dated for a period of time. Fast forward to the 25th Class Reunion for WSHS Class of ‘72 when they reconnected and started dating again. A few years later on August 24, 2001, they were married in a private ocean-side service in Long Beach, WA during the annual kite festival. A rogue wave almost washed over their officiant (his brother Jay), but quick thinking kept everyone dry, and their beautiful ceremony proceeded without issue. Dan flew stunt kites in competition for many years and served as President of the Washington State Kite Flyers Association in the 1990’s.

During their 21 years together Dan and Barb enjoyed motorcycle riding with good friends and taking annual trips to Long Beach, WA for the kite festival and Joseph, OR for the Blues Festival. They even commuted year-round by motorcycle and ferry for 10 years. Dan customized his Harley-Davidson Fat Boy. Rider safety was very important to him and as well as educating new riders on riding safely and smartly.

Whether it was teaching motorcycle riding safety, kite flying, home repairs or stained-glass, Dan was extremely patient and forgiving when others were trying their best to learn. He would be so pleased when they would accomplish new skills and always tell them how proud he was.

Living in Port Orchard for more than 20 years, Dan would enjoy trips to Poulsbo to get Norwegian food that reminded him of times with Grandma and Grandpa Nordgaard in Bellingham and their Silver Lake cabin near Maple Falls, WA. Lutefisk, gjetost (goat cheese), lefse and Norwegian baking were a life-long love of Dan’s. Learning more about his Norwegian heritage especially the Vikings was part of Dan’s love of reading which also included military and historical genres. Dan read many books about Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce tribe around Joseph, OR. During Dan and Barb’s annual trip there, Dan would always stop at Chief Joseph’s gravesite, pay his respects, and share historical details about Chief Joseph to everyone present.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Betty (Botts) Nordgaard and older brother John Nordgaard. He is survived by:
• Dan’s loving wife, Barbara Welch -Port Orchard, WA
• John’s widow, Sally -Clarkston, WA
• Brother Jay (and Joan Friesen) Nordgaard -Indianapolis, IN
• Sister Kerri (and Larry) Bauer -Arlington, WA
• Cousin Keith (and Lorraine) Christiansen -British Columbia, Canada
• 3 second cousins
• 2 stepchildren, 8 step grandchildren, and 1 step great grandchild
• 3 nieces and 4 nephews
• 8 grand nieces and nephews
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you go fly a kite in Dan’s honor, read a book about Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce tribe, enjoy a ride on a Harley, or contribute to an Alzheimer’s/Dementia research organization.