Daniel Eddy McBride

Daniel Eddy McBride passed away Oct 29, 2012. The son of Forrest Glade and Mary Joan McBride, Daniel was born Apr 26, 1923 in Hoyt, CO. Daniel moved with his family to Yakima, WA, when he was a baby. He was educated in Yakima County schools.

Daniel married Ruth Marie Smelser on Nov 12, 1941 in Yakima, and moved with his wife and 4 children to Bremerton in 1950.

He worked at PSNS as a painter in Shop 71. After retirement, he owned and operated a car detail and truck sales lot on Callow Ave for 20 years, with the help of his wife and sons.

Daniel enjoyed hunting, fishing, being with family and friends. He especially enjoyed being a Santa. He was Santa Claus with Mrs. Claus for many years for Harrison Hospital’s “Festival of Trees” fundraiser, as well as many other places, bringing joy to his heart and joy to all. He and Ruth collected donations of clothing and toys for low-income children and he was Santa for their Christmas parties. At Christmas, the couple, with the help of family, made hundreds of popcorn balls with red coloring and mixed nuts and handed them out to their customers and all about town, with Daniel always in his Santa hat.

Daniel was a past member of the Bremerton Eagles, a member of the bowling team for Shop 71-PSNS, a past member of the Yakima Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Two daughters, Fay Marie Guthridge and Lois Jean Caudill, preceded Daniel in death, as did his parents. Surviving are his wife of nearly 71 years, Ruth; twin sons, Dennis (Jill) and Daniel (Barbara);, a brother, Gary A. McBride (Antonette) of Manchester, WA; 7 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be missed by many.

Services are under the direction of Miller-Woodlawn Funeral Home. At Daniel’s request, there will be no services. Donations may be made to the Harrison Hospital Foundation in Bremerton.

Remembrance is a golden chain

Death tries to break, but all in vain

To have, to love and then to part

Is the greatest sorrow of one’s heart

The years may wipe out many things

But this they wipe out never

The memories of those happy days

When we were both together.

A poem from Daniel's granddaughter, Lisa Williams:

My Grandpa, Hero, and Angel

You used to bounce me on your knee

I grew up loving your company

Your heart so pure, your soul so true

I grew up always loving you

For many years when I was a teen

I remembered the cars you would clean

As time went on you played a bigger role

Of being Santa himself, with your jolly soul

You gave to so many and you gave so much

With all your love and a gentle touch

I am sorry for the years I wasn't here

But you were in my heart and always near

But now, just today, my heart is broke

You went to sleep and you never woke

You are so special to me, that you knew

You'll take my love, memories & heart with you

And now you can watch over me from afar

I hope you'll always know just how much loved you really are.