Daniel Christopher Kirwan

Daniel Christopher was born October 28, 1968 in Midland Texas. He was the joy of the Kirwan family. Daniel was a special miracle and lived his entire 46 years to the fullest. He will be remembered for his exuberance.

In his early years, Daniel completed a rigorous program that helped strengthen his mind and body. His entire family devoted themselves to help him achieve the things he was told he couldn't do. Daniel loved to run side by side with his Father at all the local fun runs and completed the swimming leg and the biking leg of mini-triathlons. Daniel was an avid athlete in Special Olympics. Daniel always saw himself as the winner no matter what place he came in. He dedicated himself to exercise his entire life, even after his illness it was still of upmost importance to him. Daniel graduated from Midland High School's Life Skills program in 1991. The entire graduating class cheered him on and gave him a standing ovation as he crossed the stage. Daniel had a giving heart and went on to volunteer his time at local nursing homes each weekday for over 20 years. His infectious smile and warm hug brought so much joy. Daniel had a special gift for never forgetting anybody he ever met and making everyone feel as if they were the most important person in the room.

Daniel lived life to the fullest and got to do amazing things most people don’t get to do in a long lifetime. He counted the future President of the United States, George W. Bush, as a dear YMCA running friend, he marched in the New York City St. Patrick’s Day parade and doffed his hat to Cardinal O’Connor and he watched the Discovery Space Shuttle launch with a family member in command. Daniel was a Christian, unwavering in his faith. He was the closest one can be to God while living here on earth. He loved unconditionally, was honest, joyous and never could hold a grudge. Daniel loved worshiping the Lord, singing and dancing. He enjoyed family trips and had great times at their vacation home in Cloudcroft New Mexico. He enjoyed attending plays, concerts, symphonies and operas with his family. One of his very favorite past times was going to sporting events with his Dad and Brothers. He was a die-hard Midland High Bulldogs fan and also cheered for Lee High. He loved to watch professional football and basketball and cheered for his Brothers and sisters College teams. He always wore his Bulldogs, Texas Tech, Aggies, Cowboys, Packers and Spurs shirts to show his team loyalty. Above all else, the most important thing to Daniel was family. He loved all of the holidays and special occasions. He remembered each family member’s birthday and was just as overjoyed to celebrate their birthdays as if they were his own. He loved each family member with all that he had. Daniel had a beautiful spark that was always present and a true blessing to encounter. His Father referred to him as "DSYM- dear, sweet young man" and he was.

Daniel is survived by his parents John and Carolyn Kirwan, Brother John Kirwan, John’s daughter, Shay Moore – husband Brian, their daughters Alyssa and Audrey; John’s son, Mathew, his daughters Lexi, Evie and Taylor; John’s daughter, Laura; Brother Tip Kirwan- wife Brenda and son Thomas Taylor and his wife Faith, sister Caroline Kirwan and her daughter Catherine Eberhard, her daughter, Carolyn Veronique and son Chris Eberhard and wife, Holly Jo; sister Kathleen Kirwan Haynie- husband Scott and sons Hunter and Christian and daughter Gracie.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Dragun, Dr Oliver, Permian Basin Dialysis staff, Hospice of Midland and Martha Ramirez and her team of devoted caregivers for the tender care, compassion and love given to our sweet Daniel.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 10, 2015 from 6pm-8pm at Ellis Funeral Home. A celebration of Daniel’s life will be held at Noon on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at Christ Church Anglican, Midland TX. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Memorial donations in memory of Daniel can be made to Hospice of Midland or Community & Senior Services (Meals on Wheels). The family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support during this time of Daniel’s transition to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.