Daniel Richard Ivester

Daniel Richard Ivester left our home in Clackamas, Oregon to meet Jesus, face to face, on June 18th, 2025. Born in Clinton, SC, on April 9th,1950, he was the son of Mattie Bell Smith Ivester and Arzo R. Ivester. He was the youngest of five children: Shirley Ivester Turner, Vernon Ivester, Sandra Ivester Burdette, and Gail Ivester Whitman.

After graduating from Clinton High School in 1968, Dan attended Clemson University for a short time before joining the Airforce in 1969. Stationed in Charleston, SC, his job as a loadmaster gave this small-town boy the opportunity to travel the world. He found himself in places like Germany, Greenland, Thailand, Brazil, Vietnam, and also flew as part of the crew for President Nixon’s trip to China, for which he received a commendation for his part in that mission.

While stationed in Charleston, Dan met his wife Janet, and they were both smitten! They married six months later on April 28th,1973 in a beautiful old Charleston church. A short time after they married, Dan decided to finish his Airforce obligation in the Reserves, so he wouldn't be on flying status and could be closer to home. During that time Dan worked as a bartender at the Country Club of Charleston.

Being a man who cherished family and his southern roots, it was a difficult and sacrificial decision for Dan to move Jan and their one-year-old son Christopher to Oregon in 1975 to be closer to her family. In 1977 they bought their first house in Sandy, OR where their family grew by two more, Kari was born in 1977 and Dean in 1980. In 1984 his family of five moved to Clackamas, OR where Dan and Jan still live today.

Dan worked at Proto Tool, Zirca-Tech, and spent 17 years at Benchmade Knife Company where he worked his way up to the position of Supply Chain Manager. After retiring in 2013, he worked part time for Eternal Perspectives Ministries. Wherever he worked, his kindness, patience and humor made him the favorite boss. A man of character, he handled people and hard decisions with grace and love.

Moving to Oregon was life changing for Dan, but the biggest event in his life was coming to Christ. He served at Good Shepherd Community Church, volunteering in youth ministry, men's ministries, choir and led growth groups. Understanding his accountability before God to teach the truth, he became a student of the bible and was a true man of God.

Dan's favorite days in life were saturated with music and his favorite people. He sang in a gospel quartet at a young age but eventually loved many types of music from Doo-wop to Dylan...and of course James Taylor. His favorite people on earth were his kids and 6 grandkids who captured his heartstrings the moment he laid eyes on them. Annual trips for a week at the beach each summer with all 13 family members became a tradition. Sand, sun... ok sometimes sideways rain and wind, smores, bocci ball, crabbing, laughter and of course, good drink and good music was all part of the experience.

Dan loved sports. Keeping his March Madness bracket up to date was a must. Oregon State football and baseball and Clemson football games were part of our routine. He loved all of the Grand Slam tennis tournaments, and golf... of course golf. He played with the boys while he could, and I will never forget how pumped he was when the grandkids started playing and he had his own family foursome. Another one of his favorite memories on our beach trips.

This amazing man who was one of the most determined, hardworking, trustworthy people you could meet, was quiet; yet his dry humor would catch you off guard and find you hysterically laughing. He was kind and forgiving and patient to a fault, never complained about anything, even the health issues he endured. He loved us unconditionally to our cores. He was so loved and will be missed not only by those of us who are family but by everyone who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to donate to Good Shepherd Short-Term Missions via the following link:

https://gscc.churchcenter.com/giving/to/short-term-teams