Daniel Dierks

Daniel Richard Dierks was born Nov. 20, 1947 in San Diego. He passed away suddenly on Dec. 2, 2010 while vacationing in Aruba with his wife of 27 years, Sally Avenson. Son of a Navy Chaplain, Dan and family called many places home before settling in the Puget Sound area. A graduate of Mercer Island HS 1966, and UW School of Architecture 1971, Dan lived briefly at Holden Village and volunteered with VISTA before starting his architecture practice. He valued fine craftsmanship and his wooden sailboat, and could always be counted on to lend a helping hand, especially if it meant buying a new tool. Dan's passions included his camera, playing softball, barbecuing salmon, being on or in the water, camping (an Eagle Scout), Guide Dogs for the Blind, the annual trip to the Gorge for DMB weekend, and teaching 3rd grade Sunday School.

Dan is in the hands of the Lord with his father Rev. William Dierks and nephew Joshua Dierks. He is remembered, loved and celebrated by his mother Doris Dierks, wife Sally Avenson, children Amelia, Evan and Quinn, identical twin David (wife Linda, children Aaron and Becky), sister Gretchen Oines (husband Joel, children Micah and Sam), Jetson and Pronto (Guide-Dog-"career-changed"-turned-family-pets).