Dan Alan Kuipers was born on January 15, 1950 to Gladys and John Kuipers in Artesia, CA. He grew up in Bellflower, CA and graduated from Valley Christian High School in 1969. He met Sandra Kooiman through church groups and they were married in August 1973. His daughter Laura was born in June 1977. He and his young family moved to Enumclaw, WA in summer of 1979. In September of 1980, they welcomed their son Nicholas and in July of 1983 another daughter Rachel. At age 39, Dan was diagnosed with Leukemia and underwent a bone marrow transplant at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. He remained in remission for 30 years. After several different jobs, Dan found his career at Lakehaven Utility district where he worked as a maintenance electrician until retirement. Dan was an active member of his church community and was known as the guy who could fix anything. He will be greatly missed.

He leaves behind his wife Sandra of 50 years, children Laura, Nicholas and Rachel Heater (Justin), grandchildren Jakob Kuipers, Luke Heater, Gwen Heater. Sisters Lynette DeYoung (Jerry) of Sacramento, CA., Gayle VandenBerg (Robert) of Coeur d’Alene, ID., Sally Korthuis (Don) of Nooksack, WA., and many nephews and nieces.

A memorial service will be held at Wabash Church on September 23 at 10am. In lieu of flowers, Dan requested all donations to be made to the Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center.