Danny Ray Dalaba, 68, passed away from a heart attack on January 7, 2023, at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah.
Dan was number 13 of the 14 children born to Samuel J. and Jessie Pearl (Proper) Dalaba. He grew up in Mancos, Colorado, and graduated from Mancos High School. Dan took auto mechanics and went on to a tech school to learn more about mechanics and welding. He signed up for diesel mechanic training, but was unable to finish when his health took a turn.
Dan worked at Mesa Verde National Park as a cook as well as working as a heavy equipment operator, doing road construction, drove trucks, working in uranium mills and eventually starting his own business, Moab Small Engine and Welding. He opened another business, Moab Septic, and eventually phased out the small engine business. He was a hard worker and was always busy. He moved to Moab in 1977 and went to work at Irish Automotive, where he met Lora Irish, the niece of the proprietor, Dale Irish. Dan and Lora started dating and were married on March 28, 1980, in the Manti temple. They would have celebrated their 43rd anniversary in March.
Dan loved to take drives, go camping and go snowmobiling. He built his own sand rail and had many great outings with the family. Dan liked to fish, except when Lora caught more. They eventually purchased a travel trailer and enjoyed many trips. He was a good friend and ready to help whenever he could. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. He had faith in Jesus Christ and in His atonement.
Dan and Lora did not have children, but they are surrounded by many nieces and nephews who love and adore them. They like going to Uncle Dan’s house to play video games and hope they could beat him.
His sister, Nita Ream, followed him in death on January 9, 2023. They leave behind two brothers, Jim and Jack; and four sisters, Mary Garza, Judy Streigl, Juanita Henningson and Bonnie Kroll.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Moab LDS Stake Center (701 Locust Lane, Moab) with live streaming on Spanish Valley Mortuary Facebook page. A viewing will be held on Friday, January 13 from 6 to 8 pm at Spanish Valley Mortuary and 10:00 am at the Stake Center. The burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
You may send condolences to the family at www.spanishvalleymortuary.com.
