Daniel O'Laramie Corthell was born to R. C. (Robin) Corthell and Frances McPhee Corthell on March 15, 1931, at Laramie, Wyoming, the 3rd of 5 children. His early years were spent on the family dairy farm at Laramie, where he attended the University Training School. In 1944, the family moved to Seattle, Washington, where he graduated from Franklin High School. He worked for Sears Roebuck for several years, starting when he was 14 years old. He joined the U. S. Air Force in 1950, and served in Texas, Illinois and at Fairchild Air Base in Spokane, WA. He was sent to Korea during the conflict, and finished his tour of duty there. While at Fairchild, he pursued his education with night classes at Eastern Washington College. Upon discharge from the Air Force, he entered the University of Washington, eventually obtaining a degree in law. In 1960, he married Jane Berglund and adopted her two sons, Stephen and Jon. His daughter Lesli was born in 1961. He practiced law in Seattle for a time, but was drawn to other pursuits. He managed a crab processing plant at Cold Bay, Alaska for several years, and then managed a heavy vehicle salvage activity at Stockton, California. He did some construction, primarily on harbors, in the Puget Sound area before becoming associated with Hector's Restaurant in Kirkland and Friday Harbor, WA. He eventually became owner of the Kirkland restaurant and finished his working career(s) there. His wife passed away in 1977. In June 1990, he married Olivia Bennett and they had two children; Whitney Anne, born 1991 and Dustin James, born 1993. Dan and Olivia retired to Vashon Island in 2004.

During the 90's he enjoyed numerous fishing trips to British Columbia which always included his beloved dog Aussie. Manyadventures followed, including treks back home to Laramie, Wyoming and family vacations to Yellowstone, New York, and Canada.

He was preceded in death by his parents; by his first wife, Jane; by his son Jon; and by his sister Pauline. He is survived by his wife Olivia; daughters Lesli and Whitney; sons Stephen and Dustin, all of the Seattle area; his sisters Margaret (Peggy) of Casper, WY and Eleanor (Skeet) of Yakima, WA; his brother Alan (Corky) of Anchorage, AK; and by three grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was a licensed aircraft pilot, an accomplished mechanic and an avid student of World War 2. His travels included long cross-country trips in a Model A Ford. He drove a team of horses to harvest hay, and milked cows by hand. He cut firewood, tended chickens, and carried in coal. He made work into fun, and didn't live by the clock. He had few prejudices and liked people. There is a gap where he stood, and he will be greatly missed

He will be interred at Tahoma National Cemetery at 18600 Southeast 240th Street, Kent, Washington on October 15 at 11:15 AM.

A memorial service will follow at 12:30 PM at Edline Yahn and Covington Funeral Chapel at 27221 156th Avenue SE, Kent, Washington.