Daniel J. Burden

Dan Burden. 1954-2025. Born in Ohio and raised by Pat and Joe with his sister Cheryl and brother Gary, and died in Montana after calling Montana home for 45 years. He is survived by his wife Sheri, his sister Cheryl in Ohio, many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and cousins throughout the country, more family by marriage, in-laws, out-laws, and many friends who are considered a much loved extended family.

After completing his degree at The Ohio State University, Dan’s jobs were in counseling in correctional institutions. He felt he made a difference. Dan retired as superintendent of the Montana Dept of Correction's Boot Camp, Swan River Correctional Training Center, Treasure State CTC in 2007. And then he had more time to play.

Marrying Sheri at an outdoor ceremony on a cold, rainy day in 1979 started their adventure. They soon made the move to Montana and proceeded to build their dream home in a beautiful setting. Dan's creativity found outlets in wood working and metal working. He was an artist in designing and building a home and created many, many things to display in and around the house.

Dan filled his life with more energy and action than any "normal" person. Surrounded by friends Dan enjoyed white water kayaking, skiing, canoeing, hiking, backpacking, sea kayaking, and more. Much of this was here in the Swan Valley in Montana. But there were many trips to the Grand Canyon, Alaska, Canada, Idaho, and all around Montana and the NW. Whitewater kayak floats on the Lochsa and Swan Rivers were common, but there were also many other memorable trips in Alaska and Canada. Highlights in recent years included sea kayaking trips on the west side of Vancouver Island, in Yellowstone and Glacier Parks, and in Alaska with amazing friends. Days spent skiing and hiking with close friends (and usually at least one black dog) were treasured. Bonfires and tailgating were a favored form of celebrating long time friendships as well as meeting new friends of friends. Many of Dan's friends were met through his active lifestyle, and became friends for life. And Sheri was there for many of the adventures these past 46 years. So lucky to have loved, and been loved. Thank you all.

Dan mentioned several times that he did not have or need a bucket list because he was lucky to have lived a life full of adventures, had a home that he loved, and had lots of time to spend with friends and family. It was a good life.

Pancreatic cancer somehow found its way into Dan's healthy lifestyle and after two years of the battle, it claimed Dan's life. But, until his last breath, Dan was not defeated. Dan was one of the strongest people I knew. Some said stubborn... he corrected them and said "I'm not stubborn, I'm determined". He was determined to hold friends and family close and to live a life filled with joy. Dan will certainly be missed.