Daniel Flavin

Daniel Joseph Flavin, 39, of Salt Lake City, Utah, passed away on November 26, 2020, Thanksgiving Day. Danny was born on August 26, 1981 in Elgin, Illinois to Michael Dennis and Janice Lee Flavin. Danny was the youngest of 5 children. He grew up in Schaumburg, Illinois and then Sandy, Utah where he graduated from Brighton High School in 2000.

He is preceded in death by his father Michael Flavin and niece and nephew Jana and Jameson Lange. His passing leaves his loved ones broken-hearted. They include his mother Janice Flavin, chosen son Isaiah Michael Horton, sisters Kelly (Tom) Gallo, Christy (Eric) Lange, Amy (Joseph) Dittman and brother Michael Flavin. Nieces and nephews Max and Kennedy Flavin, Joseph and Meredith Gallo, Payton, Michael, Mary and Jeremy Lange and Christopher Dittman. Along with loving Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and many great friends.

Danny came into this world with the doctor singing “Danny Boy”, and what an Irish Blessing he was. His wide eyes, old soul and caring heart were a perfect fit for our family. Our Little Prince. Loved beyond words for the beautiful way he thought, his ability to make people smile, and the sparkle in his eyes when he talked about something he loved.

Danny’s love for hockey was one of those things, almost a religion, he would tell me how hockey players can “Walk on Water.” He wanted a part of that!  He would say with a side-eye that it would be a continuation of his education to proceed with a career in the NHL since all hockey players are bilingual. He would then laugh and say, “English and Profanity.” Loyal in good times and bad to the Chicago Blackhawks, Bears and Cubs. Danny’s taste in music was varied and right on point, Sinatra to Social D and around and back again. Danny, “Flav”, a skilled craftsman, and great bartender, providing the drinks and counseling so many need in this day and age. A friend to everyone he met. He would be the one who would bring the “Get Out of Jail Free Card” or “A Cake with a File in It” if a friend was in trouble.

Danny believed in Love but wanted the fairy tale and was willing to wait for it. I heard the hope in his voice for the change to come, to allow his love to climb the highest mountain. He longed for the contentment that true love and happiness would bring. Danny did not hesitate to step in and assume the role of Daddy for a beautiful baby boy who needed a strong male figure in his life. Biology didn’t matter. Danny’s love was genuine and unconditional. Sweet Isaiah will always be a piece of his heart. We are lucky to call Isaiah our nephew. He is loved beyond measure. We will remind Isaiah to look to the stars when he needs his Daddy and he will find him there.

Danny’s nieces and nephews are deeply saddened to not have him here with them. He was more than an Uncle; He was a Funcle: Like a Dad, Only Cooler. Charming, Handsome and Hilarious. Danny lived by the Uncle Code: Bedtime is Whenever, The Answer Is Always YES, Your Uncle Will Always Have Your Back, Mom and Dad Don’t Need to Know, and the #1 Rule: Hugs Are Mandatory. Batman, wrestling, video games, hockey, cars, tools, apple parties, Pokémon, building forts and the comic relief that was ingrained in his being. We will share our stories of Danny to remind them of the great man that he was. Our pictures show the love Danny had for each one of these children and the love they had for him. Danny will also be missed by his loving schnauzer sister Lola. She was a special gift from Danny to our Mom. Lola and Mom will be there to comfort one another through this devastation.

Danny was what this world needs. He was kindness, goodness and hope. Held together with a wonderful mischievous sense of humor. Danny, a brother by chance and a friend by choice. Our paths changed along the way but the bond between us remained strong. Danny was a friend who knew the real you and loved and accepted the good with the bad. He would hug you through the tough times and make you laugh when you thought you would never smile again.

Danny is in the arms of the angels now and I hope he feels peace. I hope he can see how many lives he touched and made better just by seeing his smiling eyes, listening to his contagious laugh and sitting in the comfort of his company. I imagine Dad was waiting for him at the gates, not expecting him so soon. Jana and Jameson were there to welcome their Uncle Danny with hugs and kisses.  I’m sure our puppies Brandy, Daisy, Sammy, Tanzy and Alley ran to the gates to lick the tears from his face and prepare him to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Today we are shattered and broken but we will stand to face another tomorrow for our Danny.  Our love for him will be the light we need to carry us through this darkness. Danny was loved for the boy he was and the man he became. Gone way too soon. Never to be forgotten. Until we meet again…

“Oh Danny Boy, Oh Danny Boy, We Love you so.”

A visitation will be held Monday, December 14, 2020 at Cannon Mortuary, 2460 E. Bengal Blvd. (7600 S.) from 6-7:30 p.m. followed by prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Those wishing to watch the prayer service that evening via live stream,  can access by clicking on the button at the bottom of the page at 7:30 p.m. Monday, December 14, 2020.  (this will take you to Cannon Mortuary Facebook page, where services will be live streamed.)