Daniel (Danny) Ross DeSpain, 74, of Sandy, Utah passed away April 11, 2026.  He born in Prescott, Arizona, the youngest child of Val and LaVerne DeSpain. Daniel attended Camelback High School and Phoenix Junior College on a wrestling scholarship, and later transferred to BYU - where he met the love of his life, Carol Thomas. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on August 29, 1969, beginning nearly 57 years of devoted marriage.

Daniel graduated from BYU with a bachelor's in Communications. He went on to hold multiple jobs, including sales, insurance, and managing an audiovisual store. Feeling unfilled, he went a different route. He joined the Salt Lake City Police Department on October 17, 1977. By this time, he had four little girls.

He was a dedicated officer who went on to serve in several capacities at the police department, but he thrived as a patrolman. His favorite position during his tenure was S.O.C.O. (Scene of the Crime Officer), which in modern-day lingo is CSI. He honed his photography skills, often practicing on his kids and their friends. He was rarely at a family event, a grandkid performance, or a game without his camera around his neck. He loved photography and sharing memories with others.

A tireless provider, he often worked long days and second jobs to support his family, always putting their needs first. He was a regular at the Jazz and Bees games – providing security and traffic control. He was a devoted husband, father, and beloved "Gramps" to thirteen grandchildren, known for his humor, storytelling, love of music, and endless curiosity. A Mensa member with a remarkable memory, he was a lifelong reader and a source of knowledge and laughter.

Carol was his true love. He loved to travel with her, with Paris and England being special trips. He spoke of her often and was so worried about her in these last couple of months, while they had to be separated due to health challenges. He told us every day that all he wanted was to be with mom, sit next to her, and hold her hand.

He loved to fish and hunt. His two youngest kids - Danny and Meggie - have stories to tell about their Mill Hollow adventures. Brad was his hunting buddy and was with him when he got his first deer.

He is survived by his wife of almost 57 years, Carol Thomas DeSpain. His brother, Tom (Sally) DeSpain. His children are Amy and Brad Butterfield (Isabel, Mark, and Bradley Carlisle and Magdalena Butterfield), Carrie and Brad Nielsen (McKay and Jordan Hanzon, Zachary Nielsen, Gracie, Ben, and Senna Waldron), Jenny and Shane Koller (Madelynn Koller, Finn and Ronnie Koller, Sophia Koller), Jason and Emily Stratton (Chase Stratton), and Daniel and Chuna DeSpain (Yanny and Romez DeSpain).

We know that Dad has now had the sweetest reunion with his youngest daughter, Meggie. She adored him, and he has missed her every single day she has been gone. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Larry, Nancy, and Judy. His beloved grandkids, Robin and Harry, and great-granddaughter Rue.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. We won't see a Pepsi, Jolly-Ranchers, or a popsicle without thinking of you, Pops!

Funeral services for Daniel will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 11:00 am at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, UT 84095. Viewings will be held prior to the service from 10:00 - 10:45 AM and on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley. Interment will take place at Salt Lake City Cemetery.