Daniel James Chitwood

Resident of Lynden Daniel James Chitwood, age 85, went home to be with his Lord and Savior November 4, 2013, at St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham. Dan was born June 17, 1928, in Ellington, Missouri, to Bill and Alma Chitwood. He was the fourth of 10 children: with 2 brothers Pete and John (both deceased), and 7 sisters, Lessie, Dessie, Wilma, Nadine (all deceased) and survived by Delma, Faye and Wanda. Growing up, Dan helped his dad farm and tore around the hills of Van Buren, Missouri, with his brother John, his best buddy. They squirrel hunted, ran their hound dogs, and came back with some good stories. In 1947 Dan married Lela Farrell Neer and had 52 years together. They had one daughter, Connie, and moved to Lynden, Washington in 1953. Dan first worked as a dairy farm manager, then he and Farrell raised strawberries alongside the Clarks and Maberrys in the ’50s and ’60s. Next, Dan went to work for the Great Western Lumber Company, where he retired. Daughter Connie married Bill Martinson in 1966 and welcomed Dan and Farrell’s only granddaughter Kim Martinson in 1975. Yes, she was spoiled, but not rotten. Farrell passed away in June,1999. Dan loved to fish, hunt and camp with family and friends in Conconully, WA and Sheridan Lake in B.C. He also loved raising beef cattle, treating them more like pets than food. If he wasn’t in the field, you could often see him at the Everson Auction Barn. In 2004, Dan met and married Henrietta VanderHeiden of Lynden, and became a much larger family, gaining three sons, Clarence VanderHeiden of Seattle, Marvin and wife Maureen VanderHeiden, and Gary and wife Kris VanderHeiden of Everson, and daughter Eileen and husband Gordie Harang of Bellingham. He also gained 11 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Dan and Henrietta loved to travel to see family in South Dakota and Missouri as well as other trips and cruises. Dan loved his Lord Jesus and his church family. Even if he’d been in the hospital, but got home before Sunday, he would be there sitting by the aisle waiting to greet all those who came by. He always had a smile for everyone and never met a stranger. He was warm, loving, generous and absolutely loved people. He will be greatly missed by his wife, children, family and friends, but we know for a fact he’s enjoying time with Jesus right now! Farewell Tribute Information The viewing will take place Sunday, Nov. 10, from 2:00-4:00pm at Lynden Moles. A celebration memorial will be held Monday, Nov. 11, at 11:30am at North County Christ the King church in Lynden. The graveside service will be Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 10:00am at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Daniel James Chitwood

June 17, 1928 - November 4, 2013