Daniel John Ristow

1996 - 2021

  • 24 years old
  • Date of birth:  December 19th, 1996
  • Place of birth:  Los Gatos, California, United States
  • Date of passing:  June 12th, 2021
  • Place of passing:  Elko, Nevada, United States

On June 12th, our beautiful, athletic, fearless son, Daniel, pushed off into what turned out to be his final wingsuit flight, in Lamoille Canyon in eastern Nevada.  We know in that moment he was filled with joy, but there are no words for the pain that fills our hearts every day since.  The wistful thoughts of what will never be.... we expected many more chapters in his exuberant, adventurous, all-too-short life.

Somehow in all this pain, there are blessings.  Daniel had direction, passion, drive.  He was living life on his terms.  He found freedom and challenge in the mountains.  He had a wonderful community of friends and an ideal partner in Rachel.  He had a growing list of projects and plans.  We had a solid family relationship, further strengthened by sheltering together during the pandemic. We have a caring and supportive community that will help us navigate this heartbreaking journey.

The calls, cards, meals, texts, messages pouring in from our community as well Daniel's friends have been incredible.  Each kind word, story, photo, is a comfort. We know that our grief is shared.  Thank you.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Daniel's memory for camp scholarships to Shaffer's High Sierra Camp: https://acacamps.formstack.com/.../aca_camper_scholarship...Please type "Shaffer's High Sierra Camp" in the "Camp name of this camper scholarship donation" field.

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Candle lit  by Greg Fung on December 21st, 2021

Maria and Warren,
I am so saddened to hear of you r loss of precious Daniel.  I hope that his memories will sustain you.  Reassured knowing that he lived a fearless life of adventure

Candle lit  by Mark Koch on January 3rd, 2023

Maria and Warren,
Just recently learned of the passing of your remarkable and accomplished son. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and the family. Although I  never knew him I feel we have all lost someone special.
God bless Mark and Barbara

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