Daniel Joseph Laird went to be with the Lord on March 27, 2019, at the young age of 41. He sustained fatal injuries in a helicopter accident while supporting a routine burn in Sam Houston National Forest in Texas. Two other people were injured in this incident.

Born August 30, 1977, in Fremont Hospital, Yuba City, California, Daniel was the youngest of four siblings. He went to school at Grace Christian Academy, then on to Bridge Street School, and graduated from Yuba City High School in 1995.

Daniel knew early in life that he wanted to be a firefighter like his father and uncle. After high school, he began a 23-year career with the US Forest Service, working his way up through the ranks to the position of helitack captain on the Tahoe National Forest.

Daniel was an avid fisherman, staunch supporter of the Sacramento Kings, competitive golfer, and Yuba City skateboarding icon. He is remembered as an amazing teacher, gentle and generous, a true problem solver with an infectious smile.

His family was always his greatest love and highest priority. Daniel was survived by his loving wife, Heather, who was his childhood sweetheart, and who sadly died just a year later in June 2020. He is survived by his daughter, Evain; father and mother, Richard and Rochelle Laird; brothers, Jeffery and Johnathan Laird; and grandparents, Chuck and Shirley Evans.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Larry and Nelda Laird; maternal grandfather, Ronald Jenkins; sister, Angela Laird; and nephew, Gavyn Laird.