Obituary of Christopher Daniels

Christopher "Kit" Ray Daniels April 19, 1968 - July 18, 2015 Christopher "Kit" Ray Daniels through his humor, coaching, and teaching, affected many throughout his community. Born in Saline on April 19, 1968, he was the youngest of three sons from the union of the late Alfred "Dutch" Daniels and Judy Lynn (Bellen) Daniels PHD. Kit was an accomplished diver graduating from Dundee High School in 1986. He served his country honorably in the United States Coast Guard, later continuing his schooling at Monroe County Community College and Siena Heights University, earning a minor in Math and a major in Business. He obtained his Master's Degree online through the University of Phoenix. He began his working career as a stock broker for Merrill Lynch, but soon realized he was destined to do more. His love for children soon led him to teaching and coaching. He began coaching swimming and diving at Jefferson more than twenty-five years ago. He joined the staff at his alma mater in 2000 becoming a math teacher and continuing to serve as a coach for softball, football, swimming and diving at the middle and high schools. Kit was proud to have coached with his brother, daughter, and cousin; and of teaching three of his children and several cousins, and coaching all of his children and several cousins. An amazing father to his own children, Kit was patient and humorous in all his roles often opening his home to children in the community. He enjoyed a plethora of activities, playing hockey and softball, shooting trap and archery. An avid outdoorsman he enjoyed hunting deer and bear and was a member of the Dundee Sportsman Club. He shared his life with high school sweetheart the former Kim Sande. Skilled with his hands, Kit could build anything, much time was spent on the St. Helen family cabin. Kit age 47 of Dundee passed away on the morning of Saturday, July 18, 2015 at his home after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer and under the care of Promedica Hospice. In addition to his father his passing was preceded by a brother: Allen; and a favorite uncle and mentor: Lehr Roe. To cherish his memory he leaves his four beloved children: Christina (Geoff) Byrom, Kelly Daniels, Colton Daniels, and Christopher "C.J." Daniels; mother: Judy; Kim Daniels; brother: Bruce Daniels; four grandchildren: Elizabeth, Calvin, Drew, and Axton. Friends are invited to the Gymnasium at Dundee Community High School, 130 Viking Drive where the family will receive friends from 4:00-8:00pm on Wednesday, July 22, 2015. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 11:00am on Thursday, July 23, 2015 also at the high school with family friend, Reverend Tommy Hammitte of North Monroe Street Church of God officiating. Guests are encouraged to use the West Student Parking Lot Entrance. Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734) 384-5185 has been entrusted with his arrangements. Online condolences can be made by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Kit Daniels Memorial Scholarship Fund or Promedica Hospice.