Obituary of Daniel Scott Markley

Daniel (Dan) Scott Markley, 70, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, in Greeley, Colorado. Dan was born October 25, 1953, to Robert (Bob) Markley and Lucille (Lucy) Markley in Fort Collins, CO. Dan was the middle of three children, with an older brother, David and younger sister, Carol. Dan attended Dunn Elementary and Lincoln Junior High. He was active in Cub and Boy Scouts. Dan delivered the local newspaper and like many boys in those days rode his bike wherever he could.

As a young man, Dan attended Greeley West High School, where he played football and participated in track for his beloved Spartans. He also sang in the school choir, “The Spartones”. After high school, Dan attended the University of Northern Colorado and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Phi Fraternity. While at UNC, Dan acquired the nick name, “Dipper Dan” after commandeering an ice cream truck that really wasn’t his! The adventure ended in a nearby pond!

After graduating college in 1976 with a degree in finance, Dan followed in his father, grandfather and great-grandfathers footsteps and entered the Markley Motor car business. Dan helped run and expand the Markley Motors Greeley dealership for several years, specifically overseeing the Honda division. The dealership grew considerably, selling Mercedes, Honda, Saab, Mazda and Isuzu. After the dealership closed, Dan stayed involved in the car business until retirement. It was in his DNA and he took great pride in it.

While attending UNC together, Dan met the mother of his children, Wendy Beattie. They were later married in 1978. They resided in Greeley and Dan and Wendy went on to have one son, Mitchell (Mitch) and two daughters, Misty and Amanda. They later divorced.

The children have so many fond memories of their younger days with their father, especially summers spent in Greeley. Dan did everything from collecting baseball cards with his son to taking his daughters and niece on their annual "Princess Cruise" to Flaming Gorge! Above all, as a father he stressed life's most important lessons and instilled in them the value of loyalty, the importance of family and sharing holiday traditions together and how to be truly grateful for everything you have. Some of their fondest memories are being outside with their dad, camping, boating, skiing and enjoying a little golf here and there!

Dan was a man of strong faith. He loved being of service to others and took great pride in his many hobbies over the years. His hobbies included woodworking, golfing, hunting, watching the Indy 500 every year and keeping up with his favorite sports teams. He always looked forward to competing in his Fantasy Football League with the same group of gentlemen he played with for the last 20 years.

Dan certainly enjoyed his friends and social life! He thought it to be quite entertaining to do the “Old Ducker” events with Ducks Unlimited. You could often find Dan enjoying time with family and friends at his favorite local watering hole, Cables End, where everybody knew his name! His

children recall their dad constantly "bumping" into friends everywhere they went! Dan was clearly well connected. People LOVED him for his kindness, generosity and his unforgettable chuckle.

Dan spent many years with "man's best friend", his beloved springier spaniel, whom he named FANG! (Dan also had a great sense of humor!) He enjoyed taking Fang on long walks and letting him loose to swim in the pond. Dan would often recall stories about his "water rescue missions" when Fang would get a little too ambitious! Just like the other dogs in Dan's life, Fang adored him and was a very loyal companion.

Later, Dan married "his girl", Debra (Deb) Canon in September, 2016 in a private background setting surrounded by their families. Dan and Deb shared a wonderful life together in all ways possible. When they were able to they loved social gatherings and going to UNC sporting events and rooting on THE BEARS! They enjoyed vacationing and sneaking away for long weekends together. Over the past few years, they truly learned what love in "sickness and health" meant. Their families were and are the world to them and anytime they spent with them was always a highlight.

To know Dan was to love Dan. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, son and friend. We will miss him very much but we are grateful for the laughter and memories we shared together. Dan's spirit will live on in our hearts forever; may he rest in peace for eternity.

Dan is survived his wife; Debra Markley; children; Mitchell (Lindsey) Markley, Misty (Chris) Frey, Amanda (Taylor) Stevens; stepchildren; Emily Wilson (Ely Corliss), Kendal (Jeremy) Thyfault, Megan Wilson; eight grandchildren, Bode (10), Ella (10), Oliver (7), Shiloh (7), Scott (6), Maggie (6), Elliot (5), Jack (5), Madden (infant); his siblings; Dave (Diane) Markley, Carol (Brian) Zick. Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Robert (Bob) and Lucille (Lucy) Markley.

Dan's wishes were to have a quaint celebration of life later this spring. There will be more information to follow at a later time for all those who would like to honor him.

The family has asked in lieu of flowers, that they would be grateful that any contributions to honor Dan be directed to: The University of Northern Colorado Alumni Association which is entrusted to provide support and steward donations for the University of Northern Colorado. "Once A Bear, Always A Bear!"

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