Daniel 'Dan'l' Moore, 67

Daniel "Dan'l" Moore, 67, passed away unexpectedly from an undetected heart issue Feb. 12, 2024. He is succeeded by his wife of 37 years, Helen; his two children, Quincy and Gaelyn; his mother, Mary; sister, Sylvia; and brother, Douglas.

Born in Coconut Grove, Florida, he grew up a boy scout exploring the local swamps, the Everglades and Great Smoky Mountains, climbing avocado trees, and terrifying scorpions. He studied wildlife biology in Moscow, Idaho, where he also started skiing, blacksmithing, and playing the tenor banjo.

Dan’l honed his skills as a blacksmith in Philadelphia, at Yellin Metalworks in the late '80s. Upon return to the Flathead he started Coon Hollow Forge and became a part of the Northern Rockies Blacksmith Association creating beautiful functional installations, dragon faces, everblooming flowers, and hosting workshops.

Using his wildlife biology degree from University of Idaho he enjoyed participating in field studies carrying smelly lure into the mountains to attract wolverines and grizzlies to collect their DNA. He also spent a summer chasing pregnant elk around the Centennial Mountains proudly peeing in the headwaters of the Missouri river drainage.  

You may have recognized Dan'l’s bearded face from The Grin and Bear It String Clan, Tropical Montana Marimba Ensemble, and every Irish Jam Session the valley has ever had.

If you didn’t see him playing music you may have passed him on a skin track or trail. An avid collector of maps and books, Dan’l spent many happy days tromping through the woods on skis, bike, and foot. He shared his knowledge of the mountains, ecology, and outdoor safety with anyone lucky enough to explore with him. This includes generations of Flathead Nordic Backcountry Patrol, Glacier Adventure Guides, and Road Scholar participants.

His family and many of his friends laid him to rest in Coon Hollow February 18. We, the family, would like to express our eternal gratitude to all for your love and support. We plan on having a celebration of life in the Flathead early August. 

Donations to help continue Dan’l’s legacy can be sent to Flathead Nordic Backcountry Patrol or Glacier Park Conservancy.