Daniel Mark Burgess, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and proud lifelong resident of Sonora, California, passed away peacefully at his family home on April 12, 2026. He was a warrior who battled multiple myeloma for 7 years. He was 70 years old.
Born on January 11, 1956, Dan was a man of the Sierra Nevada. For seven decades, he embodied the spirit of the community he loved, known for his steady hands, his quiet strength, and a work ethic that defined every chapter of his life.
Dan dedicated 20 years of service to CalTrans. To Dan, it was more than a career; it was a way to look after the region he called home. He navigated the challenges of the mountain terrain with expertise, and along the way, he built a brotherhood of colleagues who became his dearest friends. His presence on the crew was a constant, marked by a dry wit and a reliability that earned him the respect of everyone who worked alongside him.
While his work was on the roads, his soul was on the water. A true outdoorsman, Dan found his greatest peace at New Melones and Beardsley Reservoirs. He spent countless weekends at Kennedy Meadows, where the air was crisp and the fishing was good. Whether he was angling for perch, trout, or his favorite catfish, Dan was a master of the craft. These trips were the backdrop for a lifetime of memories—teaching his children the patient art of the “perfect catch” and later sharing the same traditions with his grandchildren.
At home, Dan’s passion for the land continued. He took immense pride in his farm property, finding deep satisfaction in the hard work of tending the soil, the animals, and maintaining his acreage. He was a man who preferred to be outside working on his latest project rather than in the seat of a recliner, though he was never one to turn down a quiet evening watching his favorite movie, Grumpy Old Men—a film that perfectly matched his own sense of humor.
Above all his accomplishments, Dan’s greatest legacy is his family. He was the steadfast anchor for Paula, his devoted wife of 48 years. Together since they were 14 years old, they built a life rooted in love, tradition, and the simple joys of rural life. He was a proud and supportive father to Jared (Tiffani), Meghan (Ryan), and Luke (Kara), and a legendary “Grampy” to his eight grandchildren: Morgan, Hannah, Caitlyn, Gus, Ben, Micah, Rylie, and Emery. Each of them carries a piece of his adventurous spirit and his love for the great outdoors.
He is preceded in death by his brother Ron Burgess.
A Celebration of Life to honor Dan’s life will be held on Sunday, June 14th at 2pm at Hurst Ranch, Jamestown CA. The family invites all who knew him to come share a story and celebrate a life well-lived.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Dan’s memory to The Sonora Area Foundation. Designate donations to the Dan Burgess Memorial Scholarship Fund.
