Daniel Richard Breyer

Dan was born March 8, 1955, at Ford Ord, California. He was the son of Richard and Greta Hyypio Breyer. They preceded him in eternal life in 2009 and 2012 respectively.

Dan is survived by siblings, Patti (Bill) Patton of Saranac, Michigan, Tim (Dot) Breyer of Dover, Delaware, Joe (Sally) Breyer of Gilbert, Arizona, Chris (Gaby) Breyer of Foothill Ranch, California, and Jessica (Roger) Marks of Ada, Michigan. He also has eight nephews and five nieces, whom he enjoyed spending time with.

Dan was proud to have grown up in the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan. He went to school in Tapiola and L’Anse, then graduating high school in Stephenson, Michigan. After graduation, Dan went to work for the Ford Motor Company working on their Great Lakes Iron Ore carriers, starting as a deckhand but did the schooling to earn the credentials to be a wheelsman.

Over the next 37 years as a sailer, Dan would spend most of that time sailing the Great Lakes. He was on Lake Superior the night of the terrible November storm, which sank the Edmond Fitzgerald. As a wheelsman, Dan had the finesse to steer those large, heavy ships through busy rivers and into locks and docks. He worked on many types of ships including a research vessel, oil tankers, and liquid natural gas haulers. He also sailed the salt water oceans seeing much of the world. His hobbies were building puzzles and photography.

Dan retired and moved to Sun City late in 2013 where he lived with his beloved cat, Pip Squeek. Dan served his neighbors in many capacities. He was the shuttle service to the airport or the supermarket. He became active in his condominium goverment as treasurer and was recently elevated to president. Dan was well known for his generous spirit and keeping in tough with his friends and family with cards and calls.

Services are being arranged by the family at this time and will be announced on Dan’s Facebook page as they are finalized. Per his wishes, his cremains will be returned to his beloved Upper Peninsula to be with his parents.