Anchor Point, Alaska resident Daniel W. Estes, 78, formerly of Cody, Wyo., passed away on January 24, 2025.

Dan was born July 26, 1946 in Ottumwa, Iowa. He grew up and received his education, graduating from Ottumwa High School in 1964.

In 1966, Dan began working for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in Denver, CO, remaining with them until 1978. Upon moving to Wyoming he became the owner of the K-Z Guest Ranch in Cody, WY. While running the K-Z, he also took on the role of an on call deputy for the Park County Sheriff’s Office, covering the Crandall and Sunlight Basin area. After five years running the K-Z Dan moved into a full time Deputy role retiring from the Sheriff’s Office in 2008.

Dan’s family wrote, “Dan’s favorite memories were of times spent in the outdoors with his children and grandchildren. His grandchildren treasured the fishing lessons and always jumped at the chance to drive the boats. Camping at the lake or trailhead was time well spent. Whether exploring the mountain trails on horseback with friends and family or running full throttle through the powder, he never missed a chance for adventure. Dan thoroughly enjoyed participating in sip and chats (whether coffee or whiskey) with family, friends and neighbors. In his law enforcement years, Dan was always at the ready to help his treasured neighbors in Crandall and Sunlight. Upon his moving to Alaska in 2008, his time was spent on the ocean and rivers searching for the big catch. In the Fall, he was chasing his next moose and caribou, bridging the time to the winter months for his snowmachining adventures to Alpine Creek Lodge. Recently Dan enjoyed napping with his four-legged buddies, Tinker and Bella, curled up on his lap, awaiting calls from the grandkids, sharing their most recent adventures, while Kanon kept him “comfy”.”

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Geraldine, and stepsons, Gary Spangler and Jason Apland.

Those left to cherish his memory include his partner in life, Connie Estes of Anchor Point, Alaska; son, Chad (Denise) Estes of Anchorage; daughter, Wendy (Mike) Capps of Cody, Wyo.; stepdaughter, Tammie Apland of Texas; sister, JaNan Cavanaugh, of Osseo, Minn.; and grandkids, Kane, Daniel, Zach, Amanda, Brandon, Justin, Sasha and Jennifer.

Dan was a member of the Homer Elks Lodge 2127 and the V.F.W. in Anchor Point.

A private family memorial is planned at a later date.

Arrangements were by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.