Daniel David Secrist, Jr., 82, of Lynchburg, passed away Sunday, November 9, 2008 after an extended illness. He was the husband of Dorothy Eleanor Agnor Secrist for 58 years.
Born March 14, 1926, in Buena Vista, VA, he was a son of the late Daniel David Secrist Sr. and Curtis Henson Secrist.
Dan was a retired pharmacist having worked with the Central VA Training Center and Peoples Drug Stores. He was a volunteer pharmacist at the Free Clinic in Lynchburg and a member of the Virginia Pharmaceutical Association He was a member of the Church of the Brethren in Buena Vista.
He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during WW-II and was a member of the American Legion Post-16 in Lynchburg.
All that knew Dan is aware of his unfailing love for animals. He "cooked" for his little friends that frequented his place on Landon Street. There was always a big meal placed out for the raccoons, skunks, neighborhood cats, deer, birds, you name it! Often you could find Dan walking up close among the critters, even the skunks, without incident. They loved him and knew he was, in part, their caretaker. He got so much enjoyment out of attending to them. He caught and treated many animals back to health, often with just love. In addition to the animals at his home, he also fed the animals daily around several shopping centers, especially during bad weather conditions. We nicknamed those locations, "Secrist Heights" as many little houses were built by some of his friends, at his request, to keep his little animal friends safe and warm during bad weather.
He also engaged his family and friends in his humane projects. There are many funny stories about Dan's expectations of us to take care of his little friends. Dan's deep love of animals has certainly effected many people in a positive way. He is truly a benchmark for us to measure ourselves by when it comes to animal welfare.
In addition to his wife Dorothy, he is survived by one son, Daniel David Secrist, III of North Carolina; one sister, Dorothy S. Blosser and one brother John H. Secrist, both of Lynchburg; and one niece, Virginia Avondoglio of New Jersey. He is also survived his close and dedicated friends, Ellie Hubbard and her husband John, Dan and Jeane Mason, Gardner Fields J.P. and Amy Mahaffey and Vivian Lambert.
A celebration of Dan's life will be held Sunday, November 16, 2008 at 1:00 PM at the scatter garden in the historic Old City Cemetery with his friend, the Rev. Dan G. Mason officiating, A reception for family and friends will be held at Diuguid Wiggington Chapel following the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lynchburg Humane Society, 3305 Naval Reserve Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501 or an animal welfare program of your choice.
Diuguid Funeral Service-Wiggington Chapel (385-8900) is serving the family. On-line condolences may be sent to www.diuguidfuneralservice.com.
