Daniel Palmer Lea
July 17, 2025
Federal Way, Washington - Daniel Palmer Lea passed away peacefully at his home in Federal Way, Washington on July 17, 2025 at the age of seventy-three surrounded by loved ones and friends. Dan was born September 12, 1951 in San Francisco, California, the middle of three brothers. He is survived by his wife of 37 years Karen Sullivan Lea, his son Kristopher, younger brother Michael (Chanda), granddaughter Amber, great-grandson Hayden, niece Monica Lea Gordon, and nephew Eric Lea. He was preceded in death by parents Corinne Seguin Lea, Charles "Scotty" Lea, and brother Scott Lea. His parents relocated to their native Montana around 1960, and it was there that he and his brothers were raised. Dan graduated high school in the town of Hamilton, followed by attendance at the University of Montana in Missoula. He spent the most significant portion of his career in support of public education retiring as a Facilities and Maintenance Manager for the Fife School District in Washington state. He loved Montana and enjoyed it as a hiker, camper, and photographer. His photography skills began while in high school when he worked for the local newspaper; he had an early interest in personal computers, building and using them in the pre-internet era; He loved the waters of the Pacific Northwest and learned to sail and captained several sailing trips with family and friends. Later, he and Karen enjoyed learning about and collecting fine wines. Although Dan pursued a wide variety of interests during his life, his overarching interest was always his great love of music. As a younger man he possessed a remarkable countertenor voice which earned him awards and accolades during his student days. For many years, he lent his voice to the Tacoma Symphony Chorus and was the chorus ex-officio member of the Board of Directors. He went on to serve six years as a full Tacoma Symphony Board member and afterward, continued to serve as a community representative on the Board's Leadership and Governance Committee. Dan will be remembered as a loving, gracious and generous man who took great joy in the company of his large group of friends and relatives, whether it was hosting and entertaining at his home, at Flathead Lake rental house, or on the many trips he and Karen took to visit with them after retirement. A funeral service is to be held at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Federal Way, Washington on September 10, 2025 at 2 p.m. A celebration in honor of Dan will be held in Montana sometime in August 2026. His remains will be interred at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Anaconda, Montana. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to
World Central Kitchen or the Tacoma Symphony.
Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) from Jul. 31 to Aug. 1, 2025.