Erin Daniel "Dan" Bigler

With profound sadness and deep love, we announce the passing of Erin Daniel “Dan” Bigler on October 9, 2026. We will remember him with pride, gratitude, and immeasurable affection. 

Dan was born in Bryan–College Station, Texas, on February 6, 1982. Nine days later, he was welcomed into the family by his overjoyed and loving parents, Janet “Jan” and Erin David Bigler. He always carried a special love for his Texas roots. Hook ’em Horns! 

As a boy, Dan embraced life, learning, and sports—and excelled at all of them. He was consistently at the top of his class and loved English, debate, and history. But baseball held his heart. At age eight, his Texas Little League team made it to the state championship game and won. As Dan grew older, the family made trips to the Phoenix area whenever they could, filling their days with as many Cactus League games as possible. 

After the family moved to Provo, Utah, in 1990, Dan continued playing Little League baseball. By his sophomore year at Timpview High School, he had earned a place on the varsity team and played through his graduation in 2000. He went on to Westminster College, where he earned a degree in economics. Dan delighted in sharing his ideas about economics—and was always ready for a good debate. 

His curiosity and creativity found many outlets. Dan wrote futuristic short stories and dreamed of seeing them published. He loved computers and technology and took pride in his work as an editor of video game manuals. He was also a talented drummer and a terrific karaoke singer, bringing his own spark to every song. 

Baseball remained a lifelong passion. Dan played competitive fast-pitch baseball in Salt Lake City while attending Westminster and after graduation. A gifted utility player, he could play any position, though pitching was his favorite. When he began having trouble with his vision and coordination, a misjudged popup that struck him in the face led to a neurological evaluation. Dan was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which proved to be both relapsing-remitting and progressive. He was accepted into the Master of Public Health program at the University of Utah, but MS and other health challenges kept him from completing the degree. 

Through all of life’s challenges, Dan’s kindness and compassion for others remained unmistakable. He was deeply loved, and he will be missed beyond measure. 

Above all, Dan cherished being a father to his young sons, Kamau and Atlas. They were the greatest joys of his life, and his love for them was boundless. He delighted in the everyday moments they shared—playing together, reading stories, and heading out for frequent trips to the park. Dan gave his boys his tenderness, attention, and whole heart. The love they shared was precious, and it will remain with them always. 

Dan is survived by his parents; his sister, Alicia Bigler Davis, and her sons, Travis and Wyatt; his sons, Erin Kamau and Atlas Niuguna; and their loving mother, Rose Kamau. 

A memorial service will be held in Salt Lake City on Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 12-2 p.m., coordinated by McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 S. Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah. 

Interment will take place in Placerville, California, where Dan’s parents live.

We are proud of Dan, grateful for every moment we shared with him, and heartbroken by his loss. We will hold him close in our hearts, always.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.