Daniel Benedict, 30, of Moab, UT and formerly of Spearfish, SD died Monday, January 14th 2008 in Moab, Utah.

Vigil services will take place at 7:00PM on Friday, January 18, 2008 at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church in Spearfish.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, January 19, 2008 at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church in Spearfish with Father Tim Hoag as Celebrant, burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Spearfish.

A memorial has been established.

Daniel Dale Benedict was born July 5th, 1977 in Valentine, Nebraska to Keith and Alma (Evans) Benedict. He was baptized July 24th, 1977 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Clearfield, SD. Daniel spent 9 years in Mosher, SD and then moved with his family to Spearfish, SD. He attended grade school and high school in Spearfish, he was confirmed at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in 1993 and graduated from Spearfish High School in May 1995.

During high school Daniel was active in debate and civil air patrol. These experiences helped him develop life skills of speaking in what he believed and searching out life's meaning for him. He developed an adventurous spirit which lead him down a path to many occupations and destinations.

He traveled the United States broadly, locations abroad such as Africa, his occupations included cooking, tending bar, bail bondsman, auto mechanic.

In 1997, he moved to Moab Utah and discovered the Colorado River where his passion as a white water rafting guide became the love of his life. He loved sharing his skill and knowledge of the river and the environment to bring others the same enjoyment of the river that he felt. His hobbies were mountain biking and hiking especially the area around Arches National Park and the Black Hills.

At the time of his death, he was employed at Moab Post Office and was actively pursuing his degree in park management. Grateful to have shared his life were family and friends. He is survived by his parents, Keith and Alma Benedict of Spearfish, a brother, Loren (Tammy) Benedict of Spearfish, three sisters, Julie Benedict of Spearfish, Angela (Brian) Wilson of Fort Bragg, NC, and Vicky Docken of Rapid City, SD, nephews Jamie, Derrick, Jayd, Jesse, and Evan and nieces Trisha, Kasey and Maddison, many aunts and uncles, and the many friends from Spearfish and Moab. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, and other aunts and uncles.