Alan Roger Danielson

Alan Roger Danielson passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025, surrounded by his

loving family in Spokane, Washington. Born in San Francisco on June 26, 1943, Alan

was the second of three children to Ebe and Helen (Haroldson) Danielson. Throughout

his remarkable life, Alan was admired by all who knew him. He devoted his energy,

heart, and wisdom to the betterment of his family and his community.

Alan’s infectious smile, sharp intellect, and kind, reassuring presence touched everyone

around him. As one friend noted, “The world has truly lost a wonderful man.”

From a young age, Alan was determined to achieve great things. Growing up in

Oakland, he worked diligently and earned admission to the University of California,

Berkeley, where he excelled academically and set his sights on a career in medicine. It

was at Berkeley, in a Zoology course, that he met Linda Callaghan—the woman who

would become his wife and lifelong companion. After graduating, Alan attended UCLA

medical school and during those years, he and Linda married and welcomed their

daughters, Eva Corinne Danielson and Jenny Nicole Danielson Ayers.

Following medical school, Alan served two years in Vietnam as a Captain in the Army,

working as a medical battalion surgeon. He earned several medals for his heroic service

and unwavering dedication to saving lives. After returning to civilian life, Alan completed

his orthopedic surgery residency—his true calling—at the University of Utah, where he

and Linda celebrated the birth of their third daughter, Erica Danielson, and enjoyed their

lifelong love of skiing.

Though Alan and Linda originally considered settling in Seattle, a stop in Spokane for

Expo ’74 at a friend’s suggestion changed the course of their lives. Inspired by the area

and its medical community, Alan joined an orthopedic practice and became one of the

three founding members of what is now Northwest Orthopedic Specialists (NWOS). His

passion for orthopedics never wavered; he consistently drove innovation, brought

leading-edge practices to the region, and generously shared his knowledge as a mentor

and teacher. Widely recognized as one of the Inland Northwest’s top orthopedic

surgeons—specializing in knee, hip, and adult joint replacements—Alan’s technical

excellence was always matched by his genuine compassion and the deep, meaningful

relationships he built with his patients.

Alan believed deeply in service beyond his practice. He regularly volunteered his time to

care for patients in rural communities around Spokane, and on a global scale, traveled

repeatedly to Bhutan and Cambodia with Orthopedic Overseas. There, he taught more

advanced surgical techniques to local physicians, improved the lives of those in need,

and embraced the rich cultures of the communities he visited.

Beyond medicine, Alan was a master of almost anything he touched and was an

encyclopedia when it came to history and world politics. He worked tirelessly to help

renovate the family’s 1890s Victorian home, taking on plumbing, electrical wiring, and

framing—whatever it took to restore their home to its original glory. Nothing was too

challenging or complex for him to take master. He also cherished time at the family

cabin on Lake Coeur d’Alene: sailing his J-24, training his beloved Labrador retrievers

Gracie and Abby for duck hunting, and maintaining classic wood boats.

Later in life, Alan became an avid opera enthusiast, often traveling with Linda to Seattle

to enjoy performances. Together, they explored the world—bicycling through Italy,

boating down the Yangtze River in China, going on safari in Tanzania, and floating the

Grand Canyon—always approaching life with adventure with limitless curiosity.

Alan leaves behind an enduring legacy as a devoted husband, father, friend, and

physician. He is survived by his wife, Linda; their daughters, Nicole and Erica; and three

cherished grandchildren. His example inspires us all—to lead and contribute

generously, strive for excellence, and greet the world with kindness. Alan’s

unconditional love and the tremendous positive impact he made on so many lives will

be carried forward by all who knew him.

He will be deeply missed and remembered with great affection and gratitude.