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 both immigrants from Öland, Sweden. 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. He had a special gift for telling captivating stories, paired with a wry sense of humor that always brought laughter to those 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, Cambodia, and Tanzania 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 with some highlights including —bicycling through Italy, boating down the Yangtze River in China, traveling through Egypt in the midst of the Arab spring, 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.

In remembrance of Alan’s life, charitable donations can be made in his name to: Health Volunteers Overseas: https://hvousa.org/bring-health-to-all/