Daniel Fajardo

Daniel Fajardo left our world to join God in heaven on Friday, January 8th, 2021. He was one of the many victims of the COVID-19 virus during the worst pandemic our world has seen in generations. He was taken from us suddenly and left a hole in our hearts.

Danielito was born in Santiago de Cuba in October 1944. The oldest of three boys to Gladys and Daniel Fajardo, he grew up in a proud wealthy family significant in Cuba's history and politics.

He was coming of age during Cuba's revolution against the dictator Fulgensio Batista in the 1950's. Influenced by his patriotic family and the prospect of a revolution that would return democracy to his homeland, he joined the rebellion. But, when Castro overthrew Batista and declared that the country would be Socialist Communist he felt betrayed and joined the rebellion against Castro's regime. He managed to escape to the US as an exile before Castro could capture and execute him. He was recruited to join a US Army Special Forces unit to overthrow Castro. In their efforts he earned the Silver Star medal.

After his discharge from the US Army in 1963, he followed his Mother and brothers to Portland, Oregon where he met his beloved wife, Meiling. Mei was also a Cuban exile and had the headstrong personality to compliment Dan's larger than life personality. They were married in 1966. Ambitious and driven, they were dedicated to creating a happy life for their family and chasing the American Dream. God blessed them with three children, Danny, Lisa, and David.

Dan dedicated himself to the machinist trade and manufacturing industry. He became a highly skilled journeyman machinist. His sharp mind and engineering skills led him toward entrepreneurship. Throughout his career, he was the Owner of two small businesses, International Machine Works and Kimberley Industrial Supply. When he wasn't the business owner, he was a Business Consultant, a Sales Consultant, and he retired as the Business Manager of J.D. Ott, Inc., a multimillion dollar aerospace manufacturing company in Seattle, Washington.

Dan was very successful and embodied the American Dream. He was proud to be an American Citizen and enjoyed the opportunities this great country offered him. It was important for him to give back to the community he loved. Organizations that were important to him included youth sports, Habitat for Humanity, and The Elks Lodge charities. Through the Elks he quickly rose the ranks to become Exalted Ruler, and then District Deputy to the Grand Exalted Ruler of the national Elks organization where he supported dozens of non-profit charities and consulted struggling Elks lodges in Washington state. He also served on the Ocean Shores parks board of directors.

Dan was well known for his exuberant personality, his colorful story telling, and his take charge attitude. In his twenties, he earned the nickname, "El Capitan," partly because he owned a boat and partly because of his take-charge attitude. He was an avid DIY guy and enjoyed taking on home improvement projects. He was an amazing outdoor chef and was well known for his annual pig roast fundraiser with the Ocean Shores Elks Lodge. Dan made friends easily everywhere he went. Even though he had a very busy lifestyle, he always made time for his family, friends, and neighbors. Spending time with them, helping them, and doing God's work for his fellow man.

Dan was involved in many sports throughout his life. He was an international level competitive swimmer in his youth. In his teens and twenties he was deeply engaged in motor sports: drag racing, motorcycle racing, off road 4-wheeling, and dune buggies. He played tennis and racquetball, he loved skiing (water and snow), and he was a great golfer. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, too.

Dan loved his children and grandchildren without condition. He was a loving and supportive father to Danny, Lisa, and David. His grandchildren were the apple of his eye, Blaise, Max, Olivia, Zack, and Makena.

Dan and Mei lived in Portland for most of their lives. In his pursuit of career advancement, they lived in Seattle, Washington and Miami, Florida in the 1990's and 2000's. In his retirement, they moved to their vacation home in Ocean Shores, Washington. They decided to become snowbirds and lived part-time in Ocean Shores and part-time in Mesa, Arizona for a few years before deciding to live full time in Mesa in 2020.

Dan leaves behind his dedicated and loving wife of 54 years, Virginia Meiling Fajardo, his children and their families Danny (Stephanie, Max and Olivia), Lisa (Jeff, Zack, Blaise and McKenzie) and David (Ryan and Makena), his youngest brother Danilo Fajardo, and his Uncle Jorge Algeciras.

No memorial service will be held due to the pandemic. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Washington State Elks Assoc./Therapy Program for Children, Inc. in his name.