Daniel Joseph West McDade

Daniel Joseph West McDade (September 19, 1984 – September 19, 2024)

Daniel was born to his loving mother, Mary (Burgess) McDade, and his late father, Robert McDade.

He leaves behind his beloved son, Parker Ryan McDade, whom he cherished deeply, and his mother, Mary McDade. Daniel and his mother had a powerful bond; she was his strongest supporter in all facets of his life.  He is also survived by his sisters, Jennifer (Tony) Muscillo, Shannon Spangler (Ryan Miriani), and Susie (Jason) Fawcett; his brother, Bobby McDade; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Nora.

Daniel was an exceptionally talented artist with a creative mind that found beauty where others could not. He grew up in Berkley, Michigan, and graduated magna cum laude from Berkley High School in 2003.  His high school years were filled with swimming, diving, soccer, and hockey.  Besides participating in athletics, high school was also where his love for art began to flourish, winning both the Scholastic Gold Key and Silver Key. 

Daniel was accepted into the College for Creative Studies, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising Design.  After college, Daniel showcased his graphic design talent while working at Doner, Campbell-Ewald, Art Van, and Shore Mortgage. Recently, he returned to school, earning an Associate Degree in General Studies from Washtenaw Community College. Daniel was working toward certification in Addiction Studies. Furthermore, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to create an apparel brand, Brag Nasty. 

Daniel was heavily involved with the recovery community in Ann Arbor, MI. This community helped Daniel through some of his most difficult struggles with addiction, and, in turn, Daniel connected with and helped many within the community.  Daniel moved to Ann Arbor when he came to Dawn Farm’s residential recovery program.  Later, Daniel became a house manager for Home of New Vision, where he was able to help others in their recovery.  Throughout his time in Ann Arbor, Daniel connected with the vibrant recovery community through the Washtenaw Alano Club, attending meetings and fellowships, holiday dinners, summer picnics, and much more. 

Above all, Daniel loved the Lord. One of the last verses he highlighted in the Bible app was Deuteronomy 6:5: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” His faith was central to his life, and he was devoted to praying, journaling, and memorizing scripture. Daniel participated in short-term mission trips to Costa Rica, the Navajo Nation, and Eastern Europe.  In addition, Daniel regularly attended church services, most recently at Radiant Church and 2|42 Community Church in Ann Arbor, where he built relationships with the pastors and many of their members.  Daniel truly loved and appreciated his church community.

Daniel was deeply loved by all who knew him and will be profoundly missed.

The memorial service and celebration of life for Daniel McDade is October 12, 2024, from 1-4 p.m. at Woodside Bible Church- Royal Oak campus. In remembrance of Daniel’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Dawn Farm in memory of Daniel McDade (https://www.dawnfarm.org/donate/).