Daniel Patrick Gaffney

Dr. Daniel P. Gaffney, age 60, of Hickory, NC, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 22, 2018, at his residence. Born March 22, 1958, in Kalispell, MT, he was the son of the late John William Gaffney and Maxine Moad Gaffney.

Dan grew up in Montana. He had a passion for hunting and fishing. From the time he was a toddler, he accompanied his Dad to the mountains, rivers and lakes of Montana and Canada. He also loved deep sea fishing and made many trips to Zihuatanejo, Mexico. He returned from his most recent Mexico fishing trip 2 weeks before his death.

Dan graduated from Montana State University-Bozeman with a BS in Zoology and with a DDS from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. He practiced as a dentist for many years in Montana as well as in North Carolina. His work as a dentist was also his passion. His care of and for his patients was skilled and heart felt. He will be missed by his patients as well as the Hickory dental community.

Dan lived life to the fullest and with a big heart. He touched the lives of many people personally as well as professionally. Knowing and loving Dan had many highs and lows. His energy and laugh were contagious. Those who know Dan will likely not forget him.

Dan is preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law and father-in-law, William and Dorothy Hudkins and nephew Kevin Mundy.

Survivors include his wife of 20 years, Dr. Gale H. Ford of Hickory, NC; sons, Kyle Gaffney of Los Angeles, CA and Austin Gaffney of Bozeman, MT; sisters, Kathy Munday (Jerry), of Bozeman, MT, and Laurie Gaffney (Bob Fox), of Helena, MT and nephew, Matt Mundy (Bridget) of St. Paul, MI.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 12, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Drum Funeral Home in Hickory. All are welcome.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness), North Carolina, 309 W. Millbrook Road, Suite 121, Raleigh, NC 27609.

Condolences may be sent to the Gaffney family at www.drumfh-hickory.com

The Gaffney family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Hickory, NC.