Daniel F. Drayer

Daniel F. Drayer was born in Elgin, Illinois on September 27, 1954 and passed away November 7, 2017 at the age of 63 after a short battle with cancer. He grew up in Crystal Lake, Illinois and graduated from Crystal Lake Community High School.

He moved to Colorado in the early 70’s and shortly after started Colorado Leather Goods in Colorado Springs. He operated the business for 43 years creating a reputation for selling and shipping the best quality leather and merchandise. The business evolved from leather goods manufacturing into a Retail/Wholesale/Web based operation serving customers across the world. Many regarded him as “Dan, Dan the leather man” and an expert in the leather business.

Dan had a life long passion for wilderness hiking, camping and four wheeling. Many adventurous times were spent exploring Colorado, Utah and Arizona. No place was too remote or too inaccessible for Dan. His favorite expression was “isn’t this great”.

Dan’s curiosity and love of learning were legendary among his friends and family.

He is survived by his wife Verna, his sister Colleen MacAlister of Naples, Florida.a brother E. Wade Drayer of Roswell, Georgia, a nephew Matthew Drayer of Atlanta, Georgia and an extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews.

The family would like to express appreciation to the Oncology Department at Memorial Hospital, Pikes Peak Hospice and Right At Home staff.

Visitation will be held Sunday, November 12, 2017 from 2p.m. to 4p.m. at Swan-Law Funeral Directors 501 N. Cascade Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

A Vigil will be held Monday, November 13, 2017 at 9a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass to start at 10a.m. at St. Paul's Catholic Church 9 El Pomar Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80906. Interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery, 1060 S. 26th St. Colorado Springs.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Dan’s life at Colorado Leather Goods immediately following internment at Fairview Cemetery.

No words can express the sorrow of his family and friends with the loss of this wonderful and unique man.

The Family requests donations in lieu of flowers to: Catholic Charities, ccharitiescc.org/donate/, Springs Rescue Mission, springsrescuemission.org/donate, Westside Cares, westsidecares.org/donate