After a hard-fought short illness, P. Brent Dana, 72, peacefully passed away at home while surrounded by his family on Wednesday November 9, 2016. He was born November 23, 1943, in Phoenix, Arizona to C. Ferrel and Nathel Dana.
Brent's love of business began soon after birth. From cutting grass, delivering newspapers and pumping gas, his entrepreneurial spirit was evident throughout his childhood. He was the owner of Dana Pontiac Buick, Country Club Honda and Country Club Motors and RV and previously served as president of the Arizona Automobile Dealers Association (AADA) as well as a board member for several years. Over the years, Brent considered many of those who worked for him as family. Along with his love of business, he was known as an adventurer, a golfer, a dog lover and a pilot and airplane enthusiast.
In 1990, Brent married the love of his life, Lora, and they were blessed in being able to travel the world – from fishing in Alaska, cross-country RVing, to exploring Europe.
Even with all his adventurers, nothing prepared him for raising two daughters who came into his life with Lora. Somehow, they managed to bring out the softness in him that even he didn't know existed. This softness was also apparent when he spoke about his grandchildren; especially his Campbell soup.
Brent is survived by his wife, Lora K. Dana; his children Brent Dana II (Wendi), Nick Dana, Tricia Gardner, Farrah Gebhart (Shawn), and Alyssa O'Donald (Matthew); "Adopted son", Kent Buckner (Diane); his special daughter in law Crystal Gunderman (Shannon); grandchildren Aaron Dana, Brittany English, Jackson Gebhart, Cole Gebhart, Campbell Gebhart, Megan Pandolfi, Zachary Pandolfi, CJ Pandolfi. Laura Gardner, Jacob Gardner, Carly McCarthy, Jesse Dana, Jamie Dana, Nicholas Dana; and the newest great-grandson Casen; brother, John Dana (Sandy), "special brother", RJ Dalley (Tricia); and many wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, employees and friends. A special place in his heart will be held by his "adopted daughter" Esmeralda Bermudez. Brent was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Chuck Dana.
Services will be held at Johnson Mortuary on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at 10:00 a.m., with Paul Mondragon officiating. Immediately following, his final resting place will be Desert Lawn Memorial. At 12 :00 p.m., a Celebration of Life will be held at The Patio Restaurant at Desert Hills Golf Course, 1245 W. Desert Hills Dr.
Pallbearers will be Brent Dana II, Nick Dana, Shawn Gebhart, Matthew O'Donald, Zachary Pandolfi, Jacob Gardner, Jackson Gebhart and Kent Buckner.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Trina Aviles of TLC Private Home Care Yuma, Mark Fornoff and Hospice of Yuma who provided amazing compassion and support during Brent's final days.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to Humane Society of Yuma or Hospice of Yuma.
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