Daniel William Stiff

The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.- Nelson Henderson Daniel William Stiff, of Swanton, Ohio, left this earth on 12/4/2018 to go on to his next adventure. Born to Wanda (Good) and Charles Stiff on 6/29/1955, Danny grew up in Walbridge, Ohio, graduating from Waite High School in 1974. A fourth-generation railroader, he was an engineer for Penn Central/Conrail/ Norfolk Southern, retiring in 2003. Danny also enjoyed his time as a charter boat fishing captain of Shamrock Charters, on Lake Erie for seven years, with his brother Mike. He met his future wife, Linda, while playing rhythm guitar and vocals at an Irish Pub. Danny and Linda (Schmude) married in 1990. He made his home in several cities over his lifetime, including Walbridge, New York, Elkhart, Chicago, Toledo and Swanton. His many interests included music, hunting, poker (‘Moe Money’), fishing, golfing, landscaping and trees. Accepted at the University of Colorado, for land management and forest development, Danny was unable to attend due to his Dad’s illness, choosing to stay close to home and joining the railroad instead. But his interest and love of trees never left him and he planted 6000 trees on his 41 acres of land in Swanton as a water conservation measure. This led him to be awarded “Ohio Farm of the Year” in 2008, through the state agricultural department. Danny has now reunited with his family who died before him including his parents, brothers Michael and Scott, and baby son, Brendan. His faith allowed him to be excited for this journey, and while sad to leave his loved ones on earth, he was eager to meet those waiting for him in heaven. He was a fighter his whole life, and his final battle was one he chose to fight in his own way, on his own terms. His last weeks were spent with those he loved, visiting, sharing memories, and showing all who knew him what a dignified death looks like. He leaves many family members and friends to mourn his passing, including, wife, Linda; children Tara Rains (Jeff), Jerrett, Ryan, and Julie. Grandchildren Madison, Caleb, Ethan, Luke, McKenzie and Emily Rains. Nephews, Michael Stiff, Jr. (Angie), Matthew Stiff; sister in law, Lee Stiff. Best friends, Jim Mang, Patrick Cryan, and the rest of the gang. The visitation will take place on Sunday, December 9th from 12:00 – 4:00 at Walter Funeral Home. 4653 Glendale Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43614. There will be a celebration of Danny’s life beginning at 4:00 at the funeral home. As a kidney transplant recipient in 2004. He asked that anyone wanting to make a contribution in his memory, consider ‘Donate Life’ or ‘Hospice of Northwest Ohio’. Please visit walterfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the family. He that plants trees loves others beside himself. - Thomas Fuller