About Daniels Journey
It is with a heavy heart that I remember the life of my precious son Daniel Scott Thomas, who passed away on September 21, 2023 at the young age of 36. He was a beloved son, grandson, nephew, and cousin to his family. His free spirit and kind heart made him a ray of sunshine in the lives of those who knew him. Daniel lived his life with love, compassion, and a sense of adventure that will be missed by all who knew him.
To celebrate his life and memory, his family invites friends, loved ones, and anyone who had the privilege of crossing paths with Daniel to light a candle on February 12, the day he took his first breath. Alternatively, you can start your day with coffee and a doughnut, just as Daniel often did, or release a balloon to honor his memory. Lastly, you may kindly choose to show your support by volunteering or making a donation to one of the following agencies that provided Daniel aid and care over the years: Lifelong Berkeley Food and Housing Russell Street Residence, Berkeley, CA - Berkeley Mental Health Program, Berkeley, CA, - Family Education and Resource Center (FERC), Oakland, CA, - Homeless Action Center (public benefits advocacy), Berkeley, CA.
Daniel was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1987. That same year our family moved to Oakland, CA, where Daniel spent his childhood and began his spiritual journey at St. Paul AME Church in Berkeley, CA. He was an active member of the church, participating in Sunday School, Young People’s Department (YPD), the Children’s Choir, and Vacation Bible School.
Daniel attended Howard Elementary and Bancroft Middle School before graduating from Skyline High School, where he loved playing basketball and studying algebra, creative writing, English, and French as his 2ndlanguage requirement. He continued his studies at Merritt College and shortly after that went to work for UPS and FedEx as a warehouseman. As a longtime member of the YMCA and The Boys and Girls Club of San Leandro, Daniel was always involved in activities and community events.
Affectionately known as "D" or "Lil Bert," Daniel loved life and people and was a proud mama’s boy. He was a true sports enthusiast and dreamed of playing professional basketball. Even when he knew it wasn't possible, he held onto that dream until his passing. In earlier years, he had a passion for golf and could often be found on the driving range early Saturday afternoon before playing team basketball or flag football at the Y.
Daniel was courageous, smart, funny, and caring. He lived with mental illness and faced its challenges with determination and bravery. Despite his struggles, he remained a kind and caring person and a loving son, always friendly, helpful, and respectful and would greet people with his beautiful smile.
Daniel leaves in God’s care, his loving mother, Tracie Morgan Thomas and a host of special uncles and loving aunties, and numerous cousins. In Glory, he joins his father, Bert Jackson Thomas, Grandparents Joseph and Rebecca Morgan, and Grandmother Earl Dean Williams. Daniel will be missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those whose lives he touched.