 Me and my 1998 Harley at the Sunshine Skyway Florida!
4/2002 Biography:
Lauchlin Daniel Byrd III
JULY 22,
1944 – JANUARY 20, 2024
Lauchlin Daniel Byrd III, known to his loved ones as Dan,
passed away on January 20, 2024, at the age of 79 in Port Charlotte, Florida.
He was born on July 22,1944, in the Panama Canal Zone to Lauchlin Byrd Jr and
Blanche King Byrd.
Moving back to the States in 1945, the young family settled in Sarasota where
he celebrated his second birthday at New Pass (on the south end of Longboat
Key) and grew up a true Floridian swimming, boating, and fishing when Sarasota
was a small, laid-back paradise.
After graduating from Sarasota High School in June 1964,
Dan embarked on a military career. He served in the Army from 1964 to 1967 and
was stationed in Vietnam as a Sentry Dog handler, with his loyal and beloved
dog, Prince.
After discharge he thought it would be a good idea to move
to Northern Indiana. He became a Laporte, Indiana city policeman. When the
temperatures went to 19 below zero, he decided it was time for this Florida boy
to return home.
Dan then began his career with the Florida Marine Patrol
(now called Florida Fish and Wildlife) in Stuart, Florida, in 1968. Throughout
his career, he received numerous awards and accolades. In April 1978, Dan was
one of two Florida Marine Patrol Officers credited with the largest marijuana
seizure in U.S. and Florida history, confiscating a staggering 57.8 tons. In
1980, he received a lifesaving award for rescuing nine people. In February
1984, he transferred to the Fort Myers office of the Florida Marine Patrol and
eventually settled in Port Charlotte, Florida. In November 1996, Dan retired as
Captain from the Florida Marine Patrol, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
Outside of his professional life, Dan had a passion for
various hobbies. He enjoyed playing golf, pursuing photography, scuba diving
and riding Harley motorcycles.
Dan is survived by his wife of 54 years, Flora; daughter
Donna Swan and her spouse Kirk Swan; son Lauchlin Byrd IV and his spouse Ann
Marie Byrd; son Kevin Byrd and his spouse Carey Byrd; as well as his dearest
grandchildren, Madison Swan, Kaden Swan, Kamran Swan, and Ava Byrd. He is also
survived by his sister Lynda Cay McManus, brothers-in-law Albert Schevey and Ed
Schevey, and many nieces and nephews.
Dan was predeceased by his parents, Dan Jr and
"Daisy". |
