Daniel Rideout

To put it simply, Dan Rideout was the greatest man that ever lived. I’m not saying that to exaggerate or to brag, but because it is true. Whatever my dad did, it was for the good of his family or for his friends. He put others before himself, by serving his country in the United States Marines or, for example, by coming home from 14 hours of tiring work to join us at a concert. He loved to spend time with us and was always willing to be with us no matter what. Everything was pushed aside when we wanted to have fun or to do something with him. I remember he wanted to book a trip to California right after he got out of the hospital as a gift to my brother and I for completing school. Our trips to California were always the best. We always had this routine where we would go to the same hotel and every morning my dad would take us to the MCX to check out some stuff they had there and buy some toys or sports equipment. Then we would go to the beach and spend the rest of the day there and eat and enjoy our time together and it was the greatest time. Another thing my dad did was teach me everything I know. Ever since he passed, every act I do, I recognize how my dad taught me his way to do it and how his way was the right way. Everything from the way I mow the lawn, wash the cars, or shave were things that he taught me how do. He used to say these phrases all the time like, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” or, “Early is on time and on time is late.” These simple phrases were fun to say and actually had a meaning behind them and I still use these lessons in these phrases that he taught me. I remember when we used to watch football together, mostly Patriots games, and how he would get so mad at the team for doing a stupid play. To me, it was really funny to watch these grown men make a stupid mistake and to watch my dad nonstop criticize the players. He even ended up throwing pillows around because he got so angry at them. But at the very end of the game, he would always say, “Watch this, now they are going to start playing really good and turn this game around like they always do.” Then the team would win the game and he would be really happy even though a few minutes ago he was screaming at the players. Another funny thing he used to do was pretend he had a booger or something gross on his finger and threaten to put it on me. I ended up getting up and running away from him all throughout the house, but somehow he always caught me and would just tickle me instead. I just started to realize the impact he had on my life and the lives of many other. I wish I had realized it sooner. But one thing I can say for sure is that I am proud to be his son and I am proud of my dad for everything he has done in his life.

Family will greet friends for a visitation from 4-6pm on Friday, August 16 at San Tan Mountain View Funeral Home in Queen Creek, AZ, followed by a funeral service at 11:30am on Saturday, August 17 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Queen Creek, AZ.