Dan Legere of Santa Barbara suddenly passed away in his sleep on May 29, 2025.

Born in Nashua, New Hampshire, Dan moved to the West Coast at an early age, attending grade and middle school in Ventura. He then finished out his education at Dos Pueblos High in Goleta, where he was a member of the swim and water polo teams.

At the age of 14, Dan won a bronze medal in the junior olympics, and a year later missed making the senior olympics by 3/10ths of a second. He had incredible drive to succeed.

A truly solid man, but more importantly he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather of three, and a true friend to many.

A house painter for over 40 years, Dan spent the last 15 years with Bob and Nancy Ulmer of Hermosa Painting. During this time, Bob and Dan formed a strong friendship, a unique bond rooted strongly in work ethics and trust.

He was a skilled craftsman enjoying the art of the work.

Dan will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Preceding him in death were his sisters-in-law Cynthia Cooper Tupper and Denny Cooper; father-in-law John Cooper; stepson Nicholas Cooper; and nephew Ricky Ramirez.

He is survived by his wife, Mishelle Cooper Legere; stepdaughter Madison Cooper; and his three grandchildren Victoria, Nicholas and Daniel; as well as many friends.

Donations can be made to a Go Fund me account “Help Mishelle Honor Danny’s Memory” or at his memorial gathering barbecue, 2 p.m. Saturday, June 28 at Oak Park in Santa Barbara.