Rapid City - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Daniel Hugh Perrett, 71 of Rapid City. He died of an unexpected heart attack on January 7, 2015 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital. Dan was born on December 31, 1943 in Hyannis, Nebraska to Ruth (Jones) and James Perrett. That was the day an angel was born. He grew up in the Sand Hills of Nebraska with his brothers, Dick, Tom and Jerry and sister, Judy. He loved horses and spent a lot of time on the ranch helping the family. The family moved to the Black Hills and lived in Central City and Deadwood. His youngest sister, Theresa, was born there. Dan attended school in Central City and Deadwood. He started working in the logging business with his father when he was a young boy. He graduated from Deadwood High School in 1962. He attended Black Hills State College for two and a half years and worked at the Homestake Gold Mine and the Lawrence County Highway Department. He was also in the National Guard. He married Mary Paul and they had two children, Dana and Lance. They lived in Maitland and Deadwood. Eventually, he went back to logging - his passion. He loved his work and truly enjoyed being in nature. Even his love for nature didn't overshadow his love for his family. In December of 1988, he met his best friend and love, Donna Miller. They were married on August 22, 1998 and together, enjoyed many years of happiness. Dan was an incredibly kind soul who would help anyone in need. He had a way of making you feel special, just the way you are. His gentle spirit soothed many of his grandkid's booboos, comforted his friends and family when they needed it, and made an impression on total strangers. He was truly a man who talked the talk and walked the walk. If he told you that he would meet you in the woods at 3:30am, he would be there. If he told a grandchild that he would be there for a game or recital, he would be there. He was ALWAYS there. He was "that" guy... The guy you could count on in crummy weather to shovel your walk, the guy who would drive you to AND from work because he loved you and he was the guy who sent you flowers " just because". He was also the "tough as nails" guy who talked about "logger justice" and would not tolerate a cross word spoken about his grandkids or anyone, for that matter, at a sporting event. He was the quiet guy who wasn't afraid to stand up for what he believed in. And, he believed in family, love, friendships, honesty, and integrity. His survivors include his wife, Donna, daughter, Dana (Ron) Sneesby, son, Lance (Pam) Perrett, grandchildren, Jenni (Talon) Tucker, Alyson Perrett, Cole Perrett, Courtney Perrett, Lily Sneesby, Macy Sneesby, brother, Jerry (Jean) Perrett, Judy McGrath, Theresa (Garth) Virkula, several nieces and nephews. Dan was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ruth, and his brothers, Tom and Dick. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Tuesday, January 13 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home, 2700 Jackson Boulevard. Services will be 10:00 am Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at Crossroads Wesleyan Church, 1832 Sheridan Lake Road, with Rev. Darrell Wagner officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. View Cemetery at Rapid City.