Apr 27, 1926 - Mar 09, 2016
Daniel Vidovich, 89 - passed away at his Carson residence March 9, 2016, of natural causes. Dan was born in Sparks to James and Mamie Vidovich on April 27, 1926. Mister Vidovich truly lived a wonderfully long & passionate life; he was legitimately a one of a kind soul. Growing up during The Great Depression, Dan truly belonged to the Great Generation. After enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in World War II, he combined the G.I. Bill and worked two jobs to earn his Master’s degree at UNR and then went on to Stanford University where he graduated & went on to open his own practice in Carson City, working into his 80s - he was happiest helping others, even if he’d never say so himself. He served as an example to others by not only becoming the first member of his family to graduate high school (in 1944 at Reno High, where he was an All-State basketball player), but using his impeccable work ethic and drive to go on to achieve many personal milestones. Known as “Vid” to his friends and family, he was an avid hunter and fisherman which he passed onto all his sons. What an athlete, too - Vid was a Golden Glove boxer under Jimmy Olivas, a standout basketball player for the Nevada Wolf Pack, and played there under the legendary Jake Lawlor, beginning as a 24-year-old sophomore guard in 1950-51; and carried “Jakes Boys” in the 1951-52 season as well. He taught school & coached basketball at Lovelock and Eureka high schools and coached and played sports in recreational leagues well into his 60’s. Dan considered his family’s ranch in Schurz to be his personal sanctuary - owning and operating it for many years.
Dan is survived by his wife of 43 years, Pamela, of Carson. He also leaves behind his loving older sister, Marjorie Ashman, of Reno. Dan passed on his love of family, sports and the outdoors to his equally loving and loyal sons, Daniel, Dante, Danton (Kelli) and John (Audra) of Carson, and step son Robbie Chiappie. He inspired a limitless love among his caring and devoted daughters Danelle (Dwight) Snodgrass and Dana (Bob) Carvin and his adoring grandsons Sonny (Corrie), Tyson Snodgrass, Garrett Lepire, and Zach Combs, granddaughters Erin (Aaron) Pieratt, Vanae (Greg) Wiliams, Kaitie (Joel) Fountain, Mandy Carvin, Courtney Vidovich and Audrey Vidovich. He also had four great grandchildren Danton, Gibson, Lola, Caden & Abrielle & is also survived by his nephews Leonard Houser, of Pioneer, Calif., and Cheryl Andrews and Michael Houser, of Reno. Although Dan is gone, we know how truly at peace he is now & we wouldn’t have it any other way. Even now, writing this - I hear my family reminiscing fondly on the many hunting and fishing trips together - and our hearts are full. At Dan’s request, there will be no services.