Daniel Jay Harbour

1962   Daniel   2025

Born on August 20, 1962, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Daniel arrived in this world with a passionate heart.

The son of John Thurman Harbour and Barbara Louise Harbour. Daniel, a Native New Mexican, graduated from El Dorado High School in 1980 and was always true to himself and his core values. He grew up reading the Albuquerque Journal from cover to cover, every day at a very young age, which partly shaped him into the man he became; inquisitive, patient, logical, and always learning. Daniel was always in a good mood and never complained, his logic and patience made it easy to work through any problem. He was known for giving the best bear hugs and truly meant the affection that went with it, a gentle giant.

He enlisted in the United States Navy out of high school and was promised to be stationed with his brother, which turned out to be short lived before the Navy had other plans. He traveled the seas on the USS Ranger, and was honorably discharged as Petty Officer Second Class. He came from a long list of family members who served in the military which shaped his love for his country and support of all military branches and troops.

Over the course of his life, Daniel was a history enthusiast, an avid reader, self taught and had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He would participate in conversations with anyone, about any topic and thoroughly enjoyed it down to the last detail, especially when he met for breakfast with family and friends to solve the world's problems. Daniel found tremendous enjoyment in running on any road or trail and out in the mesa which prepared him for running eight marathons, five of which were in support of the Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range. At different times, he recruited his wife, daughter, son-in-law, friends, and fellow Sandia Security Police Officers to join the fun.

Daniel eagerly anticipated the start of the season of his favorite sports teams, the Denver Broncos, the Miami Dolphins and yes, the UNM Lobos. He followed the games with unwavering loyalty and rode the emotional roller coaster of every victory and defeat.

Daniel had a deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors. He loved animals and over the years all family and friend's pets gravitated to him knowing he was trustworthy and they were safe around him. He loved to garden and planted trees and grass seeds all over New Mexico. He was drawn to the wilderness and all it's adventures. He enjoyed his summers at Elephant Butte in his younger years.  He was a hunter, hiker, and camper including winter camping with friends who on one trip saved a couple's life after being stranded in the snow for a week.

His favorite time however, was spent in Ocate, New Mexico, working the family-owned ranch properties, building and repairing fences, cleaning irrigation ditches, maintaining the homestead and appreciating the beauty of where family ancestors settled.

Professionally, Daniel was a dedicated and loyal employee of Sandia National Laboratories for 38 years. He served as a Security Police Officer, Special Response Team. Early in his career he graduated as Top Gun in his class and served as a sniper on the SWAT team. He cared deeply for his SRT brothers, they were family to him, each and every one.

Daniel was preceded in death by his father, John Thurman Harbour; his mother Barbara Louise Harbour (Stewart); his father-in-law Kenneth Howard Johnson; his sister Ellen Harbour; his brother Steven Harbour; and his brother-in-law William Cook.  

Daniel's loving and surviving family members include his wife Darlene Harbour, daughter Cassy Quick; son-in -law Colonel Keith Quick; step-son Chip Romero; sister Eileen Harbour; mother-in-law Ena Johnson; brother-in-law Ken Johnson; sister-in-law Lynn Johnson, sister-in-law Rebecca Harbour, sister-in-law Louella Cook; Aunt Laura Medina (Simon) Uncle Harry Muehlman (Sandy); nephews Kurt Johnson (Tessi), Jonathan Cook; nieces Kaley Johnson, Emily Hamilton (Sterling), Elizabeth Chapman (Graham); great nieces Adella Johnson-Gonzales, Mya Turrieta, Ella and Georgia Hamilton; great nephews Benjamin Johnson-Gonzales; James Eli and Max Hamilton; a multitude of cousins and a large circle of friends.

Of all the lives he lived, the most important one to him was being a devoted and loving husband, a dedicated, patient, and protective father, and a loyal and dependable friend. Family connections were important and vital to him. He had strong values and everything he did was with honesty and integrity. His legacy will carry on forever, reminding us to choose a life of meaningful acts.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Daniel's name to The New Mexico Land Conservancy.

Daniel's Celebration of Life will be honored at FRENCH - Westside.  Service times are listed below.