Fairfield – Daniel "Dan" A. Parks, 49, passed away unexpectedly on May 11, 2026. Born on August 7, 1976, in Waterville, Dan spent much of his younger years moving from place to place before eventually settling in Fairfield, where he built a life rooted in love, friendship, hard work, and adventure. Dan graduated from Waterville Senior High School with the Class of 1994. A true jack of all trades, he could seemingly do anything he set his mind to. Later in life, driven by his deep respect for nature and sustainability, he pursued a degree in sustainable agriculture, combining his intelligence with his passion for the outdoors and self-sufficiency. On New Year's in 2008, Dan met the love of his life, Terri. From that day forward, the two were inseparable, sharing a relationship built on laughter, adventure, companionship, and unconditional love. They were married on December 1, 2025, surrounded by the love they had spent years building together. Whether packing a grill into the car for spontaneous picnics, taking long drives to wherever the road led, hiking, swimming, skiing, or foraging through the woods for ramps, fiddleheads, berries, mushrooms, and nuts, Dan and Terri truly did everything together. Dan delighted in teaching Terri everything he knew, passing along not only skills but his deep appreciation for the world around them. Known affectionately by many as "Chef Parks," Dan loved cooking and sharing meals with the people he cared about. He could turn anything into a feast and never missed an opportunity to feed someone. He also loved music of all kinds, though country music became a favorite after being, as he jokingly said, "forced into it." Dan had a story for everything, especially tales from trips to the Allagash and adventures throughout Maine. Exceptionally intelligent and endlessly curious, he seemed to know something about nearly everything. Dan was a man whose kindness left a lasting mark on everyone he met. He would give the shirt off his back without hesitation and believed deeply in making sure people knew their worth. He loved talking with others, making friends wherever he went, tipping generously, and lifting people up whenever he could. He had a way of making others feel seen, valued, and important. He also took pride in the little things that made him happy. Dan loved sneakers, enjoyed looking sharp, and never lost his sense of style. He absolutely hated mayonnaise and refused to eat it under any circumstances, a fact his loved ones will forever smile remembering. In addition to his beloved wife Terri, Dan is survived Dan is survived by his parents Ben and Sonja, Step Mom Mary, his children Daniel and Isaac; his older brothers, Jamie and Jimmy; his sister, Katrina, his younger brother Benjamin; his cherished cats, Salem, Jessco, Wally, and Tangerine; as well as many aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins, and countless friends whose lives were made brighter by knowing him. He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, James and Dolores Doody, predeceased by his step dad Francis and by his biological father. Dan's life was one of generosity, knowledge, adventure, and love. He leaves behind memories that will continue to be told around campfires, kitchen tables, and quiet walks in the woods for years to come. Though his passing leaves an immeasurable void, those who loved him will carry forward the lessons he taught, the kindness he showed, and the joy he found in simply living life fully. Services for Dan will be held Tuesday, May 19th at 3:00 PM at Maplewood Cemetery in Fairfield. A Celebration of Life will follow at the VFW in Fairfield. Please come share your memories of Dan and celebrate how much he will be missed and how deeply loved he was.