It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Daniel Robert Borba, 61 years old, on March 30th, 2023. Known to many as “The Rain Barrel Man”, Dan was a fierce environmentalist, devoting over 30 years of his life to the practice of harvesting and reusing the rain.

Deeply committed to education, he taught countless seminars in locations ranging from colleges to elementary schools and was a regular fixture at Farmers Markets all over Pierce County, selling rain barrels and sharing his passion with others.

Dan was born in Tacoma, Washington (12/13/61) where he grew up and lived most of his life, attending Lowell and McCarver Elementary schools, Jason Lee Junior High, and Bellarmine High School.

An avid chess player, able linguist (French and Japanese) and an uncompromising idealist, Dan graduated with a political science degree from The University of Washington, briefly went to work for a local Senator, then traveled to Japan twice in his twenties to teach English. He found his true calling, though, on his return to the States and the rainy environs of Tacoma.

Dan lived simply, intentionally, and humbly, exemplifying how to live a life which exacts the least toll on the Earth. Always quick with a smile and a laugh, empathetic and kind, Dan will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his big heart, his huge beard and his unwavering devotion to making the planet a more livable place.

He is survived by his siblings, Eileen Borne (Paul), Andrew Borba (Janet), Maureen Hennessy (Dave), nieces Alise Borne and Correia Borba, nephews Peter Borne and Walker Borba, uncle Jim Maloney (Suzanne), and cousin Peggy Sullivan (Ron).