SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. – The community gathered on Saturday to honor the life of Dan Arrotta, a local dealership owner who tragically died in an airplane crash near Lincoln, Montana, in October.
Family and friends came together in Spokane Valley to share memories, stories, and the impact Arrotta had on those around him.
One word echoed among those who knew Arrotta: redeemed. The gathering focused less on mourning and more on remembering how he changed lives.
Pastor Jamie Hollister of One Church said, “We’re here today because Dan’s life was cut short. He had more to do and he had more to say. And he didn’t get the chance to say those things or to do those things.”
Inside the church, hundreds gathered as speakers reflected on Arrotta’s journey. They shared how he transformed his life and showed devotion to helping others, supporting families, and staying connected within his community.
David Kissée, a friend and business partner, described Arrotta’s generosity. “Dan’s heart was huge… Every Christmas, he would give away a van filled with food for families in need. Dan just had a heart of giving and loved people and wanted to help and give back more than was given to him.”
Friends described Arrotta as a mentor — someone who brought ideas to life, pushed others forward, and carried a deep sense of purpose.
Pastor Hollister added, “I’ve known Dan for a long time. I know lots of people that know Dan, him and Nadine. They’re very giving, generous people. They’ve helped a ton of people. So I wasn’t surprised because this is just a reflection of who Dan really was. He really, genuinely cared about people.”
Those close to him say the past four weeks have been filled with grief, but also stories about how Arrotta showed up when they needed it most.
Brianna Goodwin, a friend, said, “I mean, he was relentless in everything — business, how he loved his family, how he loved his friends, what he did for the community. I mean, it was mentioned today he doesn’t know how to quit. So he definitely used that fighting instinct for good.”
People who attended the gathering say Arrotta’s impact will continue through his influence and the stories shared inside the church. His legacy, they say, will continue to shape lives in the community he loved.
