Daniel Oladepo Bamidele

Daniel Oladepo Bamidele was born to the proud and loving parents, Chief Olori Agun and Abiola Bamidele on April 26th, 1955, in Odo-Owa, Kwara State, Nigeria. The youngest of three, Daniel was raised mainly by his grandmother and mother. His grandmother, Adejoke, would take most of the responsibility of raising him, due to his mother’s debilitating chronic illness. As a child, he spent his time working on the farm with his father or selling food by the roadside with his mother.

In September 1975, he attended Kwara College of Technology where he fell in love with the culinary arts. Enlisting his nephew, Sunday, as his sous chef, Daniel would bake cakes every weekend trying out new flavors and perfecting his craft. He dreamed of one day owning his own restaurant, where he would share his delicious food and baked goods with his community.

Upon graduating with his honorary diplomas in Hotel and Catering Management, Daniel joined the Scripture Union in the early 1980s. Here, he would be partnered with Grace Bamijoko, going to surrounding villages teaching children and young people about the gospel of Christ. His deep love for Christ would ultimately lead him to the love of his life. By October 1982, their budding friendship had blossomed into a romantic relationship, and on December 27th,1983, Daniel and Grace married  at St. Luke’s Anglican Church in Obbo-Ile.

Wanting to further his knowledge and provide a better future for his wife and son, Daniel moved from Nigeria to Pullman, Washington to attend Washington State University, where he studied Hotel and Restaurant Administration.  The adjustment to his new home was laborious. In order to provide for his new family, as well as pay for his tuition, he took on various odd jobs, like cooking and cleaning for the WSU football team and commercial fishing in Alaska during the summer.

Soon after graduating in 1987, Daniel moved with his wife and son to Federal Way, putting his culinary and managerial skills to good use. From tossing up dough at dominos to making the tastiest club sandwiches as the assistant manager at Shari’s, Daniel did it all. He enjoyed being with all types of people; going above and beyond to ensure that all who crossed his path had their needs met. His passion for helping others continued as he transitioned into the world of Social Services as a case manager for the Department of Social and Health Services.

Daniel’s ambitions would motivate him to start a business of his own. With the support of God,  family and friends, Daniel and Abiodun Aina took the bold step to create A & B Homecare and Staffing, Inc.; a thriving healthcare business devoted to enriching the lives of individuals of all ages affected by physical and neurological ailments.

His love and care for others extended beyond his occupation. Daniel held leadership positions as the financial secretary for both the national and seattle chapters of Kwara State Association of Nigeria. As an organization, they successfully funded numerous medical missions, rebuilt schools in their respective villages, and awarded scholarships to college students. Within the Seattle community, they delivered and sorted canned goods at Northwest Harvest, and helped meet the needs of families during the holidays. Daniel also consistently gave of his time and resources to his church and other charitable organizations.

Unfortunately, Daniel was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April 2023. Despite his diagnosis, Daniel kept his optimism and positivity, continuing to be faithful to his family, business, and community.  After 16 months of grueling chemotherapy treatment, Daniel went to be with our Lord on Saturday, August 17, 2024, surrounded by his supportive wife, children, and friends. He was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend whose memory will forever be enshrined in the hearts and minds of those he touched.

He leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Grace; son, Oladele; daughters Abimisola and Oluwabusayo along withcountless family members and friends whom he loved and cherished.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

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