Daniel Records-Galbraith of Bellingham, WA, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved him dearly.
These words are offered in his memory — small, but heartfelt.
Some days simply pass; others stay with us forever.
Daniel Records-Galbraith, 42, passed away on April 28, 2026 after nearly 25 years living with Crohn's disease and other related conditions. He faced these with remarkable resilience and a hopeful, positive outlook throughout, always believing in a favorable outcome, always looking forward.
Daniel was born on February 10, 1984 in Walla Walla, Washington, and lived in Heppner, Oregon before his family moved to Montesano, Washington when he was five years old, where he attended Montesano public schools. He went on to earn his degree in political science from Washington State University where he was heavily involved in the Gender Identity/Expression and Sexual Orientation Resource Center where he worked and volunteered. He went on to obtain his Juris Doctor from the University of Idaho. While at UI he was Executive Editor at the Crit, a critical legal studies law review journal, Co-President of the Sexual Orientation Diversity Alliance (S.O.D.A.), Justice at the Borah Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, and a Tax Preparer for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. This began a journey that set the foundation for a remarkable career devoted to equity, justice, and the dignity of every person he served.
A dedicated civil rights administrator, Daniel spent nearly a decade at Washington State University as Assistant Director for Civil Rights Compliance and ADA Coordinator, where he worked tirelessly to ensure that students, staff, and faculty could seek civil rights support in an environment of competence, compassion, and respect. He approached policy not as paperwork, but as a living commitment, constantly re-evaluating processes through an equity lens to make sure no one fell through the cracks. Most recently, he served as Director of Civil Rights and Title IX & ADA Coordinator at Western Washington University, where he brought that same passion and dedication to the Western community.
Daniel's advocacy never stopped at the university gates. He served as a Pullman City Councilmember from 2018 to 2021 and as an Officer and President at Inland Oasis, an LGBTQ+ nonprofit, from 2017 to 2021, giving his time and voice wherever people needed someone in their corner.
Those who knew Daniel knew someone who could light up a room. His quick wit and warm, friendly nature drew people to him, and his genuine care for others was evident whether he was fighting for someone's rights at work or cracking up his nieces and nephews as their beloved "funcle." He had a yearning for yard sales, a love of fishing, and an infectious enthusiasm for whatever he turned his attention toward.
Daniel loved experiencing new foods, whether that was hunting for the best French dip (The Colophon Café won top spot in his rankings), trying a new fusion restaurant, going wine tasting to pick out different flavor profiles, stopping in at a dive bar, or sitting down for a 10-course tasting menu. That same curiosity carried over to the road. He and Andy explored much of Washington State together, stopping at small towns, campgrounds, and parks, always wanting to see what was around the next bend.
Daniel was lucky enough to officiate three weddings, which he talked about often. He was an avid watcher of Star Trek and Stargate, which deepened his interest in astronomy and space. He loved learning about the science behind black holes, nebulas, and other stellar phenomena.
Daniel is survived by his husband of 18 years, Andy Galbraith, and their beloved dog Buddy; his parents, Roger and Joan Records; his brother James (Amanda) and their daughters Evelyn and Olivia; his brother Jeff (Meagan); his parents-in-law Steve and Kristi Galbraith; his brother-in-law Bryan Galbraith (Danielle) and their daughters Daisy, Iris, and Zinnia; his sister-in-law Melissa Healey (Daniel) and their daughter Rosalyn; the extended Records-Galbraith families; and his sisters of the heart, Natalie Ellis and Melissa Sturgill.
He was the kind of person who made institutions more human and made people feel less alone. The world is smaller without him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Inland Oasis in Daniel's name to continue the work he cared so deeply about: https://www.inlandoasis.org/donatetoday.html
