Daniel Joel De Freval

Daniel Joel De Freval

Born August 8, 1938, in Le Harve, France. He lived with his family in occupied France throughout the war, moving to Rouen, France, for his dual bachelor’s degrees in English and Psychology.

His father spoke highly of the United States after working as a ship steward, and Daniel immigrated in 1964, becoming a US Citizen in 1975. During this era, he worked in NYC for a catering company, and taught English at the University of Texas (Austin), Dickson War College, the International School in Switzerland, and on the Objibway Reservation in Red Lake, Ontario. He developed his skills to become an exceptional interpreter and translator, being able to do phrase-by-phrase and simultaneous translation. He also became fluent in Spanish, and spoke some German, Italian, and Latin. He worked in the State Department as a professional translator for visiting dignitaries until he found his career in the CIA in Psychological Operations and Counter-Terrorism from 1982 until his retirement in 2005. He then contracted with various organizations, including the US State Department and Blackwater, for the next ten years. His time of service included dangerous missions undercover, and he worked for several Kings and Presidents overseas.

Daniel and Jamie met in Ouray, CO, at The Assembly of God Church, marrying in 1984, and had one son, Dan. They lived in the Republic of the Congo and Washington D.C. after their tour abroad with Daniel’s work.

In retirement, Daniel was very active in the Montrose Prison Ministry, local churches as an elder, and the Ouray County Sheriff’s Advisory Board. He also studied to become a professional minister and performed weddings and burials locally. “Licensed to Marry and Bury,” as he liked to say.

Daniel quietly passed in his home in Ouray on December 1st, 2023. He will be greatly missed by his family. He is survived by his wife Jamie, son Dan, daughter-in-law Melissa, as well as his treasured grandchildren Elise, Cesc, and Niels, and his vast multitude of local friends. He is also survived by his two sisters in France, Vonette, and Christianne, as well as many nieces and nephews, who fondly remember him as “Uncle Cowboy.” Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory of Montrose is assisting the family.