Daniel Bjorn France

On Saturday, September 25, 2021 we lost Daniel ‘Dan' Bjorn France at the age of 41 in Las Cruces, NM. Daniel was born July 18, 1980 in Beaufort, South Carolina to a military family and spent his childhood traveling to different military bases throughout the world. Being a military kid was hard, but one of the ways Daniel connected and met new friends was through sports. Daniel loved to compete and play sports including soccer, baseball, and swimming but was most passionate in his love for basketball. Growing up he spent much of his free time on a basketball court working to improve and be the best he could be. Daniel was very good at basketball, but swimming was something he naturally excelled at. Throughout his childhood and teenage years, he competed at a very high level in the pool. He won individual awards throughout his swimming career but was most proud of being a part of his high school's state championship team his senior year. Daniel continued his swimming career during college, but after college is where he would make his biggest contribution to the swimming community as a coach. Daniel loved to help people and coaching was a perfect opportunity for him to share his love for the sport and leave a lasting impact. He started his coaching career as an assistant college coach before becoming the head coach and aquatics director at Adams State University from 2011-2017. Daniel helped many young adults reach their goals as student athletes and was voted RMAC coach of the year by his peers during the 2012-2013 season. After leaving Adams State in 2017 he would go on to coach at the club level for the Las Cruces Aquatics Team. He spent the next 4 years coaching, motivating, and inspiring his swimmers to be the best they could be. Daniel wanted his swimmers to reach their goals and did everything he could to help them. The Las Cruces Aquatic Team paid special tribute to Daniel at their annual fall swim meet this past weekend, where they announced that beginning in 2022 the meet will be named the Daniel France Memorial Pecan Classic. The team also plans to establish a scholarship in Daniel's name, which will help bring more opportunities to local children to participate in the sport that was Daniel's lifelong love. Daniel is survived by his father Larry France, mother Jill France, older sister Annika Nault, younger brother David France, and nephew Blake Matlock. Daniel had a positive impact on all who knew him. His kindness and generosity touched many people throughout his life. Those who knew Daniel know he hated being fussed over and would rather give than receive. In lieu of funeral services, and to honor Daniel's character, his family asks that all who wish to participate donate to any Swimming Charity or Animal Rescue organization. Daniel wishes to spend eternity in the water, so his ashes will be spread in the ocean. The time and location of the memorial will be shared at a later date.