It is with profound sadness that the Portola Valley community mourns the passing of Dan Flahavan who died unexpectedly on April 16, 2025, at his home in Portola Valley, California. A dedicated educator and longtime Athletic Director for the Portola Valley School District, Dan’s passion for student growth and athletic excellence shaped the lives of countless children over his 25‑year career.
Born June 8, 1970, in San Mateo County, Dan graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Physical Education. He joined the Portola Valley School District in 1999 as a P.E. teacher at Corte Madera School, quickly becoming the driving force behind the district’s Noon League and after‑school athletics programs. In 2008, he was named Athletic Director, overseeing teams in basketball, soccer, track & field, and more.
Dan’s warm smile and boundless energy were hallmarks of every game day. Whether coaching a fourth‑grade soccer team or organizing the annual district track meet, he believed in the power of sports to teach teamwork, respect, and perseverance. His signature “Panthers Camp,” founded in 1998, grew into a peninsula‑wide tradition, inspiring generations of young athletes.
