Former Blaine County Magistrate Judge Daniel Alban died Sunday of complications from multiple sclerosis, a disease he suffered from for many years.
Alban, 62, was well known in the Wood River Valley and lived with his wife, Susan, in Ketchum. He served as magistrate judge in Hailey from 1975 until illness forced his retirement in 1991.
"It finally was just so bad that he had to stop working," said Linda Wright, trial court administrator for the 5th Judicial District, which includes Blaine County.
Wright said Alban was well respected as a magistrate judge, an opinion echoed by Ketchum attorney Dan Dolan.
"He was a great man and a great judge," Dolan said Tuesday. "It was very sad when he stepped down from the bench."
Alban was pronounced dead Sunday morning at St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center. He had been hospitalized on several occasions with the illness, but was able to spend the majority of his time at home with his wife, said longtime friend Sue Acker.
"We became close friends when our sons went to school together," Acker said. "He was something—I greatly admired him."
Acker said Alban lived an active life before illness made it impossible. He was involved in skiing, bike riding and tennis.
She said it was sad to see Alban have to give up his activities, but added, "I never once heard a negative word or any complaints from him."
"He was just an incredible man," Acker said. "He had a special spirit, that's for sure. He's really a fighter. He gave it all he had."
Although Alban was ill for many years, Acker said, his wife, Susan, did her best to make him comfortable and to help him enjoy life.
"She's one of the most amazing people I've known in my life," Acker said. "She was with him every minute. He died in her arms."
Alban's cousin Bill Alban, who lives in Sun Valley, said Daniel Alban was originally from Long Beach, Calif., but had lived in the Wood River Valley for about 30 years.
"He was a great person and very special," Bill Alban said.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Wood River Chapel in Hailey. Service dates and times are pending.
The Honorable Dan Alban, second from left, participates in the annual MS Walk earlier this month. With him are friend Cris Fallowfield, left, Susie Alban, second from right, and Sue Acker
