Daniel Marzban

Daniel Rika Marzban passed away on January 30, 2026, in Thousand Oaks, California. He was 77 years old.

Born on September 10, 1948 in Sari, Iran, to Manoucher Marzban and Lilik Saleh Marzban, Daniel was raised in a richly multicultural home, the son of an Iranian father and Armenian mother. He grew up speaking Farsi and Armenian, and he would later learn English, French, and Spanish. He attended Alborz High School in Tehran, Iran, where he formed lifelong friendships. At age 19, he came to the United States, carrying (by his own account) a small dictionary in his back pocket as he committed himself to mastering the English language.

Daniel attended college at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia, where he founded the Society of International Students, an organization created to foster community among students far from home. That organization continues more than 40 years later as a lasting testament to his initiative even as a young man.

After moving to California, Daniel built a career in real estate that spanned more than four decades. At Coldwell Banker in Beverly Hills, he became one of the top sales agents for multiple years. As a broker, he was known as an excellent closer, a proactive problem-solver, and a man unafraid to take on complex challenges. Yet to Daniel, business was never merely transactional. He cared deeply about the people he served, often forming lasting friendships with clients and colleagues. His faith was integrated into every area of his life, including his work.

A pivotal chapter in Daniel’s spiritual life began through his connection with Patti Damus (who would later become his mother-in-law) and her ministry, where he became deeply involved and faithfully served for many years. He regularly brought friends, family members, and colleagues to church gatherings, shared his testimony, and prayed with those facing difficult seasons. He believed deeply that identity was found not in worldly distinctions, but in Jesus Christ. He often reminded his children that, when thinking about their identity, they should remember that they are children of God.

Above all, Daniel was a devoted husband and father. He is survived by his beloved wife, Cathy Marzban, and his two children, Christina (Marzban) Ewing and David Ari Marzban. He considered his family his greatest legacy and believed that his most meaningful contribution to society would be raising children of character and faith. He was always available for conversation, counsel, and encouragement. No professional obligation ever took priority over time with his wife and children.

Daniel was a teacher at heart. He urged his children to “go get the dictionary” whenever they encountered an unfamiliar word, emphasizing the power of words and language. He often broke down complex ideas, whether in business, philosophy, faith, or history, into their simplest, most fundamental principles. Whenever his children faced a problem or a challenge, he would be present but tell them to “take charge.”

Daniel held others to high standards, yet he loved fiercely. He celebrated his children’s achievements, documented family life meticulously with photographs and video recordings, and insisted on capturing family photos whenever the opportunity arose. It was uncommon to see him without his camcorder at family events. He believed that “life is but a collection of fleeting memories,” and he lived out that belief by preserving moments with care and intention.

Daniel had a vibrant personality and many memorable habits. He dressed sharply in suits and ties. He loved classic movies and could speak at length about actors in Hollywood. He enjoyed ballroom dancing in his younger years. He had a distinctive sneeze that shook the room, a hearty laugh, and a nightly commitment to watching ABC World News Tonight at 6 p.m. without interruption. He enjoyed Coca-Cola and chocolate, which were favorites even in his final days.

Throughout his life, Daniel overcame significant obstacles by immigrating to a new country at a young age, mastering languages, building a career from the ground up, and raising a family rooted in faith and conviction. His story is one of perseverance, excellence, devotion to family, and commitment.

He leaves behind a legacy not only of professional success but of faith, family, discipline, and love. His life was marked by courage, conviction, and a deep belief that eternal things matter most.