Daniel Lynn Wyatt, who practiced psychiatry at Outer Cape Health Services for nine years, died suddenly but peacefully in his sleep at his home in Fayetteville, Ark. on Nov. 23, 2021. The cause was a heart attack. He was 63.
Dan and his brother Sam were born on Sept. 11, 1958 to Dolores and Wayne Wyatt in Batesville, Ark., where he grew up and attended high school, then left for the University of Arkansas. He earned his B.S. in zoology in 1981 and his M.D. in 1988, and then completed his residency in adult psychiatry at UCLA in 1991. He won a fellowship in child psychiatry at Yale University, where he practiced from 1991 to 1993.
In 1993, Dan became the medical director for child and adolescent services at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis; he held the same position at Pembroke Hospital from 1994 to 1998, before moving on to the Boston Regional Medical Center in Stoneham. From 1999 to 2004, he was the medical director of the Klannan Eating Disorders Center, associate medical director of the child and adolescent outpatient clinic, and medical director of the acute residential treatment program for children and adolescents at McLean Hospital in Belmont.
Pembroke Hospital enticed him back to become its medical director, and then, in 2012, he returned to Hyannis as medical director for the Mass. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Finally, he served as staff psychiatrist for Outer Cape Health Services in Provincetown and Wellfleet from 2012 to 2021.
At both Cape Cod Hospital and Outer Cape Health Services, Dan cared for children and adults. He loved his colleagues and was known everywhere he worked for his brilliance, skill, and empathy. He was devoted to his patients and their families, spending extra time to provide compassionate care.
Dan treated “literally thousands of people,” said his friend Mary DeAngelis. “He served the whole Lower Cape.” He was a large man, but “very gentle,” she said. “He was particularly good with young people, especially depressed kids.”
Dan was also known for his commitment to the well-being of the Provincetown community. Children would gravitate towards Dan, responding to his genuine warmth and concern. Few of his colleagues and neighbors knew the full extent of his thoughtfulness and generosity; he never sought acknowledgment for his acts of kindness.
Dan’s old friend Cynthia Kaplan recalled how “he helped my children in times of distress” even though they were not his patients. Dan was simply “generous with his psychological wisdom,” she said. Many parents in town “have an anecdote of something that he did,” Kaplan added, and some, she said, credit him with “saving my child’s life.”
Dan lived for 13 years in Provincetown, which he loved and where he enjoyed the vibrant cultural life of the community. He worked exceedingly hard, said Ken Sklar, Dan’s partner for 11 years, but also spent time indulging his passion for home decor. “He knew all the local merchants,” said Sklar, “and had a fabulous sense of style.” Drag shows and the various entertainment offerings at the Crown & Anchor gave him particular pleasure.
Dan spoke with great joy about a visit this past summer from a beloved nephew, Mikey, and his wife, Cassie. Dan was also filled with love for his twin brother, Sam, with whom he spent time in Fayetteville immediately before his death.
Dan was devoted to Brody, a seven-year-old Wheaton terrier who was his constant companion and the source of many hours of fun and comfort. He brought Brody home to Arkansas, where he hoped to be closer to family. All who knew him are heartbroken by his sudden loss.
He is survived by his brothers, Sam and Mark, of Batesville, Ark.; his sister-in-law, Missy, also of Batesville; and his nephew, Mikey, and wife Cassie of Fayetteville.
Gifts in Dan’s memory can be made to Helping Our Women, his favorite charity in Provincetown.
Notes of condolence can be sent to the Wyatt Family, ℅ Michael Wyatt, 4005 West Wood Duck Dr., Fayetteville, AR 72704.
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this obituary, published in print on Dec. 2, misspelled the name of Dr. Wyatt’s dog, Brody.
