It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of our beloved Daniel after a very brief fight with cancer. He is survived by his children Skye, Damian (Sarah), Lillian (Davis), 5 grandchildren, sisters Rosalie Meyer and Peg (Judd) Albers and many nieces, nephews and friends, as well as Valerie.
Daniel was born in Detroit, Michigan U.S.A. and had a life full of many adventures and experiences all throughout the world. He travelled a fair bit and took such pleasure in exploring the historical sites he visited and mingling with the local people.
In 1965 he was recruited into the Marine Corps of the United States. He was just 17 when he began his training at their Depot in San Diego, California. After graduation, the Corps spent time in Hawaii before heading out to Vietnam. According to their creed, Marines had to be versatile, trustworthy, single-minded and tenacious, courageous, faithful and willing to self-sacrifice. Daniel had every one of these mental and moral qualities right up until the day he left us. He spoke little of his combat days or the medals that he received for bravery and for being wounded while there. Later he was assigned to the American Embassy in Japan and then returned to the U.S. After his discharge from the Marine Corps, he attended University and briefly taught high school math before immigrating to Canada.
Daniel explored a variety of different interests during his working career. He was resourceful and always found a way to provide for his needs. He briefly drove freight trains for CN. For a period of time, he drove a taxi in Toronto. He worked for Cantel installing microwave relay towers in northern parts of Canada. He also used his electrical expertise while working on several large industrial sites. He leaves behind a legacy of contributions to those projects and the infrastructures they represent for their cities. During Expo 86 he was the guy who climbed up to the top of the Science World Dome to replace burnt out light bulbs. And, he often talked about crawling on his knees for the whole length of Vancouver’s Sky Train line installing the track when it was being built. He was also very proud of the work he did at the RJH’s new patient care centre here in Victoria. These are only a few of his work achievements. In later years he was highly sought after because of his knowledge and ability to problem solve residential electrical issues. As he liked to say, “I light up people’s lives” and he did just that in so many ways.
Daniel loved his children and wanted only the best for them at all times. He moved back to Victoria to be closer to them and to watch his grandchildren grow into the great individuals they are.
He loved watching crime dramas and murder mysteries on PBS and Knowledge networks. Daniel was also fond of so many of the old television cartoons and enjoyed collecting memorabilia from them, but mostly he loved Lego. Everyone knew that he was the man to contact if they were looking for a particular colour or size of brick or an official (used) set. His preferred gift for his grandchildren was always a Lego set.
Daniel also loved to be out in the garden and was particularly proud of his 5ft high lilies and his newly acquired very unique rose bushes. He recently took up beekeeping and was fascinated by their organization and work ethic. He loved to watch them buzz around at the same time every day as they trained the young bees.
Cats played a big part in Daniel’s life and over the years he had many furry friends around him.
Daniel was a complex man but he was a kind man who was loved so deeply by so many.
A celebration of his life will be held in the Sequoia Centre, at McCall Gardens,4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC on Friday, November 17th,2023, at 2:00pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Shelley Brynjolfson
Valerie I am so saddened by your loss!. I know you and Daniel loved each other very much and were great companions along the journey of life. You are, and will, miss him very much. Death is so permanent but it cannot truly take our loved ones away as we carry those we love with us all the time, in our thoughts, heart, and memories. I hope that gives you some peace to know Daniel is always with you. And also that he is at peace, no pain and no suffering. At rest. He was a wonderful man and neighbour.
My thoughts are with you and I offer you my most sincere condolences on your loss.
Love Shelley