With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and cousin, Daniel Funnell (Dan), on July 22 at the age of 80 in Victoria, B.C.
Dan is survived by his wife of 55 years, April, children Andrew (Helen) and Allison (Chad) Kalmakoff, his grandchildren Liam, Chloe, Declan, Jocelyn, Liliana and Maya, and sisters Janice and Catherine and Aunt Norma (McIntyre), his brothers-in-law Leslie (Nancy), Robin and sister-in-law Kathleen (David) and many cousins. He is predeceased by his parents.
Dan was born on July 7, 1944, in Stratford, Ontario to parents Lorraine and Marion Funnell. He spent his first few months in Stratford before moving to Woodstock. Dan completed high school in Woodstock, Ontario and moved to the east coast to pursue ministry and his bachelor’s degree with a major in Philosophy at Mount Allison University. He thoroughly enjoyed his time in New Brunswick, as a lefty contesting his classmates in rounds of ping pong and as a scholar spending hours challenging his teachers on thoughtful and insightful philosophy concepts. He returned home to Ontario each summer to visit his grandmother, parents, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Dan loved the east coast and expanded his education in Halifax at Pine Hill Divinity Hall (Atlantic School of Theology). Not only did Dan further his education, he also met the love of his life, April Strickland in October of 1966 while she was attending Dalhousie University. Dan and April became close as they spent time together walking the city streets of Halifax while Dan completed his master’s degree in divinity. The pair grew inseparable, and three years later, married at the United church in April’s hometown of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. Before getting married, Dan and April travelled back to Ontario where Dan was ordained at the London Conference of the United Church. After they married, Dan and April moved to Caledonia, Nova Scotia, where Dan started his 55-year ministry. Shortly after Dan’s first year, he and April welcomed their son, Andrew into the family. Four years later, they welcomed daughter Allison.
While a highly respected preacher and minister in the civilian church, Dan was called to serve his country and fellow Canadian military personnel as a chaplain in the Canadian Armed Forces. Anyone who knew Dan appreciated his passion and love for his military career and his use of acronyms. After serving 21 years touring the world in the military, Dan retired as Senior Brigade Chaplain (Major) and returned to the civilian church.
After retiring from the military, Dan and April served many congregations across western Canada. It is hard to say what he enjoyed the most – researching and writing his sermons or delivering them. He loved public speaking and singing, his powerful voice breaking out a hymn at any opportunity. He officially retired from the ministry in 2015.
Dan and April travelled extensively through their 55-year marriage. Their early travels saw a honeymoon to the U.S. and then adventures with Andrew and Allison, on frequent trips to Florida to meet Mickey Mouse and friends. Later in life, April convinced Dan to try cruising and many family memories were made on board the ships with Allison, Chad, Lili and Maya. Dan and April also enjoyed five memory-making trips to Australia to spend time with Andrew, Helen, Liam, Chloe, Declan and Jocelyn.
While Dan never missed an adventure with his family, he was also never one to miss a televised hockey or baseball game, breaking news on CNN or an old movie replaying on one of his favourite stations. An avid reader of history and philosophy he loved an engaging conversation. His voice, his place at the table, his counsel and the person we all loved will be dearly missed.
A small, private celebration of Dan’s life will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the B.C. Cancer Foundation.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
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Robin Strickland
Dear April, Andrew and Helen, Allison and Chad and all of April and Dan’s grandchildren,
I am so saddened by Dan’s passing, it is such a loss for all of you.
I first met Dan when I was 10 years old. We seemed to connect right away. He was funny, welcoming, smart, energetic, great to talk to and above all he loved my oldest sister. What not to like. Three years later he became my brother-in-law. Even better.
Through the years I have many great memories of spending time with April and Dan and their family as it kept growing. Dan and I walked many miles together and had many great conversations. Dan was a wealth of knowledge on many topics. He was very generous in sharing this knowledge and I learned so much from him.
Because April and Dan lived in many places during their years, sometimes long periods of time passed between visits. But it didn’t seem to matter. Every time we re-united, it seemed like no time had passed at all and we just picked up right where we left off. Walking and talking!
His passing has left a void in my life and I will really miss him. It was a great pleasure and honour to have him in my life for the last 58 years.
I know his passing has left a huge void in his family’s life.
My deepest condolences to you all, we are all sad together.