MALONEY – Daniel Bernard passed away peacefully in Hospice on September 10, 2004 after a 5-year battle with A.L.S. with his family at his side. Dan was born on September 5, 1941 in Regina. Predeceased by his mother and father, Mary and Jack and brother Joe. Survived by his daughters Denise Aitken (Rob), Colleen Griffiths, Janet Lowe (Derek), sisters Rosemarie Zozula (Pete), Judy Pusateri (Chuck), brother Barry, and special “cuz” Nora Hynes. Grampa Dan’s grandchildren were very special to him: R.J., Trevor, Kyle, Colin, Allison, Nicholas, Jayden and Kyra. Also many cousins, nieces and nephews. Dan attended St. Louis College and he worked in the family grocery store, The Busy Bee, for several years. He then started his career in the dairy industry and was deeply saddened when, after 38 years, his health forced him to retire from Island Farms Dairy. When he was first diagnosed with A.L.S. he vowed, in his own words, “to live with A.L.S. not die with A.L.S.”. He then joined the A.L.S. support group and was an inspiration to everyone. He corresponded by Email with hundreds of people all over the world to help them with their illness. He was a main fundraiser and advocate for the ALS walks in Nelson and Victoria. Dan received the “Mary Pollock Award” in May of this year which is a national award given out annually to a volunteer for their outstanding contributions and achievements in developing the “Walk to D’Feet” to its fullest potential. Dan had an amazing zest for life and his quick wit and cheerfulness was apparent to everyone who crossed his path. It is really impossible to mention all the exceptional people who came in contact with Dan since his diagnosis of ALS who enhanced his world not only with regards to physical care, but also in friendship and understanding of his needs. There are no words to express his/our gratitude to all those who deserve personal recognition – the list is genuinely too long! Please know that the family acknowledges and treasures each and everyone of you who provided the love, care and understanding towards Dan. A special thank you, as well, to pastoral care coordinator, Dean Henderson, who became a dear friend as well, Dan’s exceptional Island Farms family and all friends and relatives who were so supportive in Dan’s life. A special thank you to David MacMillan for everything he has done for Dan. Thanks to the exceptional hospice team for their compassion and care in making Dan’s last few days comfortable.
Prayers will be offered on Sunday, September 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Mt. St. Mary’s, 861 Fairfield Rd.
Funeral Mass on Monday, September 20 at 12:10 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, 2060 Haultain St., with Reverend Bernard Hanley and Msgr. Phillip Hanley officiating. Dan was so driven and focused to find a cure for ALS that his wish, in lieu of flowers, was to have donations to the A.L.S. B.C., 119 – 1600 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C., V6J 1R3 and/or join us, in Dan’s memory, for the 2nd annual “Walk to D’Feet” ALS on Sunday, September 26 at 10:00 A.M. at Uvic Ring Road.
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