October 1, 1951 – November 5, 2013
It is with great sadness we announce that Dan has passed away after a long and brave battle with cancer. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. Dan was born in Cranbrook, BC, and spent his childhood living in many communities all around the province. Dan was a proud husband, father, long-serving police officer, cook, adventurer, volunteer, baseball coach and inspiration to us all. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Barbara, son Jimmy, daughter Coralie, siblings Bob, Ted (Kathy), Donna, Mickey and Ken (Gail), cousin David (Genevieve), as well as several nieces and nephews, and many close friends. He lived every moment to its fullest and was known to always appreciate each of them by saying ‘it doesn’t get any better than this.’ He will always be appreciated and will forever be in our hearts.
There will be a Celebration of Life to remember Dan, on Saturday, November 16th at the Windsor Pavilion in Oak Bay at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the BC Cancer Agency’s Vancouver Island Centre, or Victoria Hospice. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
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Michael Menu
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Sylvia and David Sinclair Late in offering but none the less, he will be remembered with affection for all he did for our son, Bruce.
Sincere condolences to the family!!
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Randy Kaneen It is with profound sadness that I recently learned of Dan’s passing. As a former Principal of Willows Elementary School it was a true privilege to be talking with Dan, both as a parent and as the liaison officer. What an amazing presence. Less than a year ago I had a chance to ‘catch up’ with Dan and he recounted his recent joy at learning Italian (becoming trilingual) and spending time in Italy. He was a humble man, a man who made real differences. Though he would never tell you so, he was a man who actually saved people. I barely knew Dan but as most who came to be in his company it was as if I had known him forever. There are no words that can capture his giving spirit and how people such as myself felt richer just for the privilege of being in his company.
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Elaine and Richard Taylor-Kerr Hi Barb, Jimmy and Coralie,
We were really sorry to hear of Dan’s death. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Carmen Ferchau My dear friends Barb, Jim, Coralie,
I cannot express in words what my heart and soul are feeling. So sad but I smile when I think of the times we were able to meet, few though they were. I recall our road trip, as well as laughs, stories, and wine we shared in Victoria and in our yard here in Edmonton. What a blessing he was to you, and you were to him. May you find strength in in each other as you go through these difficult times ahead.
I love you all.
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Deborah (Beckman) Gallant Dear Barb, Jimmy and Coralie,
My sincere condolences, Barb and family.
I just happened upon Dan’s obituary when I googled to see if I could find an address for your family. I will forever remember your courtship and how much fun Dan was, and how he made you laugh, Barb. Unfortunately, our lives took us in different directions, and we seem to have lost touch, but in reading the above condolences, it sounds as though you have lost a special soul-mate and a wonderful father.
Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you–Debbie
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Brian, Sharron Miller Barb, Jimmie,Coralie. It was a privilege to have known Dan for as short a time as we did but every meeting or party we attended we knew he was someone and yourselves that we needed to know. His caring outlook and positive being made him a very special person we looked forward to meeting the next time. We will miss you Dan. Our hearts go out to your family.
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Lorna, Terry, Cameron and Melanie Potter Dear Barb, Jim and Coralie
It’s so hard to belief that our wonderful friend, Dan, has gone. We had so many great times together over the last 26 years since we met. So many plans and schemes were hatched (remember the flower presses?) ; so many laughs and a few hard times thrown in to test us. But one thing has always been constant- our friendship. He never ceased to amaze us with his enthusiasm and many talents- linguist, artist, photographer, gardener, chef, story-teller. Dan faced these last few years with such strength and determination. He helped us face them, too. Despite his illness we grasped every moment we could share with him and we’re so glad we did. We just wanted more.
Love,
Lorna, Terry, Cam and Mel
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Katrinka Simpson Hello to the family that I never had the privilege to meet but whose husband and father I was blessed to know in the community. My name is Katrinka and I had an “always full” foster home in Oak Bay. Dan seemed to be on call so many times when I had a youth that was late for curfew.
I would like to tell you the story of one evening that he helped make me a Dan Fan.
I had 2 girls living with me that enjoyed walking around Oak Bay – Dan knew them – they were late – I had to call in to the station to report them. Dan arrived at my door (again) and I gave him pictures of them. He told me that there was a large group of youth partying over by the St. Pats’ School – he went to check for me, found them and offered them a ride home. They accepted, arrived at the front door and nicknamed him “Dan Dan the Po–lice man”. One of them pinched his cheek. He helped them to understand that “cops” are good men too.
At around 1am that very same evening the police received a call from an Oak Bay neighbour stating that there were kids stuck in Bowker Creek!!! Dan responded to the call and found my son and his best friend walking up and down the creek bed to drunk to know how to get out. They had been thru the tunnel with a cell phone light. This was 1 night before their grade 12 graduation.
He hauled them out of the creek, wrapped them up in his emergency blankets, allowed them into the back seat of his patrol car and brought them home. He knocked on the door very quietly and when I answered he said ” I have something in the back seat of my car but, I don’t know if you want them or not”. Going down my front stairs towards his vehicle he laughingly mentioned that “Katrinka, we all do something like this now and again”. He helped me get these 2 boys up the front stairs and we left them in the roman tub while we had a cuppa herb tea in the kitchen.
He was an emissary for the police, a lovely man, he seemed to edify all around him, always seemed to have a smile to offer and he was gracious, very gracious.
My last visit with Dan was at his house when Mike Martin told me that he was now really struggling with his cancer. We talked of Italy, Italian food and wine, learning languages and his desire to bring Barb on a holiday.
So …. to his family …. all I can say is that when the painful bite of loss hits you and those hot, searing tears stream unbidden down your cheeks, please know that his warm and giving smile is etched forever on many peoples brains and that you had an excellent husband and father.
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Jim Smyth Dear Barb and family. When I read to notice in the Edmonton Police Vets newsletter it hit me like a sledgehammer to the head. Dan was the first recruit I trained as a field training officer and we laughed hard and often. Dan was quite a character as I am sure everyone knows. Thirty years later he still comes up in our old war stories. I will never forget a serious assault investigation we dealt with involving a gang of young Chileans, As we interviewed them they mocked the two gringos in Spanish joked about their offence and beating they had given the complainants. Dan winked at me and allowed them to go on for a few minutes longer before switching to fluent Spanish, explaining the facts of life to them and advising them of their arrest. I worked with many different cops in my career and not all of them earned to title “partner”, I am proud and privileged to be able to have called Dan my partner.
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Ruth Milling On behalf of the Oak Bay Municipality Retired Employees I wish to extend our sympathies to all the family on the recent passing of your beloved husband and father. Dan will be sadly missed by his previous co-workers at Oak Bay Municipality.
Sincere Regards from us all..
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Jo-Anne Kern To Dan’s family,
My heart goes out to you in your time of loss. I knew Dan as a police officer, one of the best. I also knew him when I served as a member of the police board. Dan was an outstanding role model in the community. I remember one time especially when he went out of his way to share his wisdom in a very meaningful and lasting way with our son. I will never forget the gift that his time and patience brought. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. It is a gift to have someone for so long, and so very sad to have to say good-bye way too soon. Take care of each other.
J. Kern
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Denise and John Sefton Dear Barb, Jimmy and Coralie,
We would like to extend to you our condolences on Dan’s passing. He will always be remembered for his joie de vivre and his appreciation of people’s talents and ideas. The picture you’ve included in his obituary so perfectly exemplifies his generosity of spirit.
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Dennis Murray Dear Barb, Jimmy and Coralie. You know a guy is the real thing when no matter the circumstance he is precisely the same guy. Police officer, witness, client, co coach, dad, husband and member of the community at large. Decent, kind, loving, passionate, loyal, honest, caring; a real died in the wool standup guy and a “giver”.
How lucky I am to have worked with him, played with him and known him in all these dimensions. He left such a positive footprint. The world is a much better place for his passing through. My condolences to you and the many folks who cherished his friendship. Dennis
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Janine Lauder Dear Barbara, Coralie and Jimmy,
I worked with Dan at Oak Bay and was amazed by his passion and zest for life! He always had an idea or plan on the go.
I’ll never forget how Dan’s eyes lit up when he spoke about his children. There was no mistake that he was proud of who they are, and not what he thought they should be.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this painful time.
Dan, vaya con Dios, amigo.
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Ron McMicking Barb, Coralie and Jimmy…My sincere condolences to you .Dan was a fine person and I always enjoyed his company. He will be missed by all of us. Ron
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Bart and Donna Cunningham Dear Barb, Jimmie and Coralie,
It was a privilege to be one of Dan’s many friends and be connected to his life during the short time that I knew him. While we shared a passion for travel, food, learning, and the outdoors, I valued his outlook and attitude. He was a positive personality. Dan’s positive personality and outlook will live on in me for the rest of my life. Thank you, Barb, Jimmie and Coralie for the privilege of letting us be a small part of your family.
Bart and Donna
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Francine and Antony Lagan …and so suddenly, until you think back at the great privilege it was for us to have known him as a true close friend, one that felt as a younger brother to me in many ways…. one with whom we shared so many great moments as well as interesting stories of our lives together, often in English, tho at times in Italian and Spanish too, rarely in Latin. Your Dan, our Dan, was a man that loved living life to its fullest, with good company, good food and good wine too, both at his home and abroad. A good person as Dan was, one who had only good things to say about everybody he knew and felt no malice toward anyone, we shall truly miss… we shall definitely remember you, now and always. You mean so very much to all of us that remain here, because your life and your free spirit touched us in many ways!
“requiemscant in pacem”… although we weep, your rest is deep, for you have eternal peace, Dan McLean
…from our family to yours, Francine, Tony, Peter, Philip, Jean-Luc, and Sofia
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Stu Wood Dear Barb, Jimmy and Coralie,
Please accept my condolences. Having worked with Dan for many years I know he had a positive impact on the lives of those around him. His passing is a loss to us all.
Best Regards and Wishes,
Stu Wood
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Francine and Antony Lagan Our deepest and most sincere condolences to you, dear Barbara, and to your entire family, on the all too early passing of a good, kind, courageous and virtuous young Dan, a man highly dedicated to his immediate family and to all those around him whom he so dearly loved.
It seems quite normal for Francine and I to be diagnosed with a mild reactive depression when learning of Dan’s being taken away from us so prematurely s
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Debbie Justice Dan was my field trainer at Oak Bay in 1996. I have many fond memories of him! He was always such a positive person and fun to be around.
My condolences.
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jack mcdonald Dear Barb, Jim and Coralie,
We were saddened to read this morning of Dan’s passing. He is free from his struggle now, but it is never easy no matter the circumstances to lose someone you love.
Our hearts go out to you and your family who will be a great support for you and each other.
Our minds have gone back to the time when our grandchildren came with Ian and Roxanne and you so kindly loaned us beach toys for them to play with. Happier days but lovely memories.
Please know that we will be thinking of you and send our love and deepest sympathy, Dan was surely one of the “good guys”.Dell and Jack McDonald
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Judy and Peter Weicker We were saddened to hear of Dan’s passing. The fond memories of a life well lived remain in one’s heart forever.
Judy & Peter Weicker
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Cathy and Frank Hohnsbehn There are no words! Our hearts go out to you Barb, Coralie and Jimmy. Dan was a man like no other. What a positive soul! We had so much fun at our themed crib nights. Mexican, German, Chinese, The Great White North and Dan’s fave, Italian! Wow, the memories we hold of the fun we had. That will keep the smile on our faces every time we think of Dan.
Will miss you Dan and yes, Frank still sucks at crib!
Love Cathy, Frank, Matt, Shelly and boys
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Linda and Roger Young Our deepest condolences to Barb, Coralie, and Jimmy. We also loved Dan, and especially loved his exhuberance for life, and its adventures. We were lucky to share some of those adventures, and Italy will always be a highlight in our lives. Thinking of him – his stories, his dinner parties, and love of people inspires us to make the most of our lives as he did. We will miss him. love, Linda and Roger
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Larry Worock Good Morning Dan,
It’s with deep sadness I take this opportunity to write to you. I recently spoke with Dorothy JUNIO a day ago and she informed me that your condition had taken a different direction. Having been a policeman for the past 35 years, I have had, like you dealt with loss, but I always found the words to comfort others in their time of need. Today my friend I struggle to find those words to express how I feel for you. You are a member of a unique brotherhood, its an unwritten bond of friendship and mutual respect. I will never understand how life decides to treat us especially towards the end, I guess God has a plan and we need to trust in him. I know right know that you are most likely more concerned for your family and friends than for yourself, that’s the policeman in you, we are cut of a different cloth, always willing to put others first before ourselves. I don’t think society truly appreciates the many sacrifices we make each and everyday and how it takes its toll on us both physically and emotionally. I hope you take comfort in the fact that you, not only as an individual but as a policeman, have had an enormous effect on so many peoples lives for the better. I feel a man’s worth is never measured by what he has acquired throughout his life, but more on the many people he has touched and how his life and actions have positively influenced others. For that my friend you are a very wealthy man to be sure.
I have thought often of your wife and you, since our meeting that day in the chemo room. I can appreciate what your wife is experiencing and my heart and thoughts go out to her at this time. I hope you were able to check off some of those boxes on your bucket list, I’ve recently left policing partially because of Stephanie as her future too is uncertain.
When I became a sergeant in Edmonton, someone put this card under my blotter, I read it to myself each day before I started work, it helped give me some piece of mind that there was nothing I couldn’t handle, I thought it might apply to you today.Lord,
Help me to remember
That nothing
Is going to happen
To me today
That you and I
Together can’t handleI don’t believe in goodbyes Dan, let’s just say I’ll see you on the other side.
Respectfully Your Friend,
Larry Worock
P.S. I thought you might like the photo of Dave, Dorothy and I, friends from your past (EPS) and present (Oak Bay PD)
I wished to share this message to Dan will all that knew him……
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Colleen Coppin Barb, Coralie and Jimmy – Chris and I share in your loss of Dan.
Ironically, if it had not been for the cancer, we would never have had
the pleasure of knowing Dan or your wonderful family. Truly, if it is
possible to think of a silver lining, Chris and I were the recipients
of it, enjoying his lively conversation, intelligence, fabulous gourmet
dinners and zest for life. He did everything just right during his
last year. We will remember him as a class act and an extraordinary
person. We miss him already.
Love
Colleen and Chris
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Roland & Janice Retzlaff and Family God Saw You Getting Tired
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be so he put his arms around you and whispered, “Come to Me”
With tearful eyes we watched you and saw you pass away
and although we love you dearly we could not make you stay.A Golden heart stopped beating hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.Barb:
Please accept our deepest sympathy and condolences on the passing of Dan. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Roland & Janice Retzlaff and Family
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Roland & Janice Retzlaff and Family Barb, Jim and Coralie:
Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Dan.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Rest in Peace Dan – you will be sorely missed!
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Stephanie Sherlock Oh sweet Coralie, my heart breaks for you. You are a wonderful daughter and I’m so glad you were all together. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Xox Stephanie, Lucy and Piper
I just now found out this news, and I am so very sad. Dan was one of the best people I’ve ever met. What energy! Please accept my belated condolences. I hope the very best for all of you. He is not a man to be easily forgotten…..Mike