June 20, 1943 - March 11, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
Dan passed away the evening of Monday, March 11. He died, holding the hand of his best friend and the love of his life, his wife Laurie.
In declining health over the past 2 years Dan's only request was that he be able to die in the home he took such pride in with as much dignity as his illness would allow.
Dan left us as he lived his life, sharp of mind, on his own terms, and peacefully at home with family, Jeff, Gabriela and Aaron with him as he started his journey onward.
Dan was born in Smithers B.C. but was raised and lived his life in the Cowichan Valley. Dan had a varied working career from setting chokers in Copper Canyon, working at McBrides Service Station, working tug boats, delivering furnace oil, to owning his own furnace repair business and 22 years as the heating ventilating mechanic for the local school district.
Dan was a skilled craftsman, whose dedication to perfectionism allowed him to build two homes and a beautiful sailboat from a hull and deck. He often said "not bad for a kid that quit school in grade 10".
Dan had many passions in life. Travel, so long as it was somewhere warm with either ocean or heated pool and accommodation just like home. Always an adventure, from his personal belief that you never accepted the first room assigned to being "picked up" by the Mexican Police or becoming intimate with the U.S. military.
Golf, he joined Mt. Brenton GC in 1977; a game which he threatened to quit after every second round. He took great delight in recalling his 3 hole-in-ones, a feat which was "based on luck not skill". He was a collector of putters, a "master of none".
Walking, Dan and Laurie could often be seen walking endless miles together around the Cowichan Valley, always in conversation about contemporary issues which Dan usually had a strong opinion on. Yard care, especially his lawn which he often insisted needed mowing 2 if not 3 times per week to golf course standards, he was apt to tell you that he had the best lawn in the subdivision, all the while insisting that Laurie's rhododendrons required deadheading as soon as they bloomed, which he gleefully did with a hedge trimmer.
Music, Dan had quite a collection of musical instruments but none were as special to him as a ukulele that he and Laurie walked miles and miles in Hawaii to find.
He was a remarkable individual, with a work ethic that was unmatched, adventurous at heart, inquisitive by nature and a positive influence on those lucky enough to be close to him.
He was a proud father and grandfather. Dan's pearls of wisdom: work hard, be dedicated to detail and do it right the first time; travel, get going life is short; be honest, be fair, and treat people as you wish to be treated; take care of your partner and family first.
There is so much more to say about this wonderful man; he often said that if an obituary has to be written "do not canonize me, do not make me out to be a saint, tell them I did the best I knew how". Dan and I started on this journey 32 years ago, it was my honor and privilege to love and care for him until he had to travel on alone.
While this overwhelming sadness seems unbearable now I also know that without love there would be no grief.
Dan is survived by his wife Laurie Taylor and his blended family, son Jeff (Gabriela) and granddaughters Holly and Sarah, daughter Tracy (Jim), stepdaughter Tabitha (Chris) and granddaughters Emily and Kali, stepson Aaron and grandson Eli, brothers Alan and Ned, and brother-in-law Tom (Deb).
Respecting Dan's wishes, there will be no service to mark his passing; family and friends will be invited to share memories at his favorite place at a later date.
In lieu of donations or flowers, please spend time with those closest to you, Dan would love this.
Memories can be shared with the family at www.firstmemorialduncan.com