Obituary of Daniel Thomas O'Connell

It is with heavy hearts and much sadness that we announce the passing of our Husband, Father and Grandfather Dan on April 18, 2020 at Concordia Hospital N3W. He had battled long and hard against many health issues and arrangements had been made for him to come home this week. We will forever be grateful to his nurse Jennifer who was by his side when he passed away. Dan never fully recovered after having a heart attack on November 16, 2019. He will be forever loved and missed by his wife and best friend Lucy; his loving Son and best friend Sean; loving Daughter-in-law Renee, and the highlights of his life, his Grandchildren. He was so proud of them and loved them with all his heart, Jesse, Zak (Debs), Kathryn (Alex) of Winnipeg and Cole (Taylor) and Karen of Sherwood Park and Edmonton, Alberta. He is also survived by his youngest Son, Kelly (Susie) of Sherwood Park, Alberta. Also mourning his loss are his Sisters Kerry of Stittsville, Ontario and Colleen (Carl) of Amherstview, Ontario. His special Aunt Maureen (Don) of Brockville, Ontario along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law and many nieces, nephews and relatives in Edmonton, Alberta and surrounding areas. Dan was predeceased by our Beautiful Daughter Kara Lynn Ann in May of 1973; his loving Parents Mary and Jack; older Brother Randy, Grandparents and several Aunts and Uncles. He always missed and had a special place in his heart for Uncle Charlie who passed away in 2009. He was also predeceased by his In-Laws Velma and Leo Menard and Brother-in-law Mario all of Edmonton, Alberta. Dan was born in Kingston, Ontario. Both of our Dads were in the armed forces and were posted in Edmonton. This is where we met as teenagers and have enjoyed each other’s company ever since. We decided to elope and were married on February 13, 1968 in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. We returned there to celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary. Dan spent most of his working years in the car business. He always said it was the best job in the world. He would wake up every morning and be excited to go to work. We moved to Winnipeg when Dan was recruited by Terry Balkan away from Westgate Chevrolet in Edmonton. He worked in a few dealerships here including Keystone Ford and finished his career at Stadium Ford. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren as they played different sports and tried to attend as many of their games and school functions as possible. To Dan, his Family was his life and he looked forward to our many family gatherings held over the years. We enjoyed many vacations with our children and by ourselves. We loved our road trips the most and never once turned on the radio because we always had so much to talk about. Dan was a very Kind, Loving and Gentle Man and He will be missed!! Special thanks to Sean, Renee and Family for always being there for us. I don't know what we would have done without you. Thank you to all our special friends who always made a point of visiting Dan in the hospital over the past couple of years. He always enjoyed your visits and all the laughter that came with them. He always looked forward to our many get togethers as well over the years. Special thanks to all the Doctors, Nurses, Health Care Aides and Cleaning Staff for taking such good care of Dan during his time at St. Boniface and Concordia Hospital. Thank you to Dr. Salah Iskander, Dan's family Doctor for your wonderful care over the years. I also want to thank Home Care. Dan's coordinator Pat and Erica for taking all my calls and Dale who was so good to both Dan and I when she came to our home for respite. In Lieu of Flowers, donations in Dan's memory may be made to Crohn's and Colitis Canada, 600-60th St. Clair Ave East, Toronto, Ontario M4T-1N5 or to a charity of your choice. Cremation has taken place and as per Dan's wishes no formal service will be held. Dan you will be forever missed by your Family, extended Family and Friends. Thank you for the Great Memories!! "LOVE YOU LOTS!”