Daniel Bernard Holpainen
August 8, 1956 - June 24, 2017
As published in the July 10, 2017 World-Spectator
Avid gardener, loyal brother and friend. Saskatchewan Rough Rider fan. Independent and stoic spirit. Sarcastic wit. Born August 8, 1956 in Moosomin, Saskatchewan; died June 24, 2017 in Winnipeg, MB of brain hemorrhage: age 61.
Dan grew up on a small family farm located in the Qu’Appelle Valley. He was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 10. Dan never let it define or limit him. He attended Rocanville School. After graduating, he completed a conservation officer diploma at Lethbridge College. Always a hard worker, Dan worked nights in security at Moose Mountain Provincial Park while running the family farm. Unfortunately, as with many small family farms, he could no longer make a go of it and moved to Winnipeg. He achieved an Agriculture Diploma from the University of Manitoba.
Dan later completed two years of a Registered Nursing Program with the Health Sciences Centre which he used in his final career in health care. He began as a health care aide and finally as a unit assistant at the HSC Psychiatric Ward.
Nothing kept Dan down; diabetes, being hit by a car, or heart attack. In true Finnish spirit (sisu) he just kept going. Dan was eagerly awaiting retirement in one year and we are saddened he was not able to enjoy it.
Dan was predeceased by his parents Sadie and Ben Holpainen, and nephew Sean Kelba. He is survived by his brother Allen, sisters Barbara, Jane, Donna, cousin Blair, brother-in-law Donald, girlfriend Veronica and good friend Bob. Also survived by nephew Dylan (Morgan) and nieces Anne (Bob), Jenny (Mike), Lisa (Corey), and Michele and great nieces Lily, Isabel, Veiga, and Brooklyn.
Informal ceremony remembering Dan to be held outdoors, Tuesday, July 11, 2017, 3 to 5:30 pm. Sharing of stories at 4 pm. Email for location details: motherbrownjohnson@gmail.com Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will be held at a later date. This ceremony will be held on Dan’s favourite hilltop overlooking the Qu’Appelle Valley on his property.
Donations in Dan’s memory may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association.
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