Wesley Daniel

January 14th, 1920 – January 16th, 2010

A man of great strength and courage will be missed immensely, but never forgotten. It is with sadness, but a sense of peace that we announce the passing of Wesley Daniel. Wesley passed away with family by his side at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital, on Saturday, January 16th, 2010 at the age of 90 years. Left to celebrate a life well lived, yet mourn their loss are his wife Nellie; and their children Leonard (Viola) Daniel of Moose Jaw, Ron (Jeannine) Daniel of Edmonton, AB and Lianne (Darrell) Petroskey of Arizona; grandchildren Chad (Ali), Jillian (Wade), Arlin (Christina), Brian (Sheila) and Jason (Dana); brothers Mike (Vera) and Harry (Doris) Daniels; sister Dorothy (Gino) Della-Bianca; as well as many other extended family members who were dear to him. Wesley is predeceased by his parents Costea and Martha Daniel; brothers Fred and Peter Daniel; sisters Annie Lukashenko and Christina Ambrose; brothers-in-law Andrew Lukashenko and Mike Ambrose. Wesley was born and raised on the family farm at Wheatstone, SK. Although he tried his hand at gold mining in Ontario for a few years followed by coal mining in Saskatchewan and later working at Swift’s Meat Packing Plant in Moose Jaw, Wesley spent most of his life as a farmer in the Wheatstone/Kayville district. While on the farm, he could often be found working in the field alongside his son Leonard or running numerous errands in Assiniboia and Moose Jaw; however he spent the bulk of his time checking cattle or doing repair work in his garage, always accompanied by his grandchildren. Wesley retired to Moose Jaw in 1984 and then worked part-time as the caretaker of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox church for the next several years. After moving to the city, Wesley found enjoyment in the simple things in life like spending time with his family, attending family BBQs and eating hot dogs in Wakamow Park in the summer, sitting on his front porch, taking a scenic drive in the country, visiting Johnstone’s Auction Mart and especially shopping for groceries at Safeway. Wesley will be lovingly remembered as a kind man with a beautiful smile, a great sense of humour, an adventurous spirit, a powerful handshake and a twinkle in his eye. A Celebration of Wesley’s life and legacy will be held on Friday, January 22nd, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home. Father David Edwards will officiate and interment will take place at Rosedale Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Wesley’s memory may be made directly to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, 455 Fairford St. East, Moose Jaw, Sask. S6H 1H3 or to The Canadian Diabetes Association, 917A Albert St., Regina, Sask., S4R 2P6. The family wishes to express their sincerest gratitude and utmost indebtedness to the following people for their compassionate and loving care of Wesley: Dr. Miller, Dr. Majid, Dr. Sanderson, Dr. Ramadan, Dr. Jugdeo; the extraordinary Moose Jaw Union Hospital second floor and emergency room nursing staff who complemented their exemplary care with a personal touch; the exceptional staff of Providence Place’s Maguire Centre where Wesley always enjoyed visiting; the outstanding district Home Care staff as well as Curtis Issel and staff at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre. Until we meet again Papa, your memory will live on in our hearts and minds forever.