DANIEL JAMES SULLIVAN (DAN)

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DANIEL JAMES SULLIVAN

On May 18, 2022, Daniel James Sullivan left us to begin his new career, hosting the most epic pool party in the sky, where he joins his better half.
Born in 1954 into an Air Force family in Middleton, Nova Scotia, Dan was the second oldest and the only boy in a sea of three sisters. Parents Mildred and Jim had a full house with Dan, Barbara, Leslie, and Anne. At an early age, it was clear that 'Danny boy' was a natural rebel; he kept his mother and sisters on their toes by playing pranks and striking the odd match. After hopping around several provinces and countries, the Sullivan brood finally posted up in Winnipeg in 1969, a city that would become home.
It was here in Winnipeg that Dan would finish high school and develop the most formative friendships in his life, bonds that would never fade - Derek, Butch, Rick and Jay. After high school, Dan broke into University in the same city he called home. Focusing on the world of Dentistry was an area that he felt passionate about – making people smile. After graduation, Dan stayed in Manitoba to practice in the rural community of Brandon.
Brandon happened to be the place where a chance encounter changed the course of his life. Always a partygoer, Dan was introduced to a charming and beautiful 'Mabel Montgomery' at a mutual friend's bash. By the time he found out that 'Mabel' was actually 'Carolyn', the two were already in love. After a whirlwind romance, Dan and Carolyn got hitched in 1979 and celebrated with a honeymoon in Hawaii. Marrying into the 'Berry' family was a perfect match for Dan, as the extended family welcomed him in with loving arms and good times.
The two decided to settle in the big city of Winnipeg, where Dan pursued additional education in Orthodontics. By 1987, Dan and Carolyn had a full household with three kiddos of their own - Karly, Konnor and Kaitlyn.
As a parent, Dan worked hard to keep smiles on his kids faces. Sure, he kept them well fed, educated, and entertained, but he also literally put braces on all of them - even before the recommended age... they were great practice! The family was strong and bound by a passion for culture, food, leisure, and laughs. Dan was a very progressive and accepting person, and these values defined and shaped his parenting and continue to live on through his children.
Travel was always a staple in Dan's life; escaping cold Winnipeg winters meant family trips to Florida. Here the family would enjoy sunshine, margaritas, pools, and of course Disney World. In the summer, as an avid fisherman, he would take fishing trips with the "boys" - as in any man he could convince to come fishing with him. This ranged from his own father Jim, his brothers-in-law, his close buddies, and of course his son Konnor; the ultimate bonding experience.
Hosting gatherings and connecting with people was a core element of who Dan was. He was a natural conversationalist, who loved good people, good food, and good laughs. Music played a fundamental part of this; it was his thing. Entering the Sullivan home, meant entering a music haven, where Dan would curate the soundtrack of his children's lives. Dan regularly returned home from work, greeting his kids with a handful of CD's from HMV. He introduced his family to the classics and continued to explore and share new music throughout his life.
After an epic surprise 50th birthday party and 25 years of marriage, Dan faced a new challenge; he lost the light of his life, Carolyn. This chapter brought an array of new challenges that shaped and reshaped who he was as a person and the relationships with his family. He also began to face his own health obstacles that would lead to his early retirement.
This period was not easy, but through this struggle Dan continued to live life to the fullest with an uncanny ability to turn somber matters into laughter. With his family sprawled across the globe he would travel to see Karly in Toronto, Konnor in Nanaimo, and Kaitlyn in Banff. As time went on, he set a new foundation for a healthy relationship with his family - highlighted by his 65th birthday where he enjoyed Lady Gaga together with his kids in Las Vegas, a memory that will never be forgotten.
More recently, Dan moved out west and got a new job - becoming a grandparent - arguably his most fun job yet! His grandson Bennett will remember Grandpa for his "broken toe", his affinity for remote control race cars, and his sense of humour. He most recently welcomed granddaughter Winnie into the world, sharing her first Christmas together in Banff with his children. In retrospect, this was an immensely special moment and will be cherished forever.
Dan leaves a giant hole in the hearts of those he leaves behind and will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, cat (and ultimately dog!) lover, and friend. Although he will be joining his parents and his partner in crime, he will be sorely missed by his family: daughter Karly (partner Jeremy), son Konnor (partner Erin and grandson Bennett), daughter Kaitlyn (partner Kyle and granddaughter Winnie), sister Barb (husband Ron), sister Leslie (husband Mark), sister Anne (husband Stephen), many cousins, nieces, and nephews, including the extended Berry family.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Winnipeg on June 25 - please email dancelebrationoflife@gmail.com for details.
In Dan's memory, donations can be made to the BC Children's Hospital Foundation or anywhere that supports the wellbeing of people.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 04, 2022