DANIEL (DAN) HILDEBRAND

Condolences & Memories (49 entries)

• Every morning when I tie my neck tie I think of Dan Hildebrand as he taught me the "single windsor" during the period I worked with him in Winnipeg. When I think of him each morning I reflect on his classy nature. He was simply a fabulous person and my Life was greatly improved by meeting him. I am so sorry that I found out about this just today (August 27th, 2012) as I currently live in Calgary and heard it today. He was a GREAT guy and for certain the best dresser now with the Lord! - Posted by: Kent Richardson (Friend and Co-Worker) on: Aug 24, 2012

• I have known and worked with Dan for many years, and I will always remember him as the most professional and friendliest account manager, period. He knew everyone on a first name basis, and they knew him. Dan's sincerity and thoughtfulness will stay with me forever. Rest in peace Dan. - Posted by: Steve Shaw (Colleague and friend) on: May 18, 2012

• I am so saddened to learn of Dan's death. To his family and many many friends my heartfelt and sincerest condolences. - Posted by: Alison Lievana (old friend ) on: Apr 13, 2012

• I recall many fun customer visits with Dan in Regina and Winnipeg. He knew everyone within his client base, the Saskatchewan Hotel staff, the shoe shine guy, etc. His smile and his warmth were contagious, and he was a true gentleman to everyone. Dan was loved and respected by all. I have a great memory of Dan being part of a Globe and Mail advertisement for the Radisson Saskatchewan. The photo showed Dan's great smile, being greeted by the Hotel staff, ..... as they welcome their favourite customer! - Posted by: John Moore (Work colleague ) on: Mar 08, 2012

• I learned about his death from Maria who used to clean the HP offices when they were downtown. She stopped me to tell about Dan's death. I was deeply saddened that this world is without one of the most genuine people in this world. Dan lit up the room when he walked in a room with his smile. To me he was the Richard Gere of Winnipeg. He will deeply missed I know that. My condolences to the family. Gone too young too soon. Vivienne - Posted by: Vivienne Horne (Worked with Dan at HP years ago) on: Jan 26, 2012

• I grew up in Winkler and have only fond memories of Dan. Handsome, popular, president of the GVCI student council, captain of the Zodiac basketball team, champion curler, great golfer, natural baseball player…he was cause for many a girl’s disappointment. Those were the days when guys gave you their school sweater to wear as a symbol of commitment. I never wore his sweater but at least he liked me more than PR, who was dating Dan’s friend Gary at the time. And then there was the problem of Mennonite family history; his father, Bernard, although deceased, was a first cousin of my Grandpa, H.I. Hildebrand. No chance. He came from an exotic family by Winkler standards. His only brother, who was old enough to be his father, was a missionary in a foreign land, returning occasionally to show slides at church that made us all want to go on mission. His nine sisters were all natural athletes, gorgeous and so nice. He was the only boy I ever knew in Winkler who didn’t have a dad. He was the one fellow student who sent me condolences and flowers on the occasion of my own father’s death a decade later. I see that compassion and goodness in all the comments about Dan from his friends. Our paths crossed only several times after he graduated in ‘69. I worked for The Bay as a fashion manager when he showed up as the date of a colleague. We both fell for the more colourful, fun-loving cousins from our Russian- Ukraine heritage. But we were young; it takes more than cabbage rolls and borscht to make a good meal. I see he did find his soul mate in Nicole, who got to wear his school sweater. Lucky girl. I spoke with my mother, who still lives in Winkler, last night as we do regularly. The conversation always includes family updates, a review of the weather, health issues and the names of those who have passed on. I attended the 40th anniversary of my graduating class of ’70 last summer and Dan’s cousin Agatha and I reminisced about our high school days with fondness and laughter. One is never prepared for this kind of loss. I express my deepest sympathy to Nicole, his family and friends in their grief. Dan was such a good man all of his life. He lived his values. Take comfort in his memory. - Posted by: Del Weiglein (nee Dolores Hildebrand) (high school friend) on: Jan 15, 2012

• I had the pleasure of working with Dan Dan for over 10 years. He was a mentor and friend whom I will miss very much. Dan always made a point of taking time to talk to those he met throughout the day and he had the ability to uplift your day thru just a short greeting. I talked ot Dan in the fall and even then he had a way of looking at the positives. I will truly miss him. - Posted by: Terry Kurtz (Friend and coworker) on: Jan 13, 2012

• Dan, your presence brightened our world. Your death has undone it. - Posted by: Carol Davis (curling friend) on: Jan 11, 2012

• Although most recently we have been colleagues at HP, I first met Dan when we competed for business at SaskTel, Dan with HP and me at Compaq in the mid-90s. Our competition evolved to a respectful friendship as we'd often meet at the end of a long day at the Hotel Sask. I'll never forget his smile. My condolences to his family and close friends for their loss :( - Posted by: Terri Lawson (Friend/Colleague) on: Jan 10, 2012

• I had the great pleasure of working with Dan at Hewlett-Packard. Dan could bring a smile to anyone's face simply by walking into a room. He was always a gentleman and always genuine. I will miss him greatly. I would like to send my deepest sympathies to his family and friends. - Posted by: Lori Belcher (Co-worker) on: Jan 09, 2012

• May his memory be eternal. Dan was a great friend, a perfect gentleman, and always a class act. We will miss him very much and our thoughts and prayers are with his family. John Makris & The Diplomat Steakhouse Regina Staff. - Posted by: John Makris (Friend) on: Jan 08, 2012

• I was part of a sales support team for the HP Computer Group and I got to work with nearly every sales region, including Canada. Dan was one of my favorites amongst the Canadian team, and I have lots of great memories of him and his wonderful sense of humor and the teriffic way he kept his customers happy. The world is a poorer place because of his loss, and I offer my sincerest wishes and condolences to everyone who knew him and enjoyed being with him. Alan Falk Raleigh, NC, now. - Posted by: Alan Falk (Worked at HP ) on: Jan 07, 2012

• My condolences to Dan's family. He was a true professional in every sense of the word, and a man of integrity. - Posted by: Darren Armstrong (Colleague) on: Jan 05, 2012

• Dan was an extraordinary friend to both my parents. I can still remember many visits with him, where my sister and I were spoiled rotten. We loved playing tennis with Dan and eating a carton of ice cream (one to ourselves). Such special memories that will never been forgotten. May you rest in peace - we love you. - Posted by: Amber Jeffrey (Friend) on: Jan 04, 2012

• Dan could always make you laugh and see the lighter side of life. Today, we are all sad to have lost such a salt of the earth person. We are all better people for being in his life. I hope you break 72 in heaven Dan; I hear there are no sandtraps there! - Posted by: Bonnie McGowan (Friend/former HP employee) on: Jan 03, 2012

• Dan was the "best dressed" HP rep ever in Western Canada. I thought he was the mayor of Regina as well..His thoughfulness and kindness to his clients and friends will never be matched. He was always "Dan 1" to the HP Western team. My deepest condolences to Nicolle and all the family. - Posted by: Danny LeBlanc (Co- Worker and friend) on: Jan 03, 2012

• I feel great sadness in learning of Dan’s passing, my condolences to you, Nicolle and all of Dan’s family and friends. I worked with Dan at HP and he was always the person to bring a smile to your face no matter what was happening in your day. What I’ll remember most is Dan’s upbeat personality and how he always made everyone around him feel important. In conversations with him during his courageous battle, he never faltered in his high spirits. Dan always found a way to see the glass as ½ full. Dan, will always be remembered with fondness. - Posted by: Joanne Shacklady (JB) (Colleague/Friend) on: Jan 03, 2012

• When someone you Love becomes a MEMORY, the memory becomes a TREASURE. thinking of you always Nicole your friend Sharon - Posted by: Sharon Stephens (Friends) on: Jan 02, 2012

• Dan You are a true friend. Thank you for showing me the ropes in the high tech business. Thank you for being there to always lend an ear. Thank you for lighting up every room you ever walked into with your vibrant personality. I will truly miss you. Geoff - Posted by: Geoff Kereluik (Friend) on: Jan 02, 2012

• Dan was my closest friend at G.V.C.I in Winkler. Although our paths did not cross alot in our adult years Dan was never forgotten. I will miss him. - Posted by: John Olfert (High school closest friend) on: Jan 01, 2012

• We are deeply saddened by the news of Dans passing. He was a man of great character and had a loving caring personality. He was the definitive example of a positive attitude. Dans love and concern for his fellow man, along with his charisma and great sense of humour allowed him to be loved by many who knew him. The loss of Dan has left a hole in our hearts that can never be filled. Truly Winnipeg has lost one of her greatest native sons. Rest in peace Dan we will miss you forever. Our deepest condolences to all who loved him, his family and especially to his true love Nicole. - Posted by: Ted & Denise Dyck & Tyler (nephew) on: Dec 31, 2011

• Dan started out as a work colleague and became a friend. He was generous to a fault and his smile brightened everyone's day. Dan - you are loved dearly and will be missed greatly. - Posted by: Jill Zonneveld (Colleague) on: Dec 31, 2011

• So sorry to hear of Dan's passing. Once you met Dan he was forever a friend. We enjoyed many years of curling at the Wildewood Club. He was a great guy! - Posted by: Jim Swail (Curling Friend) on: Dec 30, 2011

• I have shared many experiences with Dan during our years working together. My first visit to Winnipeg to see customers with Dan had me thinking I was with the Mayor. Dan knew everyone, everywhere! From the cafeteria staff to restaurant owners Dan made lasting personalized connections that you could feel because they were real - just like Dan. Dan has given me fond memories as a classy gentleman, colleague and generous friend to many. Nicolle, my sincere condolences to you and your family. - Posted by: Charlie Atkinson (friend and co-worker) on: Dec 30, 2011

• I knew Dan only for a short time when I worked at HP and relocated to a new life in Ottawa due to marriage. I was impressed by his professionalism and wonderful personality. I am sure he will be missed by all who knew him. Working at HP with people like Dan, remain part of the best memories of my life. - Posted by: Karen Hauff (Co-worker) on: Dec 30, 2011

• I grew up in a curling family and whenever the name Dan Hildebrand was mentioned by either my parents, Bruce & Verla Hudson – a huge smile and the words ‘you couldn’t ask for a greater guy – would be the words to follow’. Well I know that to be true – Dan & Nicolle joined Niakwa where I am a member and I finally got to know the infamous Dan Hildebrand and yes – my parents were right. It’s a sad day for both the curling and golfing world and our thoughts continue to go to Nicolle who will miss him incredibly – they were the best couple – full of optimism and a delight to be with. - Posted by: Diane Hudson (friend) on: Dec 29, 2011

• Our deepest regrets Nicole. A very special guy with the ability to make everyone feel welcomed and loved. Our hearts and thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Norm & Judy Robertson (Friends) on: Dec 29, 2011

• We will miss Dan and our annual golf game with Dan and Nicolle. He was at his best at the 85 Brier, winning the "good guy" award by just being himself. - Posted by: MIKE AND JAN RILEY (Friends) on: Dec 29, 2011

• I will always remember Dan with a smile on his face because everytime I saw him, he was smiling. I looked forward to my trips to Winnipeg to see Dan. Being an avid curler, I liked to catch up with him and it was just nice to be around him. I will think of him often. - Posted by: Kim Kohlenberg (Colleague and friend) on: Dec 29, 2011

• I had more than a few once in a life time experience with Dan. I believe it was in 1981 we curled in the Elm Creek Men’s Bonspiel. My Dad was from Elm Creek and they had just completed a new Steel Structure for the curling club, so my Dad and I put an entry in the Men’s Bonspiel. My Dad recruited a lifelong friend of his who also grew up in Elm Creek. My job was to find the player to be named later. I called Dan because he had sold the building to Elm Creek (at that time he was working for Stanley Steel Buildings, a division of Aetna Roofing). He was happy to join us as he had some relatives from the Crick. It was nothing but fun. We scored an eight ender along the way and won the bonspiel. I think we won colored TVs. That’s colored not color. I think mine was black. There was another event in I believe it was Stonewall. We got to the rink and Dan didn’t have his curling shoes. I think he had taken them out at home to polish them. Fortunately I’m a hoarder and had an extra pair. He used mine, played great and we won the game. He not only never forgot his shoes again; he was never seen again in shoes as “nice” as my back-up pair. We played a big game in a cash spiel at I think it was Rossmere. There was a big shot in the later ends. The shot required quite a bit of velocity and some accuracy. Dan swept right until the thrown stone made contact, but a roll was needed for the desired result. Nobody swept the roll and I was initially upset about that until the laughter started. Dan was literally on fire. He had carried through from the sweeping and crashed into Don Wiles who was holding the broom and had a burning La Palina cigar in his mouth. It burned Dan’s designer cable stitched sweater and it was decided that putting out the fire was more important than the roll. The roll didn’t matter as the game turned in our favor anyway. The pause for laughter was the best thing that could have happened that day. We hadn’t been doing too well until after the fire. A lesson was learned. We had some fun. It didn’t cost a thing and the results would likely not have been as good without the fun. We will all miss Dan. The closer the relationship, the greater the loss. At least we have memories, great memories, and they will never die. - Posted by: Brian Penston (Friend) on: Dec 29, 2011

• My condolences to Nicolle, Dan’s family, and Dan’s friends. We are going to miss his laugh, good humour, caring, excellent salesmanship skills, and hugs. He was a classy gentleman, the kind you rarely get to meet these days, and whose company we all enjoyed. - Posted by: Cathy de Vries (Work Friend) on: Dec 28, 2011

• We have many wonderful memories of being with Dan, ussually at a curling club or in the homes of his curling friends. Once we were in Winnipeg on Christmas eve at Don and Georgie's and Dan and Nicolle were also there and presented us with an unexpected Christmas gift, a framed photograph of our son Michael taken at Lake of the Wood by Nicolle. A kindness, thoughtfulness making everyone around him seem important, that was Dan, he will be missed. Patty and Bill, Brandon, old friends - Posted by: Patty and Bill Hargreaves (Old friends) on: Dec 28, 2011

• The brightest smile, the warmest hugs, the most genuine laugh, the kindest heart - we have all benefitted from these gifts Dan gave us.  I'm thankful to have had a chance to visit with Dan just in September as he joined a group of former co-workers for a catch up lunch! Thanks Dan, for making us all feel special and touching our lives in such special ways. - Posted by: Margaret Harasym (Former co-worker and friend) on: Dec 28, 2011

• My husband and I are both sadened by the news today. Whenever you saw Dan he always had a smile and kind words, no matter what the situation. I am sincerely sorry for your loss. We will miss his infectious smile - Posted by: Lisa Petras (Olah) (Work Acquiantance) on: Dec 28, 2011

• I had the pleasure of working with and being a friend of Dan’s for over 20 years. He literally welcomed me into his home whenever I was in Winnipeg and was always the epitome of class, generosity and sincerity. I will miss him deeply and remember him as one of those rare individuals that grace our presence from time to time. My deep and sincere condolences to Nicolle, his family and friends. - Posted by: Marty Loken (Friend/co-worker) on: Dec 28, 2011

• Always smiling, always laughing and always the best best dressed guy in the room. Dan was the consumate professional who effortlessly made everyone he came in contact with feel important. Dan had the most memorable laugh which I will truly miss along with all of the great times we spent together. I am sad today but will smile everytime I think of Dan. - Posted by: Dan and Denise DeMarco (Friend) on: Dec 28, 2011

• I knew Dan through his many visits to SaskTel. We worked together for many years and became good friends. His smile and sense of humor was quite contagious, he never missed the chance to point out when my Canadiens did poorly. He will be missed. - Posted by: Dave Harley (Work Friend) on: Dec 28, 2011

• I had the great pleasure of working with Dan for over 25 years. He always had a wonderful smile and big laugh - always seeing the best in people or situations. I can remember sitting in a frozen rental car with him one night in Regina at -40C. I started complaining about the cold. Dan just laughed and said "This is nothing - it's like the tropics compared to Winnipeg !" Dan was that unique kind of individual who could always elicit a laugh from others. He will be missed. - Posted by: Rob Dempsey & Charlotte Holmlund (Friends) on: Dec 28, 2011

• I met Dan when he was President of the Fort Rouge Curling Club in 1994/95. A few years later when I lived in Regina, I would see him quite often at SaskTel. Every single time, he would stop what he was doing, give me a big smile, the best hug and we would catch up for a few cherished moments. My deepest regrets and sympathies go to all of you. I wish you comfort as you grieve. Hold onto all of your cherished memories. - Posted by: Karen Purdy (Friend) on: Dec 28, 2011

• Dan was the consumate professional. A gentlemen and true salesman. He will be missed by many here at SaskTel. Dan was always fun to be around and we enjoyed his stories and good humor. Our condolences to Nicole and his family. - Posted by: Doug Busch (Work colleague and friend) on: Dec 28, 2011

• Dan was both a very good friend, colleague, and mentor. As a young sales person at HP Dan took me under his wing and did everything to help me and teach me the ropes. He took me to his dry cleaner on main st, his tailor, you name it. But more important than anything he always there for me. I have too many fond memories to put in this note, but Dan had huge impact on my life, and I will remember him as a classy gentleman. I loved him and miss him. - Posted by: Bruce Derraugh (Friend) on: Dec 28, 2011

• To me, Dan was the ultimate professional. His smile, sense of humour and desire to create a win-win situation made our many encounters a pleasure. My best wishes and thoughts are with his family, I remember him fondly. - Posted by: Dave Slater (Work Colleague-Hewlett-Packard Canada) on: Dec 28, 2011

• My thoughts and prayers are with you Nicolle....I am so sorry for your loss! - Posted by: Jennifer Mucz (Ottawa) () on: Dec 28, 2011

• I will always remember Dan as a warm and affectionate man. He made me laugh and made me smile while working with him at HP - and what a dapper dresser! RIP my friend. - Posted by: Colleen Baldwin (friend) on: Dec 27, 2011

• Dear Dan, You will always be remembered for the way you enchanted us all. May you rest in peace and if you can see us, please continue to smile with us all. Love and Hugs to your family. Sincerely, Donna - Posted by: Donna Lea Downs Kawasaki (Co-worker and friend) on: Dec 27, 2011

• Dan was the consummate sales professional within our company. His customers loved him and he understood their business! Travelling with Dan on visits to his customers were always pleasurable experiences. He would know everyone from the shoe shine person at the hotel to the receptionist at the customer site. I always remember Dan being one of the best dressed people I knew. He always attributed this to his many sisters! His love of golf and curling was infectious. May he rest in peace. He will be missed. My condolences to the entire family, may he rest in peace. - Posted by: Paul Tsaparis (Work colleague and friend) on: Dec 27, 2011

• I have known Dan a long time from his golf at Niakwa. I golfed the last time with him this fall. He even took a few dollars off of me, although he was certainly in a weak state and had to ride. He just managed the nine holes, but we had a great chat and it was just great that he had the spirit to get out and play. I will miss his cheerful smile. My condolences to you Nicole, your family and to his family. - Posted by: Roman Nemecek (golf friend) on: Dec 27, 2011

• Our deepest regrets and sympathies Nicole. Donna and I had hoped to see more of both you and Dan in Palm Springs. During the few times we got together socially,it was always great fun. Dan's eternal optimism and gentle nature were qualities that we both admired. Our best wishes to you - our thoughts are with you. Al and Donna - Posted by: Al and Donna Brownridge (Friends) on: Dec 27, 2011

• Dan was the consummate gentlemnan in action and deed. He made people feel good about themselves. He will be remembered fondly and immensely missed. - Posted by: Lyndon Olson (Friend) on: Dec 27, 2011