Obituary of Daniel Durling
The family of Daniel Wayne Durling are heartbroken to announce his sudden passing on December 9, 2018 in the palliative care unit of the Saint John Regional Hospital after a brief illness.
He was born in Bridgetown, Nova Scotia on Sept 24, 1937. When Dad was two years old his father went overseas to serve in WW2 returning when he was seven. This instilled in him and his family the importance of Remembrance Day and honoring veterans. His passion for sports was developed at an early age and continued throughout his life. He played sports including competitive curling, softball and hockey. In the last few years he stayed active by bowling on Wednesdays.
At the age of 18 he left for Regina to join the RCMP and his career spanned 25 years serving in Ottawa, Charlottetown, Montague, Summerside and Souris PEI and later Bathurst, Florenceville, Grand Falls and retiring as a sergeant in Sussex New Brunswick. The family settled in Sussex where he worked for the Potash Corporation of America until his retirement in 1996. No matter where the family lived, he was always involved in volunteering and coaching sports. He was a familiar site at the curling and hockey rinks in his uniform.
Although he had lots of interests and hobbies nothing was more important to him then his family and when grandchildren came along, he was over the moon. He introduced them to all the same things he loved. He was their greatest fan and always had positive feedback after a game no matter how they played. He was so proud of them and wanted to hear all about their adventures. Travelling to Toronto or Moncton was a highlight to see his grandchildren play hockey and even became interested in synchronized swimming. We tried to talk Dad into spending some time south during the winter but watching the kids play hockey trumped the cold.
His happy place has always been fishing at Long Lake in the Annapolis Valley. He has been fishing there since he was a child and has gone back every year to fish his favorite lake with his father and his uncle. The tradition now involves his son in law and grandsons. He looked forward to this trip every year and it did not matter if they caught fish it was all about the “lake”. Special thanks to David, Dick and John. I’m sure you know how much these trips meant to Dad. “What happens at the camp, stays at the camp.”
Dad loved to travel and was always up for a trip. He was very unpretentious and was in awe of new experiences and places. To experience Disney with his grandchildren was a highlight for him.
Dad also had a special bond with his two sons in laws, Phillip and Jocelyn. They were like sons to him and they could do no wrong except that they cheered for the Montreal Canadiens! They lovingly helped care for him the last few days and Dad would have been so honored. I’m sure there will be a few “toddies” for the “double D” over the next few days.
Dad had a full life and for that we are grateful. He had many health issues over his lifetime but never complained. He enjoyed people and the last several years loved working at the kettle for the salvation army during Christmas as he ran into so many old friends and always met new ones. He loved playing bridge and loved gardening. He was an active member of Trinity Anglican Church. Ginger snaps were his specialty and he always made sure the grandchildren were well supplied.
We will miss him so much, He was a special husband, father and grandfather. He put his family before himself. Christmas was his favorite time of year and he always did the Christmas shopping and wrapping. All the gifts are bought and wrapped, and the house decorated. Mom has the baking done. So, we will honor him by celebrating Christmas like he would have wanted. Cheers Dad! A life well lived.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara (MacGregor); three children: Tracey and her husband Phillip Candy and their two sons: Matthew and Patrick, Tammy and her husband Jocelyn Rosa and their two daughters: Emily and Kathryn and Timothy and his three children: Parker and Grace and Teaghan. He will also be missed by his faithful furry companion, Teddy. He is predeceased by his granddaughter, Hillary Candy.
Dan served as a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for 25 years, retiring in 1982. He then worked in human resources with the Potash Company of America until his retirement in 1998. His retirement years were active with volunteering, fishing, golfing, gardening, bridge and bowling but above all else – following his grandchildren’s sports and activities. He was their number one fan.
At Dan’s request there will be no funeral or visitation. A memorial service will be held in the spring at Trinity Anglican Cemetery and at his beloved fishing spot in Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia.
The family would like to thank the physicians and nurses of the emergency department and of the palliative care unit of the SJRH.
If you are considering making a memorial donation, the family has recommended Trinity Anglican Church Building Fund or the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation – Palliative Care Unit or to an organization of the donor’s choice. Condolences and donations in Dan's memory may be made through WallaceFuneralHome.com
