Obituary of Daniel Aaron Attridge

Daniel Aaron Attridge ("the child has grown, the dream is gone.") Our beautiful, precious boy, Daniel, was born in Brandon, MB, October 3, 1973. He died tragically in Winnipeg, MB, November 22, 2013. Survived to mourn his loss, his father, William A. Attridge; mother, Linda Usunier (Bob); step-sister, Jane Usunier; grandmother, Beulah Rourke; step-mother, Katherine Horner; step-brother Kevin Horner; wife, Michelle; son, Dallas; daughter, Payten; special cousins, Allan and Chrissy Attridge; numerous aunts and uncles. Dan was born and raised in Brandon, MB. His life began with a near tragedy when his mother suffered post-birth complications leaving Daniel in the care of the nursery for his first seven weeks of his life while his mother was in a coma at the Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg. Miraculously, she survived to be with him again. Dan was a 'rugged' individual, "the fighting Irish" ancestry prevailing throughout his life. As a child, he exhibited this trait, the 'little roughneck' in the neighbourhood. This was displayed in most sports especially hockey, spending a lot of time in the penalty box. In later years, he enjoyed curling with his old man, and in his adult years became a low-handicap golfer, often playing some prestigious courses in the USA. As a child, Dan would spend most summers at the cabin of his grandparents, William and Beulah Rourke, in Sandy Lake. Both grandparents held a special place in their hearts for Daniel. Fishing and boating were fun-filled times and at age 4, he caught at master-angler perch. Dan loved camping and the outdoors, often sitting around campfires with his buddy, 'Jesse', an American Cocker Spaniel. He loved animals. Most camping trips were an adventure. We would never be without firewood. Dan and his little brother, Kevin, would somehow manage to find armfuls of wood. It was these excursions to the United States that he became endeared to the USA and especially his favourite sports teams, the Dallas Cowboys and Alabama Crimson, College football. Dan left Brandon at the age of 18, venturing to the oil rigs of Alberta. The rugged work suited his character. It was in Calgary where he met and married his beautiful wife, Michelle. At the time, Dan was working for her uncle in the exterior stucco business. In cougar-like fashion, she stalked him down. Ha! They married in 1999 and soon to follow were two beautiful babies, Dallas and Payten, Dan's sweetheart, 'Baby Girl'. Dan was a devoted, loving father. His children were his pride and joy! The world was theirs, spoiled to no end. Soon Dan became a successful business owner in the acrylic stucco trade, finishing theatres and restaurants. Dan was known for his fairness to others, for having a high standard of excellence and for being a perfectionist at anything he attempted; and not to mention his determination to succeed and be the best, which perhaps may have put a tremendous amount of strain and stress on him. Often when asked, "How are you doing?" he would reply, "Living the dream!" then would laugh! Little did he know his dream would turn into a nightmare! "We all love and will miss you so much, Danny Boy." Dan will be sorrowfully missed and loved by his parents, wife and children, families and friends, and "the boys" — you know who you are! A memorial service, honouring Dan's life, was held in Calgary, AB, on Friday, November 26, 2013, at McInnes, Holloway Funeral Chapel. Hundreds attended to show their love and respect. In a private service held at St. Matthew's Anglican Cathedral, Bishop Jim Njegovan "commended his soul to the care of God." May God hold you in the palm of His hand, son.