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Obituary: Daniel W. Mansfield

'He will be remembered as an innovator, problem solver, and a giving person who restlessly worked on his dreams, and for others.'
daniel-mansfield

April 7, 1939 - April 27, 2025

Daniel passed away peacefully at Sechelt Hospital with his daughter at his side.

He will be remembered as an innovator, problem solver, and a giving person who restlessly worked on his dreams, and for others.

Born and raised in Biggar, Saskatchewan, Dan's first love was aviation. As a boy, he'd built model planes and designed a functional flying saucer. He'd even received a patent for a rotary engine before he was 20. Not allowed to fly, he discovered his second love: sailboats, and when he'd moved to Saskatoon to raise a family, he'd built his first. A trimaran, with which he took his family sailing in on the lakes.

Moving to BC, Daniel worked at the pulp mill in Port Mellon, eventually becoming a chemical analyst. He took up diving while building a house and a 36' catamaran aptly named "Fantasy," for she was not to be. Having to leave these things behind, he finally enjoyed sailing the coast in a boat he'd playfully dubbed "Reality."

Even after retirement, he was restless. Designing and nearly completing his new boat, "Puggles," he also worked tirelessly to help his daughter set up and improve her property. He kept pushing with his amazing energy until his 86th year. A list of things done cannot express a life, but those who knew him will know all that we miss...

Dan is lovingly survived by his brother, Earl Mansfield (Mary, Beth), daughter Kim (Jesse, Brett) and son Brian. Pre-deceased by his parents, Arthur Edwin and Lydia Louise Mansfield (nee Glover), and sister-in-law, Ruth Mansfield.

At Dad's request, no service will be held, and while he never got to see Puggles reach the water, in his memory, we will do our best to let her touch the sea.

Our very special thanks to the paramedics, fire department, doctors and nurses for their amazing, tireless efforts and their compassion