Captain Daniel Wight, CD, MiD

(May 20, 1932 – March 27, 2010)

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Dan Wight, adored husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Left to mourn this wonderful man are wife Sandi, sons R. Dan (Marilyn), Dennis (Coleen), Jim (Corlene), John (AJ), daughters Rose (Garry), Ruth (Tom), step-sons Patrick, Jon (Carolyn), step-daughter Sue, 25 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, brothers Stan (Kay) and Gordon (Dotty)both of Nova Scotia, many nieces and nephews and friends.  He is pre-deceased by his first wife and mother of his children, Ivy, his second wife Florence, and his youngest son David.

 Dan was a Korea War Veteran, a 42 year member of the Royal Canadian Legion, a member of BCGEU negotiating committee, a Past President of Korea Veterans Association of Canada Unit 69 Gollan Memorial, Retired Gunners Association, RUSI (Royal United Services Institute of Vancouver), and 15th Field Regiment Officers’ Mess.

 Dan was born in Chesterfield Inlet, (NWT) now known as Nunavut, where his father was the RCMP Sergeant.  The family moved to Yarmouth Nova Scotia when his father was transferred.  Dan grew up in Yarmouth and joined the army when he was 17, served in Korea, Germany and Canada.  Dan was wounded after 11 months in Korea and sent home to Deere Lodge hospital in Winnipeg to recuperate.  He retired from military duty in 1968 and moved to BC where he went to work for Corrections BC for the next 20 years and retired in 1998. Many of these years he spent in various positions within the BCGEU.  Dan enjoyed working with the inmates and was well liked as he practised what he preached “be firm but be fair”. 

Dan was Capt. of 1838 Royal Canadian Cadet Corp in Maple Ridge for a number of years and influenced many of the local youth to join the army when they were old enough.  During his years with the cadets he took a group to Nova Scotia where he met up with Capt. Raymond Doary and his cadets.  Raymond took Dan to meet him mom and dad and the four of them became friends.

 Dan enjoyed working with his hands and building things with wood.  One of his children still has the desk he built when he was in grade nine.  Dan made doll cribs for some of his granddaughters and when he saw they loved them so much he decided to make some for the local Christmas Hamper Society.  He decided on 15 per year, so beginning in January he would cut out all the pieces, bundle them and set them aside.  In fall when the weather turned and he could no longer be outside he would go back into his shop and assemble the cribs and paint & decorate them.

 Dan became active in the KVA Canada and spent about 12 years as President of Unit 69 Gollan Memorial in Maple Ridge.  He also spent a number of years as the secretary of the Gunners Association for Western Canada and attended all the reunions so he could keep in touch with all of his old army buddies.  Some of Dan’s favourite things are family, chocolate, travelling, good scotch, chocolate, and friends, oh and did I mention chocolate?!.  Even when he was very sick ask him if he would like some chocolate and he would grin and say “Of course!”

 Dan fought for breath for the past 16 months and finally succumbed with his loving wife and two daughters by his side.

 The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and thanks for the excellent care by the doctors and nurses at the Ridge Meadows hospital emergency room, ERO, and 3 West.  You made his last days much easier.

 Celebration of Life will take place on April 10th at 2 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion 12101 – 224th St., Maple Ridge.