Daniel Robert Brkich

Dan leaves behind his son Darren, daughter Leanne (Jason), grandchildren Wesley (Jacqueline), Carly (Sam), Casandra (Mike), and Grace, step-grandchildren Kaito and Kisa. As well as his brother John (Pat), sister Donna, sister Vicky (Neil), sister-in-law Marlene (Bill), and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years Beverly (Bev), hisparents Victor and Frances Brkich, and his in-laws Henry and Laurene Hughes.

Dan lived a full life in his 85 years. Born on September 18, 1940 in Cumberland, BC he moved to Richmond in March of 1943 and graduated from Richmond High School in 1958. After graduation, Dan went to Vancouver Vocational School where he earned a drafting certificate. From 1966 to his retirement in 2005, Dan worked as an estimator for Fred Welsh Ltd. even helping his son Darren get a job in 1989 where they spent 10 years working together as the Fred Welsh Ltd. estimating team.

In the spring of 1966 Dan met the love of his life, his beautiful Beverly, and they married on April 15th, 1967. Together, they began to build a life together in Richmond building their first home together on Cook Cres. In 1969 they welcomed their first child, a son, Darren, and a daughter, Leanne, in 1972.

In 1976 Dan and Bev moved their family to Langley, building their perfect, forever home on a quiet acre of land in the North Otter neighbourhood. Here they raised their children and grandchildren.

Dan was proud to serve his community through his work as a paramedic for Richmond Ambulance and then as a volunteer firefighter for Richmond Fire Hall # 3 (Bridgeport) in the

1960’s. Later, when Dan & Bev had moved to Langley Dan wanted to continue giving back and joined Langley Township Fire Hall #6 (Murrayville) in 1980 as a volunteer firefighter, retiring

from the hall in 1993.

Dan’s home and property was his favourite place to be and he took great pride in meticulously maintaining every square inch of it. From carefully chopping and storing his lifetime supply of

fire wood (if you know, you know), tending to their many abundant fruit trees and gardens, spending countless hours in the back garage, to strategically mowing the back 40 – as long as he

was at home and outside, he was happy. He was a hard worker and a master of all trades. There was nothing he couldn’t fix. Dan and Bev were also very proud of their 1966 Pontiac Grand-

Prix that Dan fully restored and took to many local car shows.

After their retirement Dan & Bev went on several boat cruises and took 2 memorable trips – A drive across Canada to see the East coast, and a trip to Croatia to see relatives. Despite enjoying their trips they always found peace and comfort at home. Dan loved his grandchildren more than anything in this world, but his grandchildren loved him more. The dictionary definition of ‘good cop’, you could always count on Dida (grandpa) to say yes, whenever Baba (grandma) would say no. Pop, chips, bubblegum, staying up too late, you name it, Dida would let you have it… much to Baba’s dismay. He was a huge softy!

Dan also loved food, his favourites were wonton soup from Kam Wah, dim-sum from Pink Pearl, schnitzel from Schnitzelz, and good ole’ lemon pudding from a packet. His favourite of all was his mother’s Croatian cooking. After his mother’s health declined and she was no longer able to continue making her elaborate dishes, Leanne & Jason would keep up the tradition with cooking him homemade European meals. Even learning how to make his Mom’s infamous homemade strudel.

After his wife’s passing in 2023, Dan continued to live in his home until his last day, thanks to the support of his son. In their time living together over the past 3 years, Dan and Darren became even closer, enjoying going for drives to new places, camping in the trailer, and going on vacations together. They especially loved trying out pubs, even established their own rating system to compare them and share their results with family.

Dad, Dida, Danny, it is impossible to imagine a life without you here, but we know you will never be far away. We will look for you in the sunsets, and think of you as we work through your never ending supply of firewood. We love you and will miss you until our last breath. Rest easy, you taught us well, save us a seat at Baba’s table.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the BC Cancer Foundation in Dan’s name. At his request, there will be no

service. A celebration of life will be held in September. Please contact his family for more information.