Daniel Lenhart Alary

Daniel was born on January 28, 1936, in Biggar, Saskatchewan, to Alphonse and Mary Alary (née Hartl). He spent his early years in and around Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, as his family moved to various communities depending on his father’s work as a foreman for CN Rail. During these years, his friends and family knew him as “Danny.”

In his early twenties, Dan worked the winter months in British Columbia, and it was at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Aldergrove, at the age of 23, he met the love of his life, Gina Giacomazzi. Gina’s family warmly welcomed Dan, embracing him as one of their own. They married in 1961 and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in July 2026, a testament in their shared love, devotion, and commitment.

Dan was a man of strong work ethic, loyalty, humility, and quiet determination. He led by example and became a well-respected and successful poultry farmer and businessman and, together with Gina, built a life in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia. He later helped his parents, grandparents, sister, and other relatives make their way from the prairies to the Fraser Valley.

In mid-life, Dan enjoyed fishing, curling, and travelling. He also loved heading back home to the prairies at harvest time to work with his cousins and drive the big tractors. In later years, he enjoyed playing cards, going to the casino, spending time at the family condo in Kamloops, and following the stock market. He had a special affection for dogs, particularly the little dogs he so lovingly cared for. He had a sweet tooth and was rarely without his ball-point pen in his shirt pocket, ready to doodle on any available napkin. He also enjoyed watching sports, especially cheering on his beloved Montreal Canadiens and Saskatchewan Roughriders, as well as laughing aloud at his favourite comedy television shows.

Dan had an aptitude for helping others succeed. He never sought recognition; his steady presence spoke for itself. Above all, Dan was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He taught his children to be respectful, work hard, and pursue their dreams.

Dan will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Gina, and their children: Dana (Jeff), Daren (Mary Lou), Donna (Jeremy), and Darrell (Eunha); his ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends.

He was predeceased by his sisters, Loretta and Joyce; brothers-in-law, Murray and Bruno; his parents, Alphonse and Mary; his parents-in-law, Primo and Amabile; nephew, Lloyd; great-niece, Denise; cousins, Bill and Joan; and many other close family members and friends who undoubtedly welcomed him with open arms and with whom he is now reunited.

Dan leaves behind much more than memories. He leaves behind the values he lived by, the examples he set, the family he built, and the many lives he helped shape. His legacy will continue to guide and inspire the generations that follow.

He will be deeply loved, deeply missed, and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or contacting UFV Giving at [email protected] to contribute to the Giacomazzi Alary Food and Agriculture Institute Endowment Leadership Award, which supports student scholarships.