Danial Robert Noon

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Dan, our beloved husband, dad, father-in-law, papa, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend to so many. After a courageous three-year battle with restrictive heart and lung disease, Dan passed peacefully on Thursday, October 22, in the NRGH Palliative Care Unit, surrounded by the love of his family, with Rita and his two precious daughters by his side.

Dan was born and raised in New Westminster, British Columbia, alongside his parents, Bill and Helen, and his older sister, Connie. In 1967, at the age of 15, he met the love of his life, Rita Gullmes. Their love story blossomed into a lifelong partnership, and they were married in August 1972. Together, they shared 59 wonderful years and celebrated 54 years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, laughter, and family.

Dan and Rita were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Monica (born in 1977, married to Shawn Thomas) and Stephanie (born in 1980, married to Brian Murphy). After spending 21 years raising their family in Glenayre, Port Moody, they moved to their dream ocean view home in Nanaimo in 2002. Their happiness only grew when, in 2006, both Monica and Stephanie, along with their families, also made Nanaimo their home. Dan and Rita often said they felt as though they had won the lottery.

Their family grew with the arrival of cherished grandchildren Ryan (2005), Logan (2008), Makena (2011), and Dylan (2014). Over the years, they were delighted to welcome four more grandchildren into the family: Riley, Kiera, Emerson, and Briar, as well as two treasured bonus grandchildren, Tatum and Bryn. Being “Papa” was one of Dan’s greatest joys and proudest roles.

From an early age, Dan dreamed of a career in television. After graduating from BCIT in 1973, he began working for CBC Television in Vancouver, where he spent the next 20 years pursuing the career he loved. During that time, he worked on numerous well-known productions, including Leo and Me, The Irish Rovers, The Beachcombers, Wolfman Jack, Pacific Report, and Hockey Night in Canada, among many others. Later, he continued his passion for storytelling in the private sector, producing videos and helping share many meaningful stories through APTN Television. Throughout his career, Dan built lasting friendships with colleagues and collaborators who remained dear friends for years to come. Although he was passionate about his work, nothing was ever more important to him than his family.

In 1999, the family purchased a cabin on Mudge Island, which quickly became a special gathering place for generations of family members. Along with creating countless memories, Dan always had a project underway, including building a two-story play fort that brought endless joy to his grandchildren. Mudge Island became the backdrop for years of laughter, adventure, and togetherness.

In 2016, Dan and Rita purchased “The Moho” and rekindled their love of camping. They found a second home at beautiful Saratoga Beach in Black Creek, where they enjoyed ten unforgettable summers surrounded by family and friends. Maui also held a special place in their hearts. Over the years they made many cherished trips to the island, including a memorable visit in 2012 when they renewed their wedding vows in celebration of their 40th anniversary.

Dan will be remembered for his loving heart, unwavering strength, quick wit, and wonderful sense of humour. He was always ready to lend a hand and was happiest when busy with a project, whether inside the house or out in the yard. Dan was a true “doer.” He took pride in meticulously detailing vehicles and found particular satisfaction in power washing just about anything that could be cleaned. His wise advice, infectious laughter, and occasional grammatical corrections, which earned him the affectionate title of “the grammar police,” will be deeply missed.

Dan touched countless lives through his kindness, generosity, and genuine care for others. He leaves behind a legacy of love, family, friendship, and cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

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

Rest easy, Dan... until we meet again. xoxo

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Dan’s memory to the Nanaimo Hospice.

Celebration of life to be planned for a later date.