Daniel James Currie Maj. (Ret'd)

Dan left us peacefully at the age of 93. He is survived by his son Brian (Dana), daughter Karen (Jim); grandchildren Kyle, Ben, Sean and Aidan, great grandchildren Jacob and Auri; siblings Vicky, Bert, Ray and Shawn along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He leaves his dear companion of 35 years; Shirley, and her family including Linda, Lenore (Bill), Robbie (Ashley) and Katie (Brad) and their families; all of whom were like family to him. He is predeceased by his wife Ethel and son Daryl. Dan was one of the good ones, he spent most of his working life in public service. Barely 18 he joined the Canadian Army ready to do his share in the European theatre, and then remustered to the RCAF and joined a Lancaster bomber crew as a gunner. He flew a number of missions, one in a raid on Berchtesgaden. After the war he chose the RCMP and was stationed in Saskatoon where he soon met his wife to be, Ethel, a local school teacher. As the RCMP restricted marriage for new constables, Dan joined the RCAF again in the Military Police, a career that would stretch some 30 years, rising to the rank of Major and postings across Canada, the US and two stints in France. Along the way, he and Ethel raised a family of two sons and a daughter. After retiring from the military he was a major participant in setting up the BC Sheriff Service, and later an administrator in the BC Lotteries Branch. Finally retiring from full time work, he joined the Sergeant-at-arms staff at the BC Legislature, a job he much enjoyed and at which he met many politicians. When at last he did retire, he spent many hours with his long time friend Dick Eldridge perfecting the art of garage sales, travelling the Island in search of heritage apple scions, writing letters to the “Slime Communist”, and taking his young grandsons for walks along the Oak Bay waterfront. Dan’s life was enriched by his special friendship with Shirley and for more than 30 years they shared trips to the Chemainus Theatre and their favourite B&B, several longer trips and cruises and especially the regular Friday happy hours with their friends in the walking group. An avid reader, there aren’t many crime/mystery novels left in Victoria that he hadn’t read although he particularly enjoyed stories and personal accounts of the war years. Dan will be lovingly remembered for always having time for others, his quick wit, his infectious laugh and for providing a willing lap to many cats. The family extends sincere appreciation to Dr. Keith Darcel and the wonderful staff at the Lodge at Broadmead, the staff at Oak Bay Lodge and at Amica Beechwood; and to Dr. Derek Carroll for his years of care. A memorial service will be held Friday December 7th at 2:30 pm in the Chapel at Royal Oak Burial Park, 4673 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC V8Y 1B4.