I am deeply saddened by Daniel’s passing. I didn’t take classes for long due to school getting too hectic, but Daniel was truly one of the kindest teachers I’ve got to know. His teaching was always so positive, inspiring and gentle. He has definitely made an impact on my passion for music. 

I still remember how I didn’t want to perform at the spring recital and Daniel suggested that we play a piece together so it was less intimidating and that’s what we did. 

Thank you Daniel. 

To Daniel’s family, I have some old voice recordings of Daniel playing the piano that I can share.

I started taking lessons with Dr. Daniel Mahlberg over 10 years ago. My lessons were sporadic, because at the time I was still living on Bowen Island and had to take the ferry and then drive to Burnaby to see him. The journey was always well worth it, as Daniel was a very empathetic, helpful, and motivational teacher. His critiques were kind, well thought-out and frequently resulted in improvements in my playing (if I didn’t improve, I only had myself to blame). 

Besides being my teacher, I considered Daniel a friend, even if I only saw him once in a while. He was one of the most kindest, caring and gentle men I have ever met, and over the years he shared his love for music and also for his wife and son.  I remember him sending me a photo of his son sitting at the piano when he was just still a toddler (helped by Dad of course).  

He will be deeply missed by many  - I can’t imagine how many piano students he inspired over the years. 
My deepest condolences to his wife, son and rest of his family.

In Loving Memory of Daniel

I always thought we would have more time to say goodbye,
but farewells often arrive without warning.
Even knowing that Daniel had been bravely battling cancer for three years,
my heart still aches as this moment comes.

Daniel was not only an exceptional music teacher,
but also a man of deep kindness and grace.
Gentle in spirit and always wearing a warm, peaceful smile,
he touched the lives of everyone around him.

We always hope that people as good as him
could stay with us a little longer,
but God had another plan.
Until the day we meet again,
his melody will live on in our hearts.

Thank you, Daniel, for filling our lives with music, kindness, and grace. Your light will continue to shine through every note and every heart you’ve touched.

With love and remembrance,
Charlotte

In Loving Memory of Daniel Mahlberg

We are deeply saddened to hear of Dan’s passing.
He was more than just a gifted piano teacher — he was a truly kind and generous soul, and one of the best people we have ever known. His patience, warmth, and passion for music touched everyone around him. A true friend to everyone.

Dan’s kindness and dedication will always be remembered, and his lessons — both in music and in life — will stay with us forever.

Our hearts go out to Lida and Aiden, also to Maria, Russell and family.
We’ll always remember our dear friend Dan with love and gratitude.

We are heartbroken to learn of Daniel’s passing. He was more than a gifted piano teacher to our family—he was a mentor with deep knowledge, patience, and a warm heart. Our sons began with him at ages seven and six, and even paused lessons these past three years hoping to resume with Mr. Mahlberg. His influence on their love of music—and on our family—will always remain. Our thoughts are with Lida, Aiden, and the entire Mahlberg family.

In my 6 or so years studying piano under Daniel, I've learned so much about not only how to express myself on the instrument, but also on how to live with warmth.

During my first few lessons with Daniel, he lit a fire of passion inside me for piano and music that none of my previous teachers were able to ignite. I was instantly hooked because Daniel blended the need for discipline, technique and repetition with the creativity and exploration of playing and making music that I loved.

But beyond Daniel's incredible teachings and patience, he was such a warm-hearted and gentle soul who taught me the value of being open, inviting, calm, and at peace in a world full of hate, anger, and closed-mindedness. 

For example, Daniel exemplified the peak of hospitality and warmth through introducing me to the wonders of Earl Grey tea with condensed milk at our lessons, leading to some of the fondest memories and conversations that I'll never forget to this day.

Perhaps my favourite and most potent memory studying under Daniel was when for the first time during one of our lessons, I played something that made him teary-eyed. 

More-so than how accurately I may have played the notes, I experienced for the first time through Daniel's vulnerability and emotional depth that music has the power to deeply move and connect with others.

I came into his lessons thinking piano and music were just hobbies of mine, but left knowing that they meant something deeper to me. 

All this to say that I'm deeply saddened by the news of Dr. Mahlberg's passing, but am incredibly grateful for the precious time I got to spend with him. Daniel has greatly impacted my life and the lives of his students through his immense empathy and passion.

With every note I play on the piano, I carry a piece of Daniel and his teachings, and so I will continue to play music in honour of him, hoping he'll continue to enjoy all the music and love there is wherever he may be now.

My deepest condolences to Lida, Aiden and family. For me this is a profound loss; Daniel was a wonderful colleague. We both had live/work apartments as piano teachers in the same building in Mount Pleasant twenty years ago when I first met him, and later on we taught piano just down the hall from one another for over ten years at our studios inside the Royal Oak Conservatory in Burnaby. I will remember many of our conversations at the end of long teaching days where Daniel's warm personality would always bring the world back into balance. We often discussed our shared interest in Stoicism, but Daniel was just a natural, emanating a calm and level-headed kindness that I will never forget.

While on this physical pane I bid farewell to you my dear friend, Dan, I sense your spirit, free as a bird in the spiritual realm.  I see you continuing your exploration on deeply meaningful topics in philosophy, music, cantonese, and world history and cultures, while you peak over the clouds to keep inspiring us.

It's hard to believe you're no longer here - to have that walk around the block where cherry blossom blooms, crunch the leaves under our feet in the fall, or to simply hang out with a cup of pu-er tea at home while we chat about everything and anything that is meaningful or complete non-sense.

Your stories, your music, the way you were a friend, a boyfriend to Lida, then a husband, a father to Aiden will always be kept alive.  We love you beyond this world.

Vickie & Brad

To Daniel Mahlberg’s family,

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Daniel. As our children's piano teacher from 2012 to 2015, he shared not only his remarkable talent but also his humility, passion, and encouragement. He guided them through RCM Level 9 to ARCT, instilling a deep love for music and providing them with opportunities to grow—both in recitals and music playing for hospital patients.
Daniel spoke with joy about becoming a father, and his warmth and dedication touched our family deeply. His influence will continue to resonate in every note our children play.
Our heartfelt condolences. Daniel will be remembered as an exceptional teacher and a kind, generous soul who made a lasting impact.

With sympathy and respect,
Yvonne & Raymond, Jeffrey, Isabelle.

We were deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Mahlberg’s passing. He was a gifted and caring teacher who encouraged Maria and Grace and shared his love of music with our family. His patience and inspiration brought immense joy to our home and will remain with us for years to come. We especially remember how he would pause during lessons to share a story about a piece’s history, sparking the girls’ curiosity and making music come alive. Those moments, filled with laughter and insight, are treasures we will always cherish.

We were deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Mahlberg’s passing. He was a gifted and caring teacher who encouraged Maria and Grace and shared his love of music with our family. His patience and inspiration brought immense joy to our home and will remain with us for years to come.

We especially remember how he would pause during lessons to share a story about a piece’s history, sparking the girls’ curiosity and making music come alive. Those moments, filled with laughter and insight, are treasures we will always cherish.

Dr. Mahlberg was my piano teacher for the past 7 years. In those 7 years, I learned much more than plunking notes. Dr. Mahlberg taught me how to be kind, generous, and genuine with those around me. Every class, he would greet me with a smile and welcome my mom and me into his piano room. I always looked forward to these classes, and I always left classes feeling better about myself. Throughout these years, Dr. Mahlberg has given me so much, from performance opportunities to guiding me step by step to my diploma. He is truly an awe-inspiring person, and I would do anything to relive those memories again. I'll always cherish the time I had with Dr. Mahlberg, and I will try to pay forward all of the goodness he's shown me.

I was so shocked and very sad to hear that Daniel has passed away. He was the best piano teacher I ever had, and I consciously imitate his style as much as I can in my own teaching. He patiently helped me through the rigors of my teaching certification. He saved my teaching career, I can honestly say! Teachers like him come along once in a great long while. He will be so missed and my heart goes out especially to his family whom he was so devoted to. If there is a service I will be sure to attend.

Dan was a wonderful man.   Our hearts go  out to you Lida and Aiden.

Daniel was my piano teacher for seven years, and I feel so fortunate to have spent that time with him. When I first started lessons with him, Daniel always welcomed my mom to stay in the class, which made those early days so special. I remember how he adapted during Covid, finding creative ways to keep music alive, like organizing online lessons and recitals. I loved catching up with him before lessons, so much so that his warmth and encouragement inspired me to become a piano teacher myself one day. Even when I had many troubles with harmony theory, Daniel never failed to stay endlessly patient and would help me through identifying every cadential 6/4 chord I would struggle to label. I am deeply grateful for the kindness, care, and love of music he shared with me. Thank you, Daniel! We will miss you so much.

Dan was the best big brother anyone could hope for. We must have had some sibling spats at some point, but when people asked, neither of us could really remember any. I do remember an early childhood spent playing outside in the forests, creeks and fields of rural Ontario when we were kids, catching frogs and toads and newts, rolling down hills covered with autumn leaves, wading in streams, and climbing trees. I also remember wanting to take piano lessons because of Dan - he started first, and I wanted to catch up. We’d perform at recitals together, we played duets at Christmas, we tried to write a musical together in our teen years, and one of the last videos I recorded of Dan is of him playing a super cheesy boy band song (he knew I’d love it, and he knew my husband would be horrified - they got a kick out of making each other cringe). Although I enjoyed piano, it really was his passion, and he has left a wonderful legacy through his career.

Dan was so kind, so thoughtful, and so patient, and I am so proud to call him my brother. He was one of the people in the world who knew me best, and I always thought we’d have more time. I will always hold him close in my heart, and it’s comforting to know how many other people loved him, too.

It was a privilege to know Daniel. He was a patient and devoted teacher, and a sincere and appreciative friend. I met Daniel over 20 years ago, when I was a teenager, and always hoped that he might teach my kids one day, and indeed anyone in my life interested in music. 

I’m so sorry for your profound loss, Daniel’s family.

Dear Lida and Aiden,

The news of Dan’s death brings much sadness, I am sorry about your loss. Dan is gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. May your heart and soul find peace and comfort. With the love of family and friend giving you strength to help face each day and held beautiful memories forever in your heart.  Living in the hearts of those we love means "never dying."
With caring thoughts and love.
Alice

You have left us too early and we will miss you dearly, Dan. You were passionate about music as about life and we have good memories of our time with you ever since our families connected with your sister marrying our son. You were a caring individual and a loving father, husband and brother. We will cherish the memories of our visits with you in Vancouver. Rest in peace.
Dr Rama Chandran Nair and Mrs Sarala Devi Nair

For the past decade, my son and I have had the great privilege of learning from Daniel as our piano teacher. His kindness and endless patience were truly remarkable qualities, as he guided both me, an adult student, and my son through the process of learning the piano. He was far more than an instructor; he was a true believer of our musical dreams. He did not just teach us notes, but instilled a love for music. While we know him as our dedicated teacher, Daniel was a devoted and loving husband to Lida and the proud and wonderful father of Aiden. We will miss him deeply.

Richard, Matthias,
Shirley, Annabelle

Dan, I'm grateful to have shared more than two decades of friendship with you. You are the kindest and gentlest soul I've ever known - always making those around you feel lighter. Though it breaks my heart that you're no longer here, you'll always be part of our circle, and remembered in every gathering we share. Thank you for the years of friendship and memories. Rest in peace, my dear friend.

I was very sorry to hear of Daniel's passing. He was a great scholar and an even better person. My condolences to all of his family and friends.

- Alex Fisher

Daniel was my piano teacher for almost 8 years. Ever since I was a child, the tiniest memories and things he taught me always rings in my heart. I was young, when he taught me how to sit properly in my piano chair, how to find the notes. His kind voice and words guided me through musical techniques like staccato, crescendo… he taught me to play a staccato note like a bunny hopping, he taught me to move my body to the growing sounds of a crescendo, and to shrink my body to the dynamics of a dimuendo. At such a young age Daniel introduced me to the beauties of music, he had such a special way of teaching, and expressing passion and emotion through music. I became immersed in the art of music and piano because of him. I learned all the great classical artists, my favorite being Chopin. Although sticking to classical Daniel never hesitated to let me play some modern music as well. He let me learn “Can you feel the love tonight” by Elton John from Lion King, “Colours of the Wind” from the movie Pocohontas, and many more. He helped me find passion, because he was so so passionate about music as well. My last memory is this. I am sitting in Daniel’s studio, and I’m about to learn a new song, one I Chopins songs. He doesn’t tell me to sight read the music sheet, or to annotate the music sheet. He sits me down and plays Chopin over the speakers. He asks me to close my eyes and just listen, to the beauty of the piece. My ears were taken away by the music. When I opened my eyes again, Daniel was beaming, excited, eager, to teach me my very next song. Moments and memories with Daniel will always remain in my heart. I will never forget the man who brought me love to beautiful music. May Daniel Rest In Peace, and may his beautiful soul remain in all the hearts he’s touched with his teachings throughout his career, and my condolences goes out to his beautiful family. Daniel is playing music with all the greats now.

Nothing can replace the hole we feel in our hearts with your passing, but we'll always hold on to the amazing memories we made together. You welcomed me into the family with open arms and made it easy to be your little bro. You were a giant, loveable goofball and I'd like to think that's why we got on so well. See you in the next life with electric hand warmers, a rubber chicken, and a cup of boo$terrific tea at the ready...

I had the extraordinary honour of being Daniel’s student and colleague for a decade. He made me a musician, a pianist, and a teacher; he made me a better person.

He adored his beloved Lida, and their sweetest Aiden. My heart is with them, and the rest of D’s family.

May Daniel’s heart and music continue to live on.

Daniel was a wonderful mentor who taught with such patience and thoughtfulness, greatly inspiring and shaping me to be the teacher I am today. His support has meant more to me than words can describe. I am deeply grateful to have studied with him and to also be his colleague. My deepest condolences to Daniel's family.

My deepest condolences to Lida and the rest of Daniel’s family. I remember the years working alongside with him, he was soft spoken, and always patient with everyone. I still remember him telling us with such excitement that he was going to be a father. 

Rest in peace, Daniel.

Daniel was my lifelong teacher, mentor, and role model. No words can fully describe the impact he had on me growing up. He was an inspiring, passionate, dedicated, caring, and selfless teacher, and I have always aspired to become the kind of teacher he was. Through his guidance, I was able to pursue my piano teaching certifications and grow my students, studio, and career - Gifts I could never have achieved without his encouragement and support. I am deeply grateful for the way he shaped me into the teacher I am today, and I will always carry his inspiration, wisdom, and teaching spirit with me. My family and I send our heartfelt love, prayers, and condolences to yours during this time.

OBITUARIO

Dr. Daniel Sakari Mahlberg

Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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