Daniel Joseph Belluz

From a young age it was evident Danny was an overachiever when he began a paper route. Each week after collecting and receiving his pay he would go to the store, buy a comic book, his much loved candy and pop then proceed to go to the theatre and watch a movie or two; what he referred to as a double feature. He continued his love of collecting including comics, marbles, baseball cards and coins.

When he was 15 he worked at the Westend Grocery doing whatever was required of him. From that experience Dan developed an interest in being a Butcher, and a distain for processing chicken…

Dan attended St Mary's Catholic School and then Fort Frances High School. When he was finished with high school, he left to pursue a career as a Butcher for The Hudson Bay Company in Armstrong ON. Within 5 years he was promoted to Meat Manager and then later Manager of the grocery department in Nakina ON in 1963. This is where he met his “Best Friend” Vuokko Kolehmainen.

One year later he was transferred to The Hudson Bay Co. in Red Lake ON still appointed as the Grocery Manager. During this time some of his responsibilities were to relieve Store Managers in various northern communities.

In 1965 Dan married Vuokko (Vi) in Thunder Bay ON. In 1967 they were thrilled to welcome their first born Daughter Patricia therefore beginning a family. In 1969 as a family moved to Winnipeg MB, continuing to work for the HBC now in the Main Office for food buying. Deciding that a large city and a desk job was just not for him, they then moved to Manitouwadge, ON in 1970. In 1971 they were blessed with their second daughter Christina.

Within 2 years he was given the opportunity to move back home to Fort Frances, franchised by Shaw Bakery as “The Holsum Bread Man”. Dan also worked delivering Hostess Potato Chips. His girls have so many fond memories of accompanying him on his Saturday morning route, with the reward of enjoying Persians at the end of the day.

Later on Dan began to work for Canada Safeway in the meat department as a Butcher and before his retirement he transferred to the produce department. This pleased him greatly as he could consume as much fruit as he wished, but NEVER a vegetable.

In 2003 he was overjoyed to become a grandpa to the light of his life Reece, completing his family in the most perfect way.

Dan was an active member of any community he lived in. As a Volunteer Firefighter, paramedic training, Jaycees, being involved with UFCW as a Union Steward and Negotiations Committee, interest in local politics, Fort Frances Town Planning Board, Committee of Adjustments, Rainy River District School Board Trustee for over 25 years and Chair of the committee for 2 terms as well as Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship Volunteer. In addition, he also truly enjoyed meeting with his 10 & 3 coffee group daily.

Once retired at the age of 63 he managed to always stay busy working outdoors, yard work, carpentry or helping family and friends whenever needed. Family was of the utmost importance to Dan. Numerous family vacations were taken from road trips to cruises. Going out friday nights for supper, holidays, pool days and Sunday dinners, really just any reason to get together. Many days were spent at “The Farm”. Cutting wood, helping with the farm or other various projects always with loving banter between he and his brother Jimmy. Dan had many fond memories spending time with friends, boating, fishing, hunting or just "up the lakes”. He loved sharing his knowledge and understanding of math, discussing politics and current events with Reece. He was always proud of her accomplishments. Dan was known for making the best and most massive bonfires to warm everyone after the family sleigh rides.

He was predeceased by his Parents Daniel and Dora, In Laws Matti and Saimi Kolehmainen, Brothers in Law Erkki Kolehmainen, Richard Rigey, Aunts and Uncles, Katie and John Fedoruk, Annie and Freddie Gunderson, Cousin Catherine Melynchuk and most recently his Niece Kimberly Clendenning.

Dan will be lovingly remembered by his Wife Vi of 52 years, his Daughter Patricia Belluz-Cates, his Son in Law Doug Cates, his Granddaughter Reece and his Daughter Christina. Also leaves to mourn his Brothers John (Bette), Jim (Glenda) Sister Doreen (Nick) Prystanski, Sisters in Law Kaisa (Lauri) Penttinen, Ansa (Barry) Newton, Maija Rigey and Lea (John) Hayes. Aunt Mary McKelvie.as well as numerous Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.

The family would like to welcome you to a celebration of his life Saturday October 21, 2017 at his residence 115 Sixth Street East from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

If so desired in memoriam donations may be made to Riverside Foundation for Health Care for the Chemotherapy Unit, 110 Victoria Avenue, Fort Frances, Ontario, P9A 2C1

Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.

We will forever miss that unmistakable one of a kind chuckle. How lucky are we to have had something that makes saying goodbye so difficult. We will love you for always.