Charles Roland Daniel

It is with great sadness that the family of Rod Daniel of Eckville, Alberta wish to announce that Rod passed away unexpectedly in Red Deer on September 21, 2020 at the age of 85.

Rod was a lifelong resident of Alberta and is survived by Chuck, Kim and Zach Daniel of Kirkland, Washington and Lane, Irving, Jessie and Spencer Burchnall of Leduc County, his brother Terry and Donna Daniel of Fort Macleod and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and an abundance of friends.

Rod was predeceased by his loving wife, Anne in 1995.

Rod was born in Lethbridge and raised on a farm there. Later, he grew to seek areas of Alberta away from wind and snakes, but never lost his love for Lethbridge Pilsner beer. 

He worked for the bank in Sangudo where he met Anne Jacula. They married in 1960. Rod worked as a main accountant in Banff, then in Calgary (where the kids were born), followed by Ponoka, and then Donalda, before settling in Eckville as Branch Manager of the CIBC.

After over 20 years in the banking industry, Rod left the “bank transfer” life in order for the kids to remain in one place for their schooling. Rod always put family first. He applied his analytical and organizational skills across a variety of industries including Farm Equipment Sales (Kasha Farm Supplies), Housing Sales (Imperial Lumber Prefab Homes), and Oil and Gas (Dome Petroleum, Conoco-Phillips.) Interesting to note that while at the bank, Rod was given an “aptitude test” and it turns out he was best suited to be a forest ranger or a rancher. :) 

Rod lived a straightforward country life and loved the “cowboy lifestyle”. He had a good ol’ horse, Captain, for many years. He enjoyed rodeos and riding in the summer along with camping, canoeing, fishing, fly tying, and reading good western novels. During the winter months, he was the President of Minor Hockey in Eckville for nine years and liked ice fishing and cross country skiing.

In later years, Rod was a real homebody, but enjoyed going skeet shooting and gathering for “happy hour” with friends. He also never failed to send out his annual humorous letter in his “Leanin’ Tree” Christmas cards. 

Known affectionately to his grandkids as Paw, he would always sign cards with, “Comes with Love and Big Bear Hugs” and stamp a bear’s paw underneath. 

Rod never complained or was judgmental about anything. He was always positive and made the best of every situation.

We will miss you, our friend, as you ride off into the sunset. Love and Big Bear Hugs! Happy Trails!

Special thanks to his friends and neighbors who helped him with mowing the lawn, shoveling his walks, and who were his extended family.

Celebration of Life details will be announced at a later date due to COVID restrictions.

If desired, Memorial Donations can be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society http://www.cancer.ca

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