March 12, 1927 - May 11, 2021
Remembering our Dad on Father's Day ~
On our first Father's Day without you, we want to share some thoughts of who you were and what you meant to us, your daughters, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren.
Daniel James O'Shea was born on March 12, 1927 in North Bay Ontario to James E. O'Shea and Annie-Mary Gallagher. He was predeceased by his parents, his first wife Gwen, his daughter Kathy and his sisters Thelma Cummings and Anne Moore. He died as he wished on May 11, 2021.
Dad was a hard worker, a millwright and jack of all trades. He could fix and build anything and always had projects on the go that usually involved whatever available family and friends he could muster (free labour as he was known to be cheap!!) But we daughters all learned how to put roofs on, build houses, clear land, fix things etc. And it was always fun!!
We learned how to build camps, change oil, and be self-sufficient. We have all shown our husbands a how-to thing or two! Dad loved baseball ( Toronto Blue Jays), hockey (yes, Toronto Maple Leafs), boxing, fishing, long hikes in the woods and playing bridge. He loved getting together with his grandsons and sons-in-law for trips to Seattle for ball games or gather for a pay per view boxing match.
Dad was a social being and loved people, always ready for hug and a laugh. He had a wonderful sense of humour and could tell a story like no other. He had a huge stockpile of them, having lived the most interesting life in his youth so different from today.
He was wild in his early adulthood and hung with some other wild Irishmen and others in Vancouver and could regale us for hours with their antics. He had so many interesting friends in his life.
Dad became a member of AA in 1953, a member for 68 years. He would not mind the disclosure. He touched many people over those years and loved and was loved by many. He was an amazing role model for his family as we have all been the beneficiaries of what he gained in those rooms. He always loved AA and all the people he came across there.
Dad loved his family of 4 daughters, Lynda, Shannon, Kathy and Maggie, and loved and was very good friends with his sons in laws, Mel, Jimmy, Darrell and Earl. He adored his 10 grandchildren and became a life-long, loving grandpa for his good friend and business partner, Eddie Nishi's children. He cherished his 10 great-grandchildren and everyone was crazy about him back.
Dad always had a zest for life, was such a happy, loving person and always fun to be with. He always had a twinkle in his eye, right to the very end. We will miss laughing with you Dad, your hugs, your comforting presence and your love. Life will never be the same without you. Rest in Peace, say hi to everyone we have lost and keep that twinkle in your eye and that happiness in your heart.
Forever loved and missed by, Your family.