It is with deep sadness that the family of Mervin Danny Medwechuk, “Dan” of Rainy River announce his unexpected passing on Thursday, January 2nd, 2020 at the age of 72. Born December 4th,1947 in Rainy River, ON to Nick and Beatrice (Selman) Medwechuk of Gameland, ON, Dan lived most of his life within the Rainy River District. For a brief time he lived and worked in Dryden, Ontario where he met and married Lillan Ewen. Together they raised three daughters in Dryden and eventually, the family farm in Gameland where they moved in 1974. It was here where Dan worked as a mechanic, bus driver and farmed throughout his lifetime.
As a youth growing up in Gameland, Dan played hockey with the Bergland Bantams and later on as an adult for the Bergland/Morson Flyers. His girls remember spending every single Saturday night watching ”Hockey Night in Canada” with Dad. Dan loved his hockey. He had a variety of interests and spent many days working on old cars, reading, fishing, picking berries, foraging for morel mushrooms, gardening, gambling and going for coffee time at the bakery. But most of all,he enjoyed spending time with friends and family. Dan was a quiet man that thought before speaking and lived life on his own terms. Though Dan had a great sense of humour and quick wit, he will be remembered as a kind, private man who took the time to say hello and always had a smile for everyone.
He will be forever missed and remembered by his dear friend Mary Withers; daughters Dawn (Bennett) Drennan, Nicole (Chris Dillon) Armstrong, Joelle (Jason) Hewitson; ex-wife and mother of his children Lillian Medwechuk; grandchildren Nathan Armstrong, Cody Armstrong, Tori Armstrong (Mat McDonald), Ernie Drennan (Sarah Gustafson), Nolan Drennan, Carlin Drennan, Rebekah Hewitson, Sean Hewitson; great grandchildren, Seth Armstrong, Jonah Drennan, Hannah McDonald, Addisyn Drennan, Harvey McDonald, Petra Drennan; sister Darlene Armstrong, and brothers’ and sister-in-law’s, Jack (Shiela) Medwechuk, Ed Medwechuk, Larry (Debbie) Medwechuk; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Dan was predeceased by his parents Nick and Beatrice Medwechuk and brother-in-law Ron Armstrong.
As per Dan’s wishes a private family gathering will take place in the late spring.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to The Canadian Heart Stroke Foundation or Riverside Foundation (Chemo Unit)