It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Daniel John Somerville of Buffalo Lakes, AB. Dan passed away peacefully in the arms of his beloved daughter on Monday, March 23, 2020 at the age of 91 years.

Dan was born in Sexsmith, AB on January 9, 1929 and lived his entire life on the family farm, homesteaded by his father in 1910. After completing Grade 8 at Chatham School, a one-room schoolhouse located on Somerville land, he attended Vermillion College. Dan proudly graduated with a Diploma in Practical Agriculture in 1947. After graduating, he farmed with his father, as well as in partnership with his neighbor and best friend, Howard Gummer.

Dan was an extremely hardworking man. In addition to working the farm, Dan enjoyed telling stories from his trucking days, such as hauling explosives through downtown Edmonton with police escort, or trucking during the early oil and gas exploration days in remote northern Alberta, where it was so cold that “spit turned to ice before it hit the ground”. He was also an example of generosity and self-sacrifice by giving over one hundred pints of blood during his lifetime.

Dan was a good athlete and excellent baseball pitcher, who fondly remembered throwing a perfect game. He also enjoyed curling, which he played until his knees gave out, forcing him to enjoy his favourite sport from the TV. Dan also spent much of his earlier days with his nephews, showing them how to throw a pitch, taking them to a beach on Bear Lake, and putting them to work on the family farm.

Then in 1974, Dan married Aniela and they were blessed with their daughter Tracy in 1975. Dan lived the remainder of his life dedicated to his family and the land.

Dan was an active member of the farming community, always there to help a neighbour, as was his father before him. He was good with electrical work and would often be found helping a neighbour with the wiring in their home, shop or barn.

He had many hobbies including woodworking, photography, and painting. In his later years, he got great joy out of playing Yahtzee and Rummy with Aniela and Tracy. He also got great joy out of anything chocolate, including the chocolate Easter bunnies Tracy brought him during his final days.

From his father’s work with the first survey crews that opened northern Alberta to settlement, through the homestead and the growth of the farm, Dan was always proud of his family’s Alberta pioneer history. He donated many historical items to the Grande Prairie Museum.

He remained strong until the end, stating he “had a good life for 91 years”.

It was a good life, and he was a good man.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife Aniela Somerville, daughter Tracy Somerville, as well as his four nephews and their families: Terry (Colleen) Smith, Greg (Lori) Smith, Dale (Vivian) Smith, and John (Sandy) Smith.

Dan was predeceased by his parents James and Eva Somerville, and his sister and brother in-law Rosemary and Sidney Smith.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. James Pope and the nurses and staff of 3 North at Grande Prairie Regional Hospital for their care and compassion.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 29, 2020 at 1:30pm, at Oliver’s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie (10005 107 Ave.).

at a later date.

Donations in memory of Dan may be made to the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation (10409 98 St. Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2E8).

Condolences may be sent by visiting

www.oliversfuneralhome.com

• Date : 2020-03-23
• Location : Grande Prairie, Alberta

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