Obituary of Daniel (Dan) Sean HICKEY

June 13, 1986 - Calgary, Alberta
March 10, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta
​​​​​​

It is with profound and unimaginable sadness that we announce the death of Daniel Sean Hickey on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at the age of 33 years. Daniel passed away surrounded by his loving wife Jocelyn, his parents, Roberta and Denis and shortly thereafter by his beloved and devoted brother Thomas.

Daniel was born on June 13, 1986, at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary, AB. He was a beautiful and energetic little red-haired boy with a great sense of humour and a natural ability to relate to people of all ages. Daniel grew up in Calgary attending John Costello Catholic School for elementary, St. Michael School for junior high and St. Mary’s High School. He later followed in the footsteps of his parents and attended St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia graduating in 2009 with a business degree. After university, Daniel spent his entire working career with Plains Midstream Canada in Calgary becoming Director of Business Development. Daniel was a beautiful person in every respect, he was an extrovert and also a great athlete excelling in all sports including hockey, golf and soccer. Throughout his life, Dan was known as a leader, admired by everyone and respected by all. His love of his brother Thomas was unsurpassed and was returned in equal measures. The two brothers became the very best of friends in their earliest years and remained so until Daniel’s passing; they also became the best of friends and mentors to their parents Denis and Roberta.
 
On August 19, 2017, Daniel married the love of his life, his soul mate Jocelyn Adamo. On December 23, 2017, Jocelyn and Dan found out they were pregnant with their baby girl. They were over the moon happy and so excited to start a family. In February 2018 Daniel was diagnosed with brain cancer to the shock and grief of everyone who knew him. Over the next sixteen months, Dan underwent two brain surgeries, radiation and a year of chemotherapy. He approached every aspect of his fight with bravery and grace, and he inspired us all with his beautiful perspective. On September 5, 2018, Jocelyn gave birth to the most beautiful baby girl imaginable, Windsor (Winn) Lillian Hickey. Winn brought Dan and Jocelyn so much happiness during a really difficult year. Dan was meant to be a dad. He brought his patience, gentle nature and humour into his new role as dad. Jocelyn, Dan, Winn and their dog Nash spent their time making memories and enjoying life as a new family.
 
Dan’s cancer returned in August 2019. He spent the next seven months fighting with the same courage, positivity and quiet determination. He spent his time surrounded by the beautiful community that he had built, and that care for him so deeply.

Dan was kind and funny, he lit up every room, he gave people his full attention and time and he was the warmest person you had ever met. He had an amazing ability to look on the bright side of every situation and he did the same with people. He saw the best in everyone and because of that, brought out the best in everyone. He had an infectious positivity that made you want to be a better version of yourself. Dan never lost his sense of humour. During his hardest and most painful times, he was all of these things. Dan taught us so much about courage, grace, and love over the past two years. He loved more people than can be counted and was so deeply loved by those around him. He was important to so many people and his passing will leave a hole in so many hearts. His relationships are a testament to a young (but far too short) life well lived.

Daniel is survived by his wife Jocelyn, his 18-month-old daughter Windsor, his parents, Roberta and Denis; and his brother Thomas (Ashley Bonnici). He is also survived by his many relatives in Calgary and area, Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island and his many friends across Canada and in the United States.
 
A funeral service for Daniel will be held in Calgary, however, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and Alberta Health Services limitations on group gatherings the funeral will regrettably be family only. Everyone that knew Dan, knew how much he loved to make people smile. He requested that all of the people in his life get together, celebrate, laugh and remember the good times. We will plan a Celebration of Life that will be open to all as soon as we get the go-ahead from Alberta Health Services. We will make sure to communicate the details to everyone as soon as we can. In Lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, with proceeds dedicated to research on brain cancer, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca. Condolences and memories may be shared and viewed by visiting www.McInnisandHolloway.com
   
In living memory of Daniel Hickey, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB, T2E 2V6,   Telephone: 403-243-8200.