Obituary of Dan Reefke

December 31, 1962 – Toronto, Ontario
August 23, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Daniel (Dan) Kurt Peter Reefke passed away on Monday, August 23, 2021 at the age of 58 years, surrounded by his wife Cheryl, and sons, Ryley and Jordan.

Dan was born on December 31, 1962 in Toronto, Ontario, to Timm and Gisela Reefke. He was the eldest of three sons and always adored his younger brothers. 

He had many travels with his family to both the United States and Germany while growing up, and he continued to travel as an adult. One of these trips was to Rome, and he loved to tell the story of how the Pope reached out and touched his hand while he was touring the Vatican. Family trips with Cheryl and the boys included visits to Maui, cruising the Caribbean, Victoria, Florida, and many other US states. He loved his time at their Windermere “home away from home,” where he enjoyed boating, walking the paths, and time with family and friends.

Dan earned a BA Honours in Philosophy from the University of Toronto, and an MA Honours in Philosophy from the University of Manitoba. We made sure to tuck a copy of Frankl’s “Meaning of Life” into his pocket to take on his final journey. 

For the last fifteen years, he was a territory manager with Beaver Plastics, and a few years ago, joined the Logix Team as well. He truly enjoyed his work and formed many cherished friendships with his colleagues there.

He loved his family and he loved sports. His favourite team was “Team Reefke,” and he was always cheering on his sons’ victories in hockey and football. His boys really were his pride and joy. He loved all of the family dogs, but the most recent, Casey, had a special place in his heart. Dan loved to laugh and enjoyed finding humour in most situations.

Dan is survived by his wife of 25 years (this September 7th) Cheryl, his two sons, Ryley and Jordan; his father Timm; brothers, Ralph and Carl (Kelly); his nieces and nephews; and his two grandogs, Toby and Ted. He was predeceased by his mother, Gisela.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to a charity of the donor’s choice, or simply take a moment of time to toast Dan on a dinner out.

We would like to send a special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff in the ER and ICU at the Peter Lougheed Centre. We are extremely appreciative of the kindness, care, and compassion shown to him in his final days.

In living memory of Daniel Reefke, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area.