Obituary of Herb Daniels

June 18, 1953 – Peguis, Manitoba

December 22, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Herbert Daniels of Peguis Band, Peguis, MB, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 71 years, with his wife Elizabeth, daughters, and grandchildren by his side in Calgary, AB.

Herbert was born in Manitoba, on June 18, 1953. Herb attended AVC in Lac La Biche, AB, where he met his future wife, Elizabeth Daniels. They were married in 1989. He lovingly welcomed her daughters into his life, and they became a family of four. Herb had a passion for teaching others his Indigenous culture and would regularly give presentations at numerous schools across the United States and Canada, accompanied by his wife and children.

Herb enjoyed sculpting everything from stone to ice and snow, painting, and making traditional drums and clothing. His greatest enjoyment came playing with his grandchildren and taking them to new places, so he could experience everything with them, such as hiking, swimming, and powwows. During his lifetime Herb was a man of many talents.

He was a teacher, an artist, an alcohol addiction counselor, and a truck driver. He was many things, most importantly he was a caring father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He was always worried about those around him and would come to your defense at the drop of a hat, if you needed him. He was a people person, generous and loved all of his family fiercely.

Herb’s favorite thing to say was that his life didn’t start until after he got his driver’s license. He said it opened his world, and he loved it, which is also why an hour-long trip always took nearly the whole day. He’d always remember a million places he wanted to stop at or people he wanted to visit.

Herb will be remembered for his pranks and readiness to tell a joke. It didn’t matter if you were a stranger, he’d have you down on the ground dog wrestling and having fun and laughing.

Besides his loving wife, Elizabeth “Liz” Daniels, Herbert is survived by his daughters, Dallas Sparklingeyes, and Tanya White, and his five grandchildren, Cheyenne Sparklingeyes, Keili Springchief, Seandalyn Springchief, Ryker Sparklingeyes, and Jordan Springchief. Herb is also survived by his siblings, Bernice (Purvis) Fontaine, Dickie Daniels, Debbie and Kal Fuller, Louella (Andy) Groot, Lloyd and Michelle Olafson, Lawrence and Norma Olafson Jr., his best friend and “brother”, Danny Daniels and his family; his nieces, Melissa and Robert Simpson, Fontaine Simpson, Cheryl Fontaine, Leanne and Kyle Jones, Ladonna (Brandon) Olafson, Scarlett Olafson, and Dawn and Phil LaChappell; his nephews, Clint and Sandy Fontaine, Brad Groot, Eric Groot, and Holden Olafson. As well as numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and close friends.

Herb was predeceased by his loving mother, Ruby Olafson, and stepfather, Lawrence Olafson Sr., his father, Andrew Sinclair, his grandparents, Peter and Rachel Daniels; his uncles, Robert “Bob” and Jim Sanderson, Stanley and Peter Daniels, and Don McPherson; aunts, Winnie, Gladys, Marina, and Doreen; his brothers-in-law, Purvis Fontaine, and Andy Groot; his beloved nephews, Kyle Fontaine, Bjorn Groot, and Noah Olafson; and his sons-in-law, Donnell Juan Jackson Medicineshield, and Dallon “Jack” Edward Randall Joseph Springchief. If we have forgotten anyone, we offer our sincere apologies.

Those wishing to pay their respects and join us for a luncheon may do so at Pineridge Community Association (6024 Rundlehorn Drive NE, Calgary, AB) in the small hall on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Herb’s family here.

In living memory of Herbert (Herb) Daniels, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.