DAN STELMAN

Condolences & Memories (12 entries)

• I am saddened to hear of Dan’s passing. I only knew Dan for a short time but he was such a kind, giving soul and I could always count on him for encouragement. His wise words will always be with me. Until we meet again. - Posted by: Matthew Markesteyn (Friend) on: Jun 28, 2021

• It is with great sadness that we offer our condolence and sympathy to Carol and the Stelman family. May you find peace in this very difficult time as you read wonderful words of tribute from Dan’s many friends. They speak to the character of a very good man. Dan and I met at St. John’s High School in the early 1970s when we were teenagers. It didn’t take long to truly come to admire Dan. He was upbeat, positive, intelligent and fun loving. Dan was a wonderful caring young man back then, and that was certainly his lifelong trademark as one can see from many stories told on these pages.He loved adventure and the outdoors; we spent many hours of our youth backpacking across Spruce Woods Provincial Park, canoeing on the Bird River and cross-country skiing in White Shell and Birds Hill Park. Dan was truly our adventurous leader who showed us how to celebrate life amongst the pine trees, rivers and lakes of Manitoba. I was fortunate to be a friend of Dan’s in the early days and witness his career milestones. I will never forget the smile on his face and the sense of accomplishment that he exuded when he finished his studies at the police academy and became a member of the Winnipeg Police Service, or when he received his helicopter pilot’s licence. Dan was courageous and took on difficult challenges with a “can do attitude.” Dan was a natural leader and a true inspiration. He was my hero. Dan was a kind person and had a strong sense of how to help people when they were struggling. His infectious laugh, “can do attitude” and supportive words helped me during some challenging times in my early years. I was leaving Winnipeg and heading to Edmonton for work and my first venture into the real world as a young man. I was struggling with some life issues and didn’t feel like making the 1300 km drive alone. So when I asked or hinted that it would be great if Dan would drive to Edmonton with me (one way of course) he didn’t hesitate for a minute and he became my companion and support on that road trip that brought me west 40 years ago. Over the past few days I pondered how supportive he was in a difficult and unsure time of my life and how lucky I was to have him beside me. We kept in touch as best we could over those 40 years visiting when and where we could as he crisscrossed Canada in his aviation career and I crisscrossed Canada in a business career. When I told my adult daughters (Elyssa & Tamara) of Dan’s passing, even though they did not know him very well, they said, “he was a really nice man.” It interesting how my young daughter’s picked up on his genuine and caring qualities when they were merely little girls at the times of our visits. This is a true testament to Dan because he won the love and favour of children. My life has been marked by the kindness, support and good nature of my friend Dan Stelman and for that I am truly grateful. I love you Dan, God bless you and keep you safe! Russ Pierozinski Debbie, Elyssa & Tamara - Posted by: Russ Pierozinski (Friend) on: Feb 22, 2019

• I worked with Dan in the helicopter industry, when Dan worked with Transport Canada he was my go to guy when I needed help with safety courses or just an opinion on safety issues. He was passionate about what he did and was always willing to help. Sincerest condolences to Dans family ,he will be missed - Posted by: Frank Roberts (Friend) on: Feb 21, 2019

• I had the pleasure of working with Dan for the past 8 years. A big jovial guy, but also someone who was very passionate about his work, who took the safety of the flying public very seriously, and stood his ground on these matters. We had policing and aviation careers in common, and had many a memorable discussion about helicopters. Gone too soon. He will be missed. Sincerest condolences to Dan’s family, friends and colleagues on his passing. Bill Scholefield - Posted by: Bill Scholefield (TC colleaugue) on: Feb 21, 2019

• I fondly remember the many talks Dan and I shared at work. He seemed to have such a gentle and kind spirit. Dan spoke of his activities shared with Carol and his enjoyment of the outdoors. I was touched by his genuine interest in others and whenever we passed each-other at work, I could count on kind words exchanged in earnest. For the family and friends of Dan; please know, I feel for your loss. I only knew a small part of this big-hearted man. I am the better for it. The following quote makes me think of Dan because I remember him as good, kind and brave. "The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places. But those that will not break it kills. It kills the very good and the very gentle and the very brave impartially. If you are none of these you can be sure it will kill you too but there will be no special hurry.” Sincerely, David Franklin (Colleague from TC) - Posted by: David Franklin (Colleague at TC) on: Feb 20, 2019

• I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Dan. I was more a friend to his brother Gordon but it is still sad for one so young to pass away. Gordon would share stories of Dan's helicopter exploits. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Richard Kruszynski (Friend of family) on: Feb 19, 2019

• Thank you Dan. Thank you for making the room light up whenever you entered it. Thank you for bringing your jovial disposition to our gatherings and for sharing your love of Art, and encouraging the Art in those around you. Thank you for your bright smile and hearty laughter, so spontaneous, so natural, so present and infectious. Thank you for showing us that flying to the top of a mountain and far reaches in the North is possible, reminding us that we too can expand and explore. Thank you for being a loving uncle to our two beautiful nieces, Elyssa and Nika. Your love and pride flows ever so generously over them, and that pride is ever present even heard in conversations hundreds of miles away. There's really only one thank-you truly required, Thank you, Thank you for being Dan. All our love, Margaret, Jadzia your loving sisters-in-law and our families - Posted by: Margaret, Jadzia and family (Sisters-in-law) on: Feb 18, 2019

• The Matwyczuk family would like to express their condolences to the Stelman family on the passing of Dan. He was more than a friend to us growing up on Polson Avenue - he was family. Although our paths did not cross over the many years as time has a way of distancing people, when our brother Stan passed away in 2016, Dan and his mom were at the funeral to provide their support. We will forever remember Dan as a kind, thoughtful and caring person. He will be missed. - Posted by: The Matwyczuk Family (Childhood friends ) on: Feb 17, 2019

• I haven't seen Dan in many, many years however I was greatly saddened to learn of his passing. We were friends throughout elementary and high schools and during that time he was someone that could be depended on to be there for you no matter what. He was a generous, loyal and funny guy who was liked by everybody. I'm sure that he will be missed terribly by all those who knew him. - Posted by: Jerry Wyshnowsky (Friend) on: Feb 17, 2019

• I worked with Dan over the years in the Helicopter industry. I always enjoyed conversation with Dan, he was very uplifting. My condolences and sympathy to the family, rest in peace Dan. Michael Persoage - Posted by: Michael Persoage (Friend) on: Feb 16, 2019

• I remember Dan very well... he was an exceptionally nice man... a great police officer and a great friend to many... if I recall correctly he was also a helicopter pilot for a time... taken far too young... my condolences to his family... - Posted by: Bill Head (Former Partner with Winnipeg Police) on: Feb 16, 2019

• Dan has such an infectious laugh that could make you smile. We were both laid off from Custom Helicopters and it as his laugh and support that got me through tough times. Lifetime memories with you bud. Till we meet again. Our deepest sympathy to Carol and the family. Larry and Cathy Szarko. - Posted by: Larry and Cathy Szarko (Friends) on: Feb 16, 2019