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Dan Boissonneault

Image by Nick Andréka

DANIEL (DAN) LEO JOSEPH BOISSONNEAULT

December 12, 1973 - January 3, 2022

Dan was taken from us unexpectedly but peacefully on January 3, 2022. 

 

He is survived by his mother Diane Shoemaker (née Slavuta) (aka Mama Bear); father Marcel; son Jackson (mother Suzanne Barrett); brother Richard (Catherine); brother David (Chantal); girlfriend Cathy Smolinski; nieces Abigail and Hailey; nephews Nicolas and Sebastian; as well as many family and friends.

 

Dan was born in Winnipeg where he grew up in Windsor Park, playing hockey into his teens. After high school, Dan ventured into many fields. His formative years were spent slinging drinks at many popular night clubs and restaurants. Most recently, he took his love and knowledge of the hospitality industry to Skip The Dishes, where he flourished as a territory sales executive and won the prestigious “The Local Legend” award.

 

Dan had a passion for cooking and would often take over the entire kitchen and prepare something amazing.  Only fresh vegetables could be used, with his signature being asparagus.  The plating and presentation of the meal had to be better than any celebrity dish and he would always top up your drink and ensure a great dining experience.

 

As an adult, Dan discovered his love of golf, where he not only attempted to be good at it; he strived to be great at it. He loved the game, the art, and the technique of the sport and studied it until he became a highly rated golfer that consistently challenged himself to be better.

 

He was also an accomplished musician. His love of the guitar not only consumed him, but also guided him through life with a soundtrack of his own passion. Musically, he learned from others and made it his own.

 

Dan had a comedic soul, his only goal was to include people in on his jokes, whether they understood them or not. His crazy sense of humour was often done at his own expense to make others laugh. When the party was going down, Dan could lift it up.

 

He personified the term “true friend”. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do to make sure his bonds were galvanized by his selfless caring for those around him. He made us all feel comfortable in just being ourselves.

 

He didn’t take the term family lightly. He used it with pride in describing his own family and the friends he cared about the most. The ones around him were his greatest love, and he did everything he could in letting them know how much they meant to him. And we all knew how much we meant to him.

 

Most of all, Dan was an amazing dad. From days out at the Teddy Bear Picnic, drives to-and-from school, endless rounds of golf and dinners at Elmhurst, many trips across Canada, attending Jets games, and countless other memories, he never failed to put a smile on his son’s face. He was without a doubt the best dad that anyone could ask for.

 

He was a son, a father, a friend, a mentor, a comedian, a golfer, a hard worker, and he will be missed.

 

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. In the meantime, Dan's family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, kindly make a donation in Dan's memory to a charity of your choosing.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Kevin

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Dan was the best beer tub girl always brought smiles and lit up a room. He will be missed. 

Lindsay S

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I was a Bouncer at Blush ..thats where I met the infamous Dan..The greatest personality with a sense of humor to match..he that "it" factor that people gravitated towards...his personality was truly addictive and you couldn't get enough. I was thankful to have shared a few words with him via Facebook,shortly before his passing. He will be truly missed, and never forgotten. The great ones are always called away to soon.. rest in peace buddy. 

Nyle

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Worked with Dan in the nightclubs back in the day. He was the best and will always be Dan the man!!! RIP

Brian Kehler and Dianne Guevarra

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I met Dan through my brother and he left a lasting first impression on me… what adult man would have a justin bieber towel and take pride in using it at the lake. Little did I know that that would be the first of many laughs while being in his presence. His cooking was amazing and his dishes (his “danventions”) were often an inspiration to try and whip something up half as good as how he made it. The last time I saw Dan was this past summer at the zoo when I got the pleasure of meeting Cathy. They were like 2 little kids on a day date and I could tell just how much they loved each other. My heart goes out to Jackson, Cathy, and the rest of the Boissonneault Family. Dan will be truly missed. We will have to sing a little bit longer and strum the guitar strings a little bit louder around the campfire this summer so he can hear it from up above. 

Mike S

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

When I started at Skip, Dan was always there to answer questions and help you become the best you could. He was always quick with a laugh and just great to be around.

Sunez Sudhakar

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I am deeply saddened to hear of Dan's passing. My condolences to his family, and those near and dear to him.  I met Dan (and Richard) when I was but a 14 yr. old, learning his way in a new country. And, searching for people I could possibly call my friends. It happened. On a baseball field in Windsor Park. If I remember correctly, I was watching a few kids playing baseball one evening. To my joy, I was invited to join in their game. After a few introductions, the play continued. I had made my first few friends. I was delighted. What I remember most of those baseball evenings was how it was joked about in wonderment, as to how I managed to hit the ball when I held the bat the way I did. At my feet, like a cricketer holds his bat. It was the laughter and fun that I shared with Dan and friends that brought me comfort and happiness in Winnipeg the Summer of '89. I thank you for that, Dan. And surely you should know, you will be missed.

Jason Batchelor

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I had the pleasure of working with Dan at The Round Table. I was so shocked to hear of his sudden passing and it made me think of all the laughs we shared during the times we worked together. I got to golf with him a few times and his love of the game was evident. The world needs more guys like Dan and his laugh could light up the whole room.  My deepest condolences to his entire family 

Stacey K

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Dan, I was so saddened to hear that you were physically gone. I truly couldn't believe it. I still can't. I think of so many times that you were there for me and I'll always have those memories. You listened to me cry and made me laugh! So glad to have been a kegger for a short while as from that I could call you a friend.  To Dan's family, I hope that there is some comfort found from seeing how amazing everyone knew Dan was. My heart and thoughts are with you in this difficult journey.  ❤

Gisèle clark

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Sincere condolences Diane and family. It’s hard to lose someone you love so much. Praying for all of you. Remember the good times!  Gisèle Clark 

Denise

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I would like to tell you Diane, how sorry we were to hear about Dan’s passing.  I know how involved you were and are with all your kids.  It is inconceivable how hard it must be to lose a son. Know that we have him in our prayers and that you and your family are in our thoughts.   Denis and Denise Boissonneault

Kyla

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

My sincere condolences to Dan’s family and friends. You will be forever missed. Dan took over for me at Stereo and little did I know how much of an impact he’d make on my life. Never a dull moment. He always stayed in touch and would send me things he knew I’d appreciate. The gifts he’d give to his nieces were always a hot topic. Cherish those forever girls! ❤

Robyn McCormick

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

My sincere condolences To and your family Diane ❤️. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. 

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I had the fortune to work with Dan at The Keg. Dan could always lift my mood and I find myself now fondly remembering some stories that he shared of his childhood. How he learned about Santa and how scary he found the parade of puppets on The Muppet Show still makes me smile today. ~~Bonnie Carlton

Gail and David Garriock

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Diane, our deepest sympathies are with you and the family and our hearts ache for you. We feel honored to have known and spent time with Dan. May Dan Rest In Peace.

Betty Shoemaker

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Thinking of you Diane and family.  All our sympathy goes to you and thinking of you lots.

Voss

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I had the great fortune to meet Dan as fellow managers while working for the Keg restaurants. He was hands down one of the funniest people I know. But never in an attention-seeking manner. If he was at a party or function I was at, I just knew good times would be had. He always got me laughing with his Ukrainian dirges (for the life of me, I could never tell if he was just making them up on the fly!) He really had a heart of gold, and a mischievous smile. I'll miss him tons. Good journeys my friend.

Yolande Pestaluky

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Our sincere condolences to you and the family Diane.  May Dan Rest in Peace. Yolande & Garth

Jocelyn Sopiwnyk

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

It was very shocking to hear of Dans passing, my condolences go out to his entire family and close friends. I worked at The Round Table with Dan. I sit here thinking about all the conversations we had at and outside of work and it brings a smile to my face. At work he was one of those guys who you looked forward to seeing. Even during the most hectic nights during our shift he had this gift of relaxing my stressed situations. He was such a nice guy and I’m glad I got to know him.  Thanks Dan for being the calm and patient person everyone needed.  It’s definitely sad to think you’ve left this world. 

A & C

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

By far one of the nicest guy’s I’ve known. So heartbreaking to hear this. My condolences to his family & friends & everyone who was lucky enough to have met Dan.  Rest in happiness & peace Dan. 🙏

Goni & Dave

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Jackson our hearts are with you and we are here for you whenever you need us. Diane we can not imagine losing one of our children before us. Your memories will keep him with you in your hearts and minds. Not sure if you knew that we introduced Dan to golfing and didn't take long for him to leave us behind.  We're glad that it gave him so much fun .I'm  sure if there is a golf course where Dan is, he's already played a few rounds. Our thoughts are with you all.  Gramma & Grandad (Goni & Dave)

Kim Amell

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I am so saddened to hear of Dan's passing.  My condolences go out to his family. To me, Dan was one of "The Boys".  "The Boys" have been together since their school days.  Many weekends were spent together laughing, drinking and telling tall tales.  They are all my brothers. I had the opportunity to spend a weekend with "The Boys" this past summer.  Dan wanted to see a bear so I told him to come to the garbage dump with me.  I told him there would probably be one there.  He didn't believe me.  However, he did believe me after a big black bear popped its head out of the garbage bin.  I've never seen Dan move so fast!  It is a memory that I will never forget. Dan, I'm going to miss the jokes, the guitar playing around the fire and just you not being there when "The Boys" get together. Rest in peace my brother.

Kathy Jones

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I met Dan years ago when he was my bar back at Club Soda.  He never failed to make me laugh no matter how the night was going.  Years later we still kept in touch and last summer he was out at our cottage still making us laugh and entertaining us with his guitar skills.   He will be missed by many.   I’m so sorry to hear of his passing.   I’m sure he’s still the life of the party somewhere.   Kathy J

Allistair

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

28 years of hanging out with you at so many different night clubs went by much too fast. The pranks you would tell me about pulling on other people would always make me laugh. You'll be missed every time I go to a nightclub. Allistair K

AC

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I cannot believe 6 months have passed and you are not here! I think of you often and when I do it is always with a smile! The fun we had, the gags we pulled and just the friendship. I will always remember the twinkle in your eye when you were up to no good. Whenever I am doing something that I know you would enjoy, I visual you lying on the clouds with you hands clasping your cheeks with a big smile on your face looking down at me, and you are thinking, well that looks like fun! Whenever I see someone from the Keg or Skip they always tell me the shenanigans you pulled on them! You are truly missed and always loved my friend.  AC 

Kevin MacKinnon

September 25, 2024 at 7:31 PM

As a manager cohort of Dan for years at the Keg, I can appreciate everything that was written in this beautiful tribute to him. We had 1000s of laughs, many over beers, many at the golf course, and many just chatting/texting to catch up with each other. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing, but quickly reflected on all the great times we had and how lucky I was to call him a good friend. My condolences to all of his family and other close friends. We lost a gem, but he will never be forgotten. R.I.P. Mustard Man! Love you brother.

Jenny Trudeau

September 25, 2024 at 7:31 PM

This is not my photo, but one I love from way back when I met “Daytime” Dan  and “Little” Dan (Boissonneault). Every memory I have of Dan is a great one, usually hilarious. I am forever blessed to have called him friend.  ❤

Mark Lesiuk

September 25, 2024 at 7:31 PM

Dan we formed the STBs together in 1991 with B Man and Jim. From that point on,  we came brothers in music and life. We could always count on you to make us laugh. You were always a good friend and we always kept in touch and played music when possible. You will always be an STBs brother and my favorite French Maid. See you on the flipside brother.

Bman

September 25, 2024 at 7:31 PM

Journey well my friend. One day we will jam again.
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