Charles "Dan" Daniel Mcniven

It is with extremely heavy hearts that the family of Charles Daniel McNiven announce his passing at the age of 78 years old. Dan passed away in the early morning hours of July 27, 2022 at Milton District Hospital. He will be forever loved and remembered by his spouse Bonnie Walker, son Ronald Daniel (Laura), stepson Chris, stepdaughter Diane (Hendrick), grandchildren Joshua Daniel, Celeste, Eve and Jesse. Dan will be dearly missed by his loving siblings James (Cathy), Carol, Michael (Kathy), Peter (Gail), Thomas (Joanne) and by all of their children and grandchildren, as well as by his numerous relatives and endless amounts of close friends and associates. Predeceased by his stepson Jeff and brother in law Don. Dad was born in Vulcan Alberta on November 25th, 1943 to the late James Harvey McNiven and Fay Lois Steiner. Dan resided on the family farm in Vulcan until he left to attend S.A.I.T ( Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) pursuing a career as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. Dad always said the nest was too full so he flew the coop to make room for the younger brood. Dan started his career as an aircraft maintenance engineer at P.W.A. until he joined Wardair, the best airline ever, in 1967. He worked as an A.M.E climbing the ranks quickly until he was promoted to V.P. of maintenance and engineering. He achieved this goal due his quick thinking, integrity, resourcefulness and desire to be a leader. Wardair was not just a company but a family and way of life. Dad like many was a loyal employee and even up to his final days he supported the Wards, their family and friends for many years at Red Rock Camp. He was scheduled to go to Red Rock one last time on July 18th, 2022 but he didn’t make it due to his health. Dan and his sharpie were surely missed. Dad finished his career by returning back to his roots as an A.M.E for Air Canada. Dan married Cheri Lynn Church a school mate from Carmangay on November 6th, 1965 they had only one child Ronald Daniel in 1969. Dan and Cheri spent many years in Georgetown and then purchased a farm in Ballinafad and resided there until their divorce in 1993. Shortly after his divorce, Dan's breath was taken away by the owner of the Ballinafad General store Bonnie Walker or B.J. as Dad referred to her. Bonnie wasn’t aware at the time of all the stuff Dad had accumulated over the years would be accompanying him once she allowed him to move in. They have been together for over 25 years riding horses, raising elk and deer and just generally enjoying life to its fullest. Dad had many hobbies such as riding horses, tinkering with old engines on cars, tractors, motorcycles and not to be forgotten heritage aircraft. He was a member of the Milton Steam Era in which he would attend on Labour Day weekend every year and bring his combine all the way from Ballinafad. We were all dragged along whether we wanted to go or not, but it was interesting and fun for the most part. Cant forget steam show corn and burgers. He was also a member of The Great War Flying Museum where he has had a part in the restoration and upkeep of many heritage aircraft from the First World War. He has made a lot of memories with family and friends and made many new close friends being a member of both of these heritage associations. Dan would always lend a hand, whether it be a family member, a friend or even a complete stranger. He always put everyone else first and that is why he is remembered and revered by so many. Dan was a loving spouse, father, brother, papa, uncle and best friend to many. He was bigger than life itself – touching the hearts of everyone he met. Anyone that had the pleasure of Dan’s presence will surely never forget him. We will miss his bear hugs, his quirky sense of humour, his integrity and resourcefulness, his life lessons and most of all the love he shared with all of his family and friends. Dan has left a permanent void in all of our hearts. Friends will be received at the Jones Funeral Home, 11582 Trafalgar Road, Georgetown, on Friday, August 5, 2022 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. A Funeral service will be held in the chapel on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Interment Bethel Chapel Cemetery, Burlington. Following the interment, friends are welcome to join family at the Shepherd's Crook in Georgetown to share old stories and to raise a glass in memory of Dan. For those unable to attend, there will be a celebration of Dan’s life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Upper Credit Humane Society, The Great War Flying Museum, or to Bethel Memorial Chapel are greatly appreciated. To send expressions of sympathy, or to Live Stream the funeral service please visit www.jonesfuneralhome.co God Bless Dad - you will be missed more than words can ever describe. See you one day on the other side.