Dennis (Dan) James Connelly

Dennis James (Dan) Connelly, of Calgary, and formerly of Sherwood Park, peacefully passed away on Monday, May 20, 2024, at age 70.

Left to mourn Dan’s passing are daughters Heather Duff (Brian) of Calgary and Shauna Connelly of Edmonton. Dan was also a very proud grandfather to Morgan and Shayla Duff. Also cherishing Dan’s memory are his mother Eileen Connelly, of Calgary; sister Patrica Ankerman (Don) of Calgary; brother Michael Connelly (Van) of Calgary; and brother Kel Connelly of Calgary. Dan is also survived by Karen Stevenson, mother of his daughters.  Dan was predeceased by his father Tony, his brother Tony Jr., and his brother Kevin.

Dan was born August 13, 1953, in Hanna, Alberta, the first of Tony and Eileen Connelly’s six children. The first 15 years of Dan’s childhood were painted across a canvas that included Hanna, Calgary, Red Deer, Saskatoon, and ultimately Sherwood Park, where he would spend the better part of 55 years. It was there where he would meet many friends who would remain dear to him for the next half century.

Growing up, Dan was often found wherever there was a football, baseball, or hockey puck. Dan was a fierce competitor, inspired by the countless legends he religiously followed, developing an almost encyclopedic knowledge of countless professional athletes. What Dan perhaps most loved about sports was the opportunity presented to forge deep friendships that would span more than five decades. Relationships that first began on a field playing football, with time, progressed to the golf course. A highlight for Dan, was Saturday morning coffee with “the boys,” reliving those golden moments of the “Cedar Street Gang.”

Next to sports for Dan, was the comfort of a good book. Dan was a ferocious reader, devouring anything from sports, to history, to politics, to a good mystery. As he had with professional sports, Dan too developed an expansive knowledge of politics and history. Dan was the guy you wanted on your trivia team.

Upon graduation from Archbishop Jordan High School in 1972, Dan travelled to Halifax to attend St. Mary’s University. Despite falling in love with the Maritimes, the love for family and friends brought Dan back to Sherwood Park after only one year. Dan then attended Grant McEwan College to complete his post-secondary education.

In 1975 Dan began what would be an almost 45-year career in the field of purchasing. The last 33 years of Dan’s career were with Strathcona County, with many of those years spent as the county’s Technical Fleet Analyst. Many of the fire engines that patrol Sherwood Park, are the product of Dan’s meticulous attention to detail.

Also in 1975, Dan married Karen, and within five years, was a most proud and dotting father to both Heather and Shauna. Dan made it a priority to be present in his daughters’ lives, whether that was from coaching them in softball or ensuring to find ways to spend quality individual time with each. Years later, Dan would prove himself to be just as proud and dotting a grandfather to Morgan and Shayla.

Dan retired from Strathcona County in 2019. Retirement was spent beginning his days with what had become his signature over a lifetime – the newspaper and morning cup of coffee. The days were rounded out with going to the gym, playing golf, cycling, and enjoying long walks. There was also some opportunity for travel – a favorite of Dan’s being Mexico.

As Dan’s health began to decline in recent years, a very difficult decision was made to move to Calgary in late 2023. That was tough for Dan as it meant saying goodbye to the many good friends made in Sherwood Park over so many years. The family extends a huge thank you to Dan’s very good friend Liam Hyland, who, for so many years, was there to support Dan through difficult times and in time of failing health. As well, Dan’s family is appreciative to the “Cedar Street Gang,” or Saturday coffee crew, for their many years of loyal friendship and comradeship extended to Dan.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Parish (13 Brower Dr. Sherwood Park, AB) at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, with Reverend Jim Corrigan Celebrant.

If desired, memorial donations in Dan’s honor may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories: #306, 10430 61 Ave, Edmonton, AB, T6H 2J3 or email: help@alzheimer.ab.ca. 

A livestream through the church will be available at this link Private Family Events - Funerals - YouTube

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dennis (Dan) James Connelly, please visit our floral store.