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DANIEL PAUL ORLIKOW (BIG DAN) Obituary pic

DANIEL PAUL ORLIKOW (BIG DAN)

Born: Jun 12, 1961

Date of Passing: Sep 26, 2018

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DANIEL PAUL ORLIKOW (BIG DAN) June 12, 1961 - September 26, 2018 Daniel Paul Orlikow, "Big Dan" passed away in peace September 26, 2018 at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, at the age of 57. He was preceded in death by his father, Lionel, and his brother, David. Dan was the loving father to Abby and his love for her was palpable and all-encompassing. She was the center of his life and everything he wanted to be and achieve was with Abby at the core. At key moments, Dan was also a second father to his nephew Daniel "Little Dan", and his nieces, Gillian and Maggie. His bonds with them go beyond the typical uncle relationship. Dan also leaves behind his beloved mother, Anne; his former partner, friend and co-parent to Abby, Patti; his loving siblings, Gordon (Lois), Peter, Nancy (David), John (Silvia), Kate (Clayton), 12 nieces and nephews, and all those lives he touched. Dan was many things and had many accomplishments and interests. He was a successful lawyer, graduating from U. of M. Law school and called to the Bar in 1989. He had been a nationally ranked fencing champion for many years. A long-time rugby player, Winnipeg Jets fan and an avid golfer. A serious hobbyist, he collected fine art, stamps, and the occasional apartment building! He loved animals and had a veritable menagerie of pets at any given time. He especially loved his companion dog Penny. He loved travelling and especially road trips and made many with his daughter Abby and with his lifelong buddies, whom referred to him as a 'companion, teammate, and co-conspirator'. Dan had a really big generous heart, notably for family and would often put others' needs before his own. He was fiercely loyal and protective of those he cared for. His life was defined by incredible love and devastating losses. He couldn't stand seeing a loved one in pain and was especially affected by the passings of his father, brother, and long-time business partner in recent years. His primary antidote to life's challenges was his ability to make others laugh and to note the absurdities of life. He had a rapier wit that stemmed from his brilliant intellect - he was always teeming with ideas and creativity. His accurately astute observations of everyday life and other people were often quickly transformed into comical nicknames and vignettes that would have us all in stitches. It was a true gift. The way Dan died is like the way he lived: he wrote his own rules, he fought injustice, and paved his own way. Somewhere in heaven, there must be a guy driving a red 1973 Mustang convertible with "Top of the World" by the Carpenters playing on the stereo on his way to play golf and/or make mischief! There will be a celebration of Dan's life at the Niakwa Country Club, 620 Niakwa Road in Winnipeg, on Sunday, October 28 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to treecanada.ca or a tree planting charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 29, 2018

Condolences & Memories (15 entries)

  • I'm really sad to hear that Daniel. P. Orlikow passed away in September 2018. He was a very nice person. No one can imagine how I meet Dan with his best friend and companion dog Penny on Pembina Highway and Chevrier in his beautiful Mercedes. He was out of gas and was just waiting for a good Samaritan. I stopped and asked him if he needs help, he said yes and told me if I can drop him to the nearest gas station. I didn't hesitate and told him that I available to bring him where he wants. When we get in my car, he left Penny in the Car, I told him that is not fear, I also have a space for Penny. Together, we went to the Gas petrol station and He bought the container and the gas. We went back to where his vehicle was parking near the road. After putting the fuel in his vehicle. He asked me what do you do for a living? I told him I'm a Social Worker. Dan told me the only thing I can do for you is when you will buy a house, come to my office and I will process everything for you for free. I handed me his business card that I kept jealously. Today, I went to his office because I'm in the process of getting a Mortgage I couldn't believe what I read on his office Door. It's mentioned that Dan passed away last year. My his Soul rest in Peace, a friend I meet one day and he has gone earlier before we move far. I really feel Sad about Dan. My sympathy to Dan family, friends and everyone who was close to him. The King is dead, Long Live to the King. Posted by: Jeaco Kasumba on April 9, 2019. - Posted by: Jeaco Kasumba (Friend) on: Apr 09, 2019

  • My sincerest condolences to Dan's family. Dan's highest priority was his family - he spoke of each of you often! Dan you will be missed. Your ability to add humor (and reason), to so many of my house sales/moves are absolutely unforgettable. You were one reason that I decided to get into real estate! You always conducted yourself as a true professional in the midst of tight deadlines, and never ever missed a beat! Until we meet again! - Posted by: Leslie Inglis (Client, Realtor) on: Nov 12, 2018

  • Just was not able to place this tribute to my dearest friend till now because I just could not believe you are gone from us in living life. I am so thankful that we got to meet and become such friends. You were a friend I will never be able to replace been reading all the texts we shared the last while makes me so wish I could have done more this was not how it was suppose to end. At the same time we must appreciate the fact you no longer lay in suffering and you are as you always said " just need to relax and enjoy". I thank you for such awesome memories you created for me from fishing on a frozen lake with soaked boots to planting trees with no bug spray, you always made it fun that was just you. We met in 2005 through a real estate venture or adventure might be more suitable, it was a trailer park. At time I would have never thought that sale would become so many laughs and most of all create our friendship for each other. The big man you were that I got to know consisted of mostly heart and will never be forgotten. The stories and life happenings we shared actually helped my heart grow as well, I thank you. The love you expressed and showed for your daughter Abbey reminded me so often how special that was seeing I had 4 daughters of my own. Your care for animals was so great made me often think you were in the wrong profession as we sometimes talked about. Got to share the turtle story with you guys, Dan was coming to our office in the country at the Rat river bridge he sees a huge turtle in the middle of the road does he do around it and keep going...not... oh no not Dan he pulls over and attempts to help nudge this turtle off the road to safety. According to Dan the turtle showed little appreciation towards his kindness and that was all fine with Dan, the huge snapping turtle lived. This was Dan in a turtle shell or should I say nutshell. MISS YOU FRIEND - Posted by: John (Friend) on: Oct 23, 2018

  • Dan was one of my favourite people in law school. He was uniquely funny and - too rare a thing - he was also self effacing and kind. We got into lots of mischief. But the thing I remember best was the day in tax class - the hardest course in the place - when Dan had done the reading for once and shocked us all by putting up his (probably for the only time) and then just nailed the question - something about IT bulletin 1102. In the after glow of his triumph Dan turned to me with that grin we all loved and said: 'Dan Orlikow - practice restricted to IT bulletin 1102." I wish I could be at the memorial. Cheers - Posted by: Jim Ross (Pal) on: Oct 16, 2018

  • Dan was referred to me to help with the purchase of my last home. He was a kind, down to earth and patient man. So young to leave this world. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Iris Yuzwa (acquaintance) on: Oct 14, 2018

  • Dan touched my heart and made me laugh with his wry humour and wit. Even life's pain has a very funny side through Dan's telling of it. He had a gift indeed. My condolences to all who loved him, goodbye came too soon. - Posted by: Donna Youngdahl (Friend) on: Oct 06, 2018

  • For three years, Danny, as he was called at the time, was one of my favorite and most memorable students at River Heights Junior High School. I still remember the phrase he coined, "Ein Schuh am Fuss ist besser als ein Fuss im Mund." (A shoe on the foot is better than a foot in the mouth.) - Posted by: Traute Klein, nee Wollenberg (Junior High German Teacher) on: Oct 04, 2018

  • Our Condolences to the entire Orlikow family. We are sorry for your loss. May God's light shine upon him for all eternity. - Posted by: Barbara and Derek Rolstone (friend) on: Oct 03, 2018

  • We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you. - Posted by: MaryAnne Hembroff and Jason Bachewich (friends of John and Silvia) on: Oct 03, 2018

  • What a beautifully written obituary for “big Dan”. Please accept our deepest condolences to you and your family. Tiffany and Drew - Posted by: Tiffany Goodlet (Friend of Gord) on: Sep 30, 2018

  • RIP Dan! Our connections were long ago and brief and intermittent over the years, moving forward. But what I remember like yesterday was how much you made me laugh; how much you loved being a Rugger and how genuine you were. May peace be with you. - Posted by: Trish Bergal (High school friend) on: Sep 29, 2018

  • Shocked and saddened to hear. Hugs to the whole Orlikow family, especially Abby and Penny. Great smile and laugh, generous and kind - Dan you will be missed. Rest In Peace. - Posted by: Dawn-Marie (Friend) on: Sep 29, 2018

  • Our heartfelt condolences to the Orlikow family and the Rifkinds. Dan was so kind to our family and always shared a playful and infectious optimism in his professional role. A wonderful man who will remain forever young. - Posted by: Charmaine and Tom Putnam (friends) on: Sep 29, 2018

  • I remember when I first met Dan,when we both worked cutting grass for the Department of Parks and Recreation.I liked his affable nature,and the quirkiness of his humour. I was glad that our paths crossed again shortly after in law school.We both received our Call to the Bar in 1988,and over the next 30 years would run into each other at the gym,golf course or at social functions.He was always pleasant to speak with and everyone enjoyed his company. On the occasions when we dealt with each other on a professional basis I knew him to be prepared and he exhibited integrity. and intellect. A character like Dan will truly be missed by all who knew him.My thoughts go out to his family and his many friends at this difficult time. - Posted by: GREG HAWRYSH (Classmate and Friend) on: Sep 29, 2018

  • I'm so sorry for your loss. Big Dan and Little Dan are and will always be a pair. He loved Gill too and mentored her fencing career right up to a gold medal at the Canada games! My heart and thoughts are with you. Ox - Posted by: Bundy (Aunt of family members) on: Sep 29, 2018

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