SOUTAR
Our beloved husband, dad, papa, brother, and uncle, Daniel ‘Danny’ E. Soutar of Red Deer, Alberta, passed away peacefully, with his wife, Arlene by his side, at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on Friday, October 9, 2020 at the age of 62 years. He was a loving man who will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Danny was born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario on March 18, 1958, the second of four boys. He spent his childhood moving to and from mining towns, ending up in Winnipeg, Manitoba where he joined CP Rail. Upon moving to Red Deer years later, Danny continued working with CP Rail as a track maintainer in the Maintenance-of-Way Department. This is where he met Arlene, while she worked in the office. He came in once to use the photocopier, and caught her eye. After that, he would regularly stop to chat with her. For two years they saw each other at work, until finally Arlene took it upon herself to ask when he was taking her for supper! That’s all it took, and they were happily together for nearly thirty years!
Danny was a family man who loved to cook for his family and friends, and was famous for his Caesar salad. He also loved to experiment with new ingredients to put a new spin on food. Danny always enjoyed listening to Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley, Def Leppard, and many more great artists while relaxing around the house, or doing chores. One of his favorite things to do on Friday nights was to have a wiener roast with family and friends in the back yard. He would always say to his friends, “Help yourself; if you can’t find it, we don’t have it”. Danny also loved to tease. When invited to supper, after serving what you believed to be a large meal, he would ask, “What’s for supper?” – then chuckle.
Danny adored his son, Austin. He loved Austin shadowing him during house renovations, and sharing with him the basic skills of construction. Austin will always be thankful for the time his dad spent with him on these projects. Danny enjoyed watching Austin’s practices and many performances with the Red Deer Royals Marching Show Band. Danny first discovered his love of international travel when he and Arlene joined Austin with the Red Deer Royals on their competitive trip to Europe. After this trip, Danny and Arlene returned to Paris, England, and Scotland. While visiting any castle, palace, or famous landmark, Danny made a point of kissing Arlene. Not a man to show too much affection, he told her that this way she would have been kissed at the Louvre, Edinburgh Castle, and the Eiffel Tower, just to name a few.
His grandson, Sawyer was Danny’s pride and joy. Papa saved every snack he found to give to Sawyer, and he was always spoiling him with little gifts and gadgets he found that he knew Sawyer would love. Danny enjoyed finding things to keep Sawyer entertained; from building forts in the living room, to blowing up water balloons in the back yard. Papa also loved to just sit and cuddle with Sawyer. Danny loved all of his nieces and nephews. When they came to visit, you would find them climbing all over him. Many would fall asleep in his lap. As they grew older, Danny made a point of giving them rides on the CP trains (along with any of their friends that tagged along). Many remember this as one of the coolest days of their childhood.
Arlene comes from a large family, and whenever projects were being done, Danny would lend a hand. One time, digging more than 300 holes for a tree planting; and another time, shoveling all the cement mix into the mixer for a massive barn floor. The mixer couldn’t keep up with him, and Danny had to wait for it! In fact, years later, Austin was helping Auntie Dale and Uncle Wayne pour concrete for deck foundations. When Austin arrived on site, they joked that he would have to try his best to load the same mixer as fast as his father had all those year ago. Austin could almost match Danny’s legendary speed. Danny always went in, sleeves rolled up, ready to show everyone how it’s done - something he instilled proudly into his son. He will be lovingly remembered by all. xx
Danny will be forever remembered by his wife, Arlene; and his son, Austin (Julie) of Red Deer; as well as his loving grandson, Sawyer. He will also be remembered by two brothers, Tom (Debbie) of Stonewall, Manitoba, and their family: Scott (Serina), and Tommy (Kitty); and Bill (Barb) of Calgary, and their family: Nika (Rob), Tasha, and Alex; his sister, Christine (Ian) of Winnipeg, Manitoba, and their family: Tina (Mario), and Lucia (Steve); and his stepbrother, Al (Sherri) of Thunder Bay, Ontario, and their son, Cory. Danny is also survived by his six sisters-in-law, Melinda (Steve) and their family: Morgan, and Erinn (Jordie); Jacqueline; Lori and her daughter: Allison (Devan); Kathy (Gord) and their family: Megan (Garth), Wes (Kendra), and Maddy (Cody); Dale (Wayne) and their family: Cody (Cody), and Dustin (Janelle); and Suzanne (Bill) and their family: Jenny, Ashley (Braedy), and Cody (Sarah); in addition to numerous aunts, uncles, great nieces and nephews, and many friends. Danny was predeceased by his father, Tom; his mother, Connie; and a younger brother, Rusty.
With respect for Danny’s wishes, no formal funeral service was held. At a later date, Danny was laid to rest in the Columbarium at the Alto Reste Cemetery, Red Deer. If friends desire, memorial tributes in Danny’s Memory may be made directly to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Suite 202 - 11227 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5K 0L5 (www.kidney.ca); or to Diabetes Canada, Suite 104 - 12220 Stony Plain Road, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 3Y4 (www.diabetes.ca). Condolence messages may be forwarded to the family by visiting: www.ofc-ltd.ca
Cremation Arrangements for the Late Daniel ‘Danny’ E. Soutar entrusted to the care of
