Obituary of Dr. Daniel Wassill

WASSILL – Dr. Daniel “Danny” Wassill beloved husband to Vera Wassill of Yorkton, loving and supportive father, grandpa and great grandpa passed away peacefully at Yorkton Regional Health Center.  He was 95 years of age. Dad’s strong will and perseverance was evident in living every day to its best.

     Daniel was born February 27,1929 on the family farm in the Otthon district near Yorkton, Saskatchewan. He was the fourth of seven children, born to John and Victoria Wassill. He was raised on the family farm and embraced a hard work ethic.

     His early education was at Oak Hill school near the family farm. He completed high school at St. Henry’s in Melville, Sask. Dan excelled academically. He moved to Toronto in 1948 where he was enrolled to study at the College of Optometry at the University of Toronto. He graduated in 1951.  Dan proudly completed his Doctor of Optometry degree in 1958. He opened his first practice at Kamsack in 1952 and went on to practice Optometry in Yorkton from 1956 until his retirement in 1999.

     In 1953, Dan had the good fortune of going on a blind date. He met his true love and future wife, Vera Chernoff.  They married November 9, 1955 and moved to Yorkton where they raised four children.  They welcomed Patrick (Pat) born in 1957, Noreen in 1960, Tammie in 1961, Larry in 1962.

     Doc was a true sportsman and competitor at heart. In his youth, he enjoyed many hours of pond hockey with his brothers. He played recreational hockey until the age of 72 years!  Dan played with many baseball teams in Saskatchewan, but his favorite time was with the Kamsack Cyclones team. In addition, he loved curling, bowling with Vera, golfing and downhill skiing. In his younger years he was a mentor and a coach for his children, teaching us how to skate on the carefully crafted backyard rink. Dan was an ardent supporter of his grandchildren’s sporting competitions. Whenever possible, Dan and Vera traveled near and far to cheer them on. Other travels took them across Canada where they explored Montreal Expo 67, Vancouver Expo 86, Calgary Winter Olympics ’88, Quebec, Maritimes, Jasper, Banff, Yukon and Alaska and their favorite warm weather destination, Maui.

     Dan had a true fondness for music. He loved to sing. He was a member of the original St. Gerard’s choir and the Yorkton barbershop men’s chorus. He enjoyed playing his guitar, harmonica, and serenading us with his unique piano chording. Dan was a lifelong member of the Knight’s of Columbus and was a Fourth degree Knight.

     Some of Dan’s interests and hobbies included playing cards, bridge, crib and trying his luck on the lottery. Taking ownership of a cabin in 1967 at Clear Lake, Manitoba and establishing the family’s favorite place to “Squeeze More Inn”. Many great memories were created there, especially family lawn bowling, “losers wash the dishes!”, golfing, mini golf and himself as the BBQ grill master.  He loved treating the grandkids; young and old to ice cream.

     Dan and Vera were blessed with 69 years of marriage. Left to cherish Dan’s memory are his beloved wife Vera, his children, son Pat (Renee) of Calgary, and their children, Nicolas (Claire), Genevieve (Steven), Alec (Hannah); daughter Noreen (Gord) of Calgary, and their children, Allison (Justin), Graeme (Tenille); daughter Tammie (Darrell) of Whitehorse, Yukon, and their children, Erin (Paul), Lynsey (Richard), Taylor (Marissa), Bronwyn (Easton); and son Larry of Vancouver. Great grandchildren: Olive, Rosalie, Prairie, Henry, Bennett, Freddie, Bohdi; sister, Dorothy (Jospeh) Fulop of Calgary; brother Clarence Wassill of Vancouver.

     Dan was predeceased by his parents John and Victoria, brothers Albert, Elmer, Bob, sister Cecilia, sister Frances in infancy and grand daughter Danielle.

     Dan, you will be remembered as a treasure. Your long-time work is now complete. We love you dearly and will miss you immensely!  

You are in our hearts forever. Rest in peace.

    A Prayer Vigil was held on November 21, 2024 at St. Gerard’s Roman Catholic Church with Scott and Colleen Hoffart presiding. Words of remembrance were given by Tammie Pasloski & Larry Wassill. Special music was sung by Adelle Sherring.

     The Funeral Mass was held on November 23, 2024 from St Gerards Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Sathiadas Antony as Celebrant. Lectors were Genevieve Wassill & Graeme Kendall, Prayers of the Faithful were delivered by Darrell Pasloski, Words of Remembrance was given by Noreen Wassill Kendall & Pat Wassill. Honourary Casket Bearers were Reneé Plante Wassill, Noreen Wassill Kendall, Gord Kendall, Tammie Pasloski. Larry Wassill,  Pat Wassill, Graeme Kendall, Alec Wassill, Darrell Pasloski, Genevieve Wassill served as the Casketbearers.     

      The family wishes to extend appreciation for the support, kindness, and compassion shown to them during this difficult time.

Donations in memory of Dr. Daniel Wassill may be made to the Allan Blair Patient Lodge Renewal Fund or Brayden Ottenbreit Close Cuts for Cancer.

Condolences may be shared at baileysfuneralhome.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home and Cremation Care.