Daniel Kyle PFAFF

“We’re all here for a reason whether it’s to recreate, help build this world for the better, save a life, or even provide guidance for others. We are born with a destiny to be fulfilled.” D.P.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Daniel Kyle Pfaff, affectionately known as, Dan, Danny, Danger, Dandel, Dandalini, wombmate.  After spending ten months in the ICU at Toronto General Hospital and facing countless complications following his third double lung transplant, Dan passed away peacefully with his family by his side on June 17th, 2021.

Dan was the son of Tanis Hargrave (husband Ross Hall) and brother to Chris Pfaff (wife Kim) and uncle to their Josie and Mady. He was also brother to Matt Pfaff (partner Miriam) and uncle to their Oscar. His twin his sister is Amy Pfaff (partner Matthew Miezis). And we cannot forget his faithful fur-baby, his dog Sheba. Dan was predeceased by his father Robert Pfaff. He also had many aunts and uncles and cousins that he held dear to his heart.

Dan managed to fit a lot into his 36 years of life. He fearlessly followed his motto of living for today and making all the moments count. Born with Cystic Fibrosis, Dan was no stranger to challenges. He had a double lung transplant in 2002 at the age of 16 and a second in 2010 at 25. He became a huge advocate for Organ Donor Awareness.

“There is not a day that has gone by that I have not thanked and thought of my donors. I think about them all the time and they are my heroes”. D.P.

To know Dan was to love him. Intelligent and courageous, he had a great sense of adventure and was always up for a challenge. He was passionate about food and created tantalizing menus to be enjoyed by all. Dan was an excellent writer and shared his inspirational thoughts  in his personal blog darkandstormyblog.wordpress.com.  Dan’s creative streak included his artwork which was detailed, unique and full of colour. He impressed many of his nurses and doctors during his time in the hospital.

Dan loved fishing and had a unique ability to catch large numbers of bass, even when his fishing buddies were completely skunked. Dan was a card shark and we often teased him that someday we would take him to Vegas. While in the hospital, his favourite support worker Marc taught him the game of FIVES. He mastered it very quickly and became unbeatable.

One of Dan’s passions was donuts. He and his wombmate Amy would head off in his Jeep for a double trouble donut tour covering several days, many miles, and too many donuts.

Dan was a teacher and inspired everyone with his fearless approach to life. He became a warrior to many of his friends as he battled his challenges with grace, determination and even humour. Dan taught people how to push themselves outside of their comfort zone. He was born Daniel in the Lion’s Den but, through the years, transformed into The Lion. To Dan it was better to spend just one day as a lion than your whole life as a lamb.

The past ten months were exceedingly difficult and even more challenging because of the strict COVID-19 protocols at the hospital. Dan’s twin sister Amy gave up her teaching position in Calgary last August to share Dan's visiting hours with his mom Tanis. They collectively never missed a day and spent every possible moment just being there.

We would like to thank Dan’s team of doctors, nurses, physios, RT’s and PSW’s at Toronto General Hospital who couldn’t help but be touched by Dan’s relentless determination. We  extend special thanks to Vincent Lo, head of the physio department who brought Dan back into the light of trusting his inner strength. In addition, a heartfelt thanks to Stefan Pankiw, the spiritual councilor at TGH for his support and comfort over the past ten months.

Dan will forever be a beautiful soul. His lessons, while tough, have taught us to appreciate life and live every moment to the fullest. The hard ones make us stronger and the happy ones bring us joy. Dan’s legacy will live on forever in the hearts of those he so generously touched.

“Life is meant to be experienced for the moment. Don’t live a little, live a lot.” D.P.

THE LION IS FINALLY AT PEACE.

Two days of visitation have been allocated to fully accommodate the many friends, acquaintances and cherished allies who supported Dan on his incredible journey; many of which he considered his family. Visitation will be held at the Low and Low Funeral Home, 1763 Reach Street, Port Perry (905-985-7331) on Friday, June 25 and Saturday, June 26; to schedule a time to pay respect or visit with the family, please call the funeral home directly between the hours of 9a.m. and 5p.m. Due to COVID-19 rules, attendance is limited within the facility, and all attendees must adhere to wearing a mask and maintaining social distance while visiting. A Private Family Funeral will be held on Sunday, June 27 at 2:00p.m.; to attend the service virtually please click this link.

In lieu of flowers we ask that a donation be made towards a memorial bench to be placed in a yet to be determined location where friends and family can gather to watch sunsets. For information on how to donate, please contact the Funeral Home directly.