Dan George Kuftinoff

DAN G. KUFTINOFF Sr.

(1957-2017)

Dan George Kuftinoff Sr, age 59, of Lundbreck, Alberta, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2017 at the Pincher Creek Hospital.

Dan was born August 8, 1957 in Lethbridge, Alberta to the late Jack Kuftinoff and Helen Tollen. He was the youngest of three children. Dan grew up in the Crowsnest Pass and moved to Lundbreck in his mid-twenties, where he spent the remainder of his life.

Dan’s hard work ethic and devotion to his job were evident early on as he gained employment at Coleman Collieries at the young age of fifteen.  From there, Dan, along with his brother, started their own trucking company for a few years and then he went on to work for Drain Brothers Construction, CP Railway, and Dwyer Construction. He later went to work at Line Creek for twelve years and lastly, worked at Southwest Concrete Products for ten years until his well-deserved retirement in 2016. Dan was the most dependable and meticulous employee one could ever ask for. He was always the first person at work, the last person to leave, and seldom ever missed a day of work. He took tremendous pride in all that he did.

Dan was a devoted father and ‘papa’. He enjoyed life’s simple pleasures with his family and friends and loved nothing more than heading out to the boat club for a camping trip or sitting by the fire in the back yard. He looked forward to those early mornings he spent hunting and spotting with his son, the various construction projects they tackled together, and barbequing with him. In recent years, he enjoyed the summer nights watching his grandson ride his dirt-bike, teaching him how to mow the lawn, and watching him at skating practice. Dan never missed an opportunity to visit and play with his grandson and he loved more than anything to spoil him rotten.  Dan was beyond generous and kind-hearted and would rarely show up for a visit empty handed. He was never one to sit still for too long and even on his days off could be found tinkering with something out in his yard, gathering firewood, or tending to his lawn. In the time spent with him, he instilled in his children and grandchild the virtues of honesty, responsibility, integrity, and the value of a hard day’s work. He was the kind of person that people strive to be; one that truly helps people and does good deeds out of the kindness in his heart and not for the sake of being noticed.

On July 26, 2008, he married his beloved wife, Susan Sohm, after being together for twelve years - in her, he found a caring, devoted, and loving companion. They found great joy in each other’s company and made many lasting memories together. Sue helped him find out how much he truly did love to travel and over the years they went on several vacations together, as well as with other family members and friends. On the rare occasion that Dan did find time to relax, it was often times that he spent with Sue enjoying the many activities that she was always planning for them. She brought great comfort and peace to his life and he was grateful for the love they shared.

During this past year of illness, Dan’s courage and bravery never faltered. We are all so thankful for the memories we shared and for the chance to say goodbye. He will remain forever in our hearts. Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life are his wife, Susan Kuftinoff of Lundbreck, AB; his children, Dan (Dakoda) Kuftinoff of Burmis, AB, and Cody Sohm of Edmonton, AB; his sister, Connie (Allen) Delawski of Coleman, AB, and brother, Nick Kuftinoff of Coleman, AB; his grandchild Mikka Kuftinoff of Burmis, AB; his nieces, Lisa Karasz of Coleman, AB, Lindsey (Scott) Kuftinoff-Drennan of Kamloops, BC and Jackie Kuftinoff of Lethbridge, AB; and his nephew, Eric (Amy) Karasz of Coleman, AB; as well as other extended family and countless friends that he made throughout his lifetime.  Dan was predeceased by his father, Jack Kuftinoff, his mother, Helen Mannion, and his son, Gary Kuftinoff.

The family would like to invite you to a celebration of Dan’s life on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 7:00pm at the Cowley Community Hall (122 Cameron St).  Food and refreshments will follow after the service. Donations in memory of the late Dan Kuftinoff Sr, may be directed towards the Boys & Girls Club (PO Box 1176, Coleman, AB T0K 0M0) or the Kids Sport Alberta (PO Box 415, Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0).  Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca. 

Fantin's Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements. (403) 562-8555.

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