Pirrie, Daniel J., Lieutenant(N) (Ret’d) – age 73,
of Malagash Mine, Nova Scotia, passed away following a brief illness
on Friday, October 14, 2022, at Colchester East Hants Health Centre,
Truro. Born in Corunna, Ontario, he was a son of the late
John and Eliza (Parsons) Pirrie.
Serving in the Royal Canadian Navy for more than 40 years,
Dan held true to the Navy’s motto, “Ready, Aye,
Ready” and was prepared to defend Canada and proudly safeguard
its interests and values whether at home or abroad. A decorated
veteran of the Gulf War where he sailed security missions in the
Arabian Gulf, Dan also completed several NATO deployments designed to
bring stability to places where peace was
fragile.
Dan’s orientation to all things mechanical saw him
serve as Chief Engineering Officer on several of Canada’s
war ships, keeping them able and ready to respond to any threat,
disaster, or tragedy. Dan’s expertise led to a posting to
Saint John, NB in the 1990’s to support the building of
Canada’s new fleet of frigates.
Dan’s commitment to Canada’s armed
services often meant lengthy absences from family and friends, but
there was never any doubt that he was first and foremost a family man.
Family camping trips, even in the coldest months of winter, were
balanced by summers in the warm waters along the Northumberland
Strait.
When not at sea, Dan shared his talents with volunteer fire
brigades in several communities in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. He
last served with the Wallace District Volunteer Fire Department where
he was recently honoured for 15 years of
service.
Left to grieve Dan’s passing along with his many
friends, shipmates, and extended family are his wife of 49 years,
Brenda (Murray); sons, Andrew (Danielle) and Daniel (Lori); his
cherished granddaughters, Sienna, Jocelyne, Alexis, Kayleigh and Lyla;
and brothers, Jock (Cathie) and Dave
(Sharron).
In retirement, Dan and Brenda passed several pleasant winters
in southern Spain where they enjoyed making new friends, the abundant
local wine, and the warm breezes of the Mediterranean in equal
measure.
Dan was a cheerful person who approached every task with
enthusiasm, including hosting family gatherings where he found great
joy in spending time with the people he loved, and who loved
him. Admired, respected, and appreciated for his service,
Dan will be deeply missed, but not
forgotten.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall-Varner Funeral
Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. A celebration of life and committal of
ashes will be held at a later date. Donations in Dan’s
memory made to the Wallace District Fire Department, or to a charity
of one’s choice would be appreciated. Private
messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing
Dan’s obituary on-line and selecting “Send A
Condolence”at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Daniel Joseph Pirrie 1949 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Truro, Province: Nova Scotia