December 29, 1941 - April 29, 2025
In loving memory ~
Donald Jack Dakers was born in Victoria BC to Douglas John Dakers and Doris Adah Dakers (Benwell). He grew up there with his brothers Walter and John. Their family loved having outdoor adventures including camping, hiking, fishing and hunting as well as swimming and water skiing for many summers at their cottage at Shawnigan Lake. Don attended Vic High and apprenticed in welding. He married his high school sweetheart Patricia Martindale and moved to Campbell River where they settled down with their three children Richard, Karen and Ron.
His accomplishments included receiving a Royal Lifesaving Certificate from the Queen of England, Past Master Councillor in DeMolay, President of the CR JC's, and bragging rights to impeccable bookkeeping records.
He loved to tinker and work on any small engine or project and was our "go to" to fix anything. He worked most of his life at C&L Supplies, Aucklands, and Western Equipment. He was known for his charm, wit, humor and storytelling which made him perfect for customer service. He made many long-lasting connections with people all over Vancouver Island.
During his years with his second wife Joan, they enjoyed a vibrant life filled with music, the outdoors, and travel. They often spent evenings listening to their favorite tunes and exploring nature together. Their adventures included memorable trips and weekend getaways to the family cabin, where they created lasting memories surrounded by beauty and tranquility.
He travelled to Hawaii, Alaska, San Diego, Vegas, Seattle, Nova Scotia, and areas across Canada with various family members and friends. His greatest life achievements were building his cabin at Horne Lake by hand, and spending time with his family there doing all the outdoor activities he's loved since childhood. He really enjoyed the thought of his great-grandchildren remembering spending time with him.
Both widowed, Don and his first wife Pat were fortunate to reunite, renewing a connection that had endured through the years. This journey reflects their growth, illustrating that love is not just about timing, but also about the courage to open one's heart again. Their remarriage was a joyous occasion, highlighting the resilience of their relationship and the depth of their shared history. They enjoyed their senior years together, had many happy adventures, visited family members and friends, and renovated the family cabin with their special friends Audry and Conroy. Due to health complications, they only dreamed and talked about the experiences they never had the chance to share.
He leaves to celebrate his life, his wife Pat, his son, Richard Dakers and his children Adam (Alyshia), Victoria, and Makalya; Daughter, Karen McMillan (Duane) and their children Kaitlin Dakers (Justin), Meagan Galley (Kyle), and Shae; Son, Ron Dakers (Glory) their children Nic (Shelby) Chris (Vanessa) and many Great- grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his second wife of many years Joan (Muriel) Fraser (Stewart) and her living children Rod, Carol and John, and their children and many family members.
Thank you to Dr. Veerepan, Dr. Clark, Dr. Murchison, Dr. Waterman, and Dr. McEwen, to all the staff at Campbell River Hospital, ICU and 3B with special mentions to nurses, Tim, Nana, Doug, Misty and Lindsay... and to Kelly for the bananas, they were his favorite.
He wanted to be remembered as someone who always offered help to those in need, believing that even small acts of kindness could make a significant difference. He prioritized extending support through comforting words, helping hands, or a listening ear. We encourage others to keep his actions in mind and to "pay it forward," fostering a culture of compassion and goodwill in the community.
If you wish to make a donation in his memory, one could do so to the B.C. Cancer Society.
As per Dons wishes a small private memorial will be held at a later date.