Obituary of Daniel Thiel

<h1>Daniel (Donny) Thiel</h1> DANIEL (Donny) ANTHONY THIEL 1932-2009 Of Waterloo, on Friday, May 29, 2009 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer, in his 78th year, peacefully in the loving arms of his daughter and son-in-law, at Lisaard House, Cambridge. After many years of suffering from a debilitating disease, hidradenitis supparativa, virtually unknown to many in the medical field, Donny’s spirit has been released from the daily endurance of physical pain. His courage and strength over a twenty year battle was an inspiration to all those whom he encountered. Through his medical battles, his closest family became witness to the kindness, love and devotion burrowed beneath his husky frame. Those luckiest, were able to embrace a love rarely seen or simply misunderstood, and will be privileged to live with the inspiration of a man built of warmth, generosity and honor. Left to cherish his memories are his sons, Marc and his wife Linda, Gary and his wife Barb and Robert. Best friend and precious father to Sandi and her husband Dennis Duclos. Lovingly remembered by his five grandchildren, Amy Beth Duclos, John and Jennifer Thiel and Jordan and Braeden Thiel. Donny is survived by brothers, Gerald Thiel and his wife Catherine, Bert Thiel and his wife Jessie, Doug Thiel, Carl Thiel and his wife Beverley, Gord Thiel and dear friend Jan Hall, Bruce Thiel and his wife Sharon and his only sister, Rosemary Paul and her husband Al as well as many nieces and nephews and dear family friend Jan Miller. Predeceased by his devoted wife of 48 years, Lorraine (2005), his mother, Catherine Thiel; his father; Clarence Thiel; brother, Grant in infancy as well as his sister-in-law, Joan Thiel. Donny’s accreditations are like the man, he was simple, and he was a devoted employee of the Joseph E. Seagram and Sons Distillery for 39 years. He was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 530 where his daily visits were welcome by his many friends. Friends are invited to share in a memorial celebration of Donny’s life at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 530, 19 Regina St. N. Waterloo on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 1 p.m. Reception to follow. Condolences for the family and donations to Lisaard House may be arranged through the Erb &amp; Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445 as well as cards being available at the celebration of Donny’s life. Special thanks to Dr. Brian Taylor, London Heath Science Hospital and Dr. Michael Casey for their extensive care over the years, as well as special nurses, Tracy, Sian, Jen D. and Clota from the CCAC. To Nadine, your personal assistance, kindness and compassion will always be remembered and appreciated. To the staff at Lisaard House, you made Dad’s final days a comfort and will always be remembered. A special thank you to Linda Thiel, Catherine Thiel, Jan Miller and Rosemary Paul for the endless meals prepared for Dad over the years, your love and kindness will be rewarded. DON’T CRY FOR ME Life was once a painful place Where the sun would rise to greet my face; But the darkness of pain would over shadow the light Like a moon’s eclipse, to most a real delight. Within the shadow was a glimmer of desire That come one day my life would acquire; The freedom to feel life like I once knew it And I was able to do something as simple as sit. This pain was also a valuable teacher Not to walk through life ignoring the main feature… Family and friends should be your true focus in life And never go to bed without hugging your wife. When life was at its darkest, more than I could handle Along came a friend named Buddy, his inspiration most valuable; It’s okay…give yourself permission to show your love Don’t hide behind that big burly glove. In return the bounty of rewards did unlace And the world became a much better place; The joy of my love I have shared with those willing Amazing, this cat named Buddy has been such a huge faring. I know now that one can really only appreciate life’s blessings Once we have encountered the arduous lessons; The reward: when this blessed gift of simple familial pleasure arrives The heart is filled with joy and thrives. And when we see the end is near The only thing that helps to overcome the fear; Is the assurance of love and support that my family has provided My journey, thanks to all of you was rewarded. I am grateful for all my kindred’s kind gestures Without your compassion the fight would have faltered; Now always remember, please don’t cry for me Today there is no more pain, I am free to hug my wife and once again see. Dad’s thoughts, in my words…Sandi Duclos