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BORN
1963
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
DANIEL EK Obituary
Dr. Daniel Martin Ek, age 60, passed away peacefully at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center with his family by his side on November 20th, 2023. A year prior, Dan received an unexpected and tragic terminal cancer diagnosis. Born on April 10th, 1963, he lived in Regina, Saskatchewan, with his family until age five. They then moved to Thompson, Manitoba, followed by Kenora, Ontario, where he attended Beaver Brae High School. Dan attended the University of Toronto, where he completed a bachelor's degree in biochemistry before continuing to medical school. While in medical school, he met his future wife, Janet. After Dan and Janet completed their family medicine residency at Dalhousie University, they opened their practice in Thunder Bay in 1992. He worked as a family physician in Thunder Bay for 31 years alongside his wife, Dr. Janet Primmer, most recently with Harbourview Family Health Team.
Throughout his life, Dan was recognized as a gifted musician. A talented clarinet player in his youth, Dan continued playing piano throughout his life. His talent was appreciated by the congregation at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, for whom he provided service music, and by his family, with whom he always shared his love of music.
Dan enjoyed spending time with his family; together they enjoyed many canoe trips through Quetico Provincial Park, time spent at camp by the lake, and travel. Many fond memories of time spent with him in Costa Rica and across Europe will be cherished by his wife and children. Dan had the wonderful ability to turn any outing into an adventure - whether it was veering off the beaten path on a hike or seeking out activities such as ziplining, horseback riding, or white-water rafting.
During winters, Dan and his family enjoyed walks in the woods, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Along with his sons, Dan enjoyed his time with Big Thunder Nordic Ski Club on the trails and in the wax room.
Dan will be remembered as a loving and caring husband, father, and son. Dan's children will always be thankful for his endless support of all their pursuits.
Predeceased by his father, Pastor Robert Ek. Dan is survived by his wife, Janet; his children, David, Nicholas, and Kiersten; his mother, Siv; and his siblings, Nathan (Elizabeth), Nils (Cynthia), Carl, Lisa, Darren, and Charlotte. Dan will also be dearly missed by his in-laws Harold and Joyce Primmer; sister-in-law Mary-Beth Sherwood (Daniel); brother-in-law Paul Primmer; several nieces and nephews; and many relatives across the United States.
A memorial service will be held on January 19th, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Hilldale Lutheran Church.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for DANIEL EK
Sponsored by Northwest Funeral Alternative.
29 Entries
Jodi
January 20, 2024
Our heartfelt and deepest condolences go out to the Ek family. May you find peace leaning on each other and may your shared memories bring you comfort.
The ZIEBARTH Family,
Jodi,
Dwayne,
Amber and
Autumn
~XO~
Brian & Keri Ek
January 20, 2024
I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to my Aunt Siv and my cousins. I know it had been many years since we'd seen Danny and our other cousins from Canada, but you'll always be in our hearts forever.
Charlotte
January 20, 2024
Forever remembered big brother
Alice Newman
January 19, 2024
Dear Janet and family,
I am very sorry for your loss. I would enjoy my talks with Dan on the wards when I was a (later in life) resident at the Regional. Always the best, Alice Newman, class of 9T0
John Hatton
January 3, 2024
I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Ek at Harbourview Family Health Team. As Lead Physicians he always amazed me by using his interpersonal and leadership skills to guide us through the day to day challenges of the pandemic, with a fair and collaborative style. He listened and always came up with a solution with patients and staff in mind. My sincere condolences to Dr. Primmer and the rest of the Ek family.
John Hatton
Deborah Cavar
December 14, 2023
Janet and family, so sorry to hear of Dr. Ek's passing. Our family was fortunate to receive excellent care from yourself and Dr. Ek for 30 years. Our sincere condolences and prayers at this difficult time.
Deborah Cavar and family
Anne and george Melo
December 14, 2023
The moments you held our daughter and supported me through the years of my post traumatic stress and your wife held me in her heart always.. I will never forget.. I'm sad for your family..it doesn't feel right letting him go but we know we have to. God bless all of your family
Gwerfyl Anne Lappalainen
December 13, 2023
Dr Ek was our doctor for many years. Always caring and gentle. Grateful for his service. So very sorry, our loving sympathy to Dr Primmer and family.. Mr and Mrs Lappalainen and family.
aunt Marian Johnson
December 10, 2023
Dan was a faithful son in helping his ageing mother, Gods Peace to your family
Keith and Alane Lokkesmoe
December 9, 2023
So very sorry for your loss of a wonderful husband, father, and son. We are praying for God's comfort and presence with you. Danny is Keith's cousin. We wish we could have spent more time with him and your family. Being so far away is difficult. We pray Psalm 23 over you all.
Tanya Spivak
December 7, 2023
May your family find comfort in the joyful memories made with Daniel and may they heal your broken hearts.
Jordyn Acourt
December 6, 2023
Condolences to the family and loved ones of Daniel Ek.
Dr. Ek was my doctor since I was 3 years old, 34 years old now and his compassion and care throughout those years was immeasurable. He helped me through some of the worst times in my life, most memorable, the untimely death of my own father during covid. His respect and compassion during that time, I will always remember. Hearing of his diagnosis was heartbreaking and now his passing, I share in your pain. Doctors are hard to find today, but a dedicated, caring and compassionate one is even more rare. You will be dearly missed.
Thank you for your many years of care Dr. ek.
Michelle McKitrick
December 6, 2023
It is such sad news that we have to say good bye to Dr. Ek.
He made a difference in the world through medicine -we felt lucky to have you Dr. Primmer and Dr. Ek both! Our community and our family were so lucky to have you both- providing competent, compassionate and attentive care. We miss you both tremendously.
May your experiences - paddling, travel, skiing, work, community and most importantly, family carry you through this difficult time. I wish your family many treasured times ahead knowing he will be there in spirit.
Sending love and peace to your family.
Michelle McKitrick and family
Lori Trelinski
December 4, 2023
My sincere condolences to your family. I worked with Dan at the NorWest CHC years ago. He was a very kind fellow and was always a pleasure working with him. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Carol Allen
December 4, 2023
Dr. Ek helped me at critical times of my life. I remember him for his kind wisdom and support. I am grateful to both he and Dr. Primmer for being there for my family and devoting so much of their career to helping others. Sending my condolences to all the family at this difficult time. He will be remembered by so many in this community with love.
Delene
December 3, 2023
The Ek family. So sorry for the loss of your husband/father. I enjoyed working with him.
Bob Bradley
December 3, 2023
Janet and family, sorry to hear of Dan´s passing
Bob and Devin
Roland & Betty Baird
December 3, 2023
Dr. Primmer & family - we are very sorry to hear of the passing of your husband/father. Our condolences to the family.
Heidi Viita
December 2, 2023
Dr Primmer and Family. We are sorry for your loss. Dr Ek was our family physician for 30 years, later having both of you. He will be missed. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Petri, Heidi, Amber (Henry) and Wesley Viita
Barb LaBarre
December 2, 2023
Dr. Primmer, I'm so sorry to hear about Dr. Ek's passing. It seems that he lived a very rich and rewarding life. It sounds like you have a close family and lots of memories to cherish. Thinking of you.
Velda Siciliano
December 2, 2023
It is with sadness to learn of the loss of Dr. Ek .
As a R.N . Dr Ek was always most pleasant and kind as his dear wife Janet was to work with.
He true gentlemen with a good listening ability and very calm .
I worked with his mother in law Joyce and my husband has known Harold a lifetime.
Please accept my sincere condolences to the family.
Velda and Brian Siciliano
Leslie Roberts
December 2, 2023
Dr Primmer and Family. So sorry to hear of Dr Eks passing. He will be missed by all who knew him. You were my family´s physicians for 31 years, we were all so lucky to have had you both. You are in our thoughts and prayers for now and always. Leslie, Darryl, Daniel and Madison (Busby) Roberts.
Shanon
December 2, 2023
My sincere condolences to the Ek and Primmer families. I enjoyed my short time getting to Dan and Janet. I always laugh when I see 'shake' style siding, and remember his 'crooked teeth' quip!
Alyson Carroll
December 2, 2023
So very sorry for this loss.
Alyson Carroll
Dave Alderdice
December 2, 2023
Our Condolences to Janet and the Family. Dr Dan Ek will be missed by Family n Friends and all of his patients. He was a remarkable Person n Doctor.
Lori Fero
December 2, 2023
Janet and Family.
We are so very sorry for the loss of your Husband Daniel. Dr. Ek was a fantastic Man, very kind caring and knowledgeable person who always helped his patients.
We of course were devastated to hear the very sad news of his illness and prayed for all of you.
He will be greatly missed by all in the community and of course you and your family.
We were truly grateful to have Daniel as our Family Physician for many years as well as Janet.
No words can express how sorry we are for your loss.
With our Deepest Condolences and Heartfelt Sympathy.
Jim, Peg and Lori Fero.
May you all find comfort and strength during this most difficult time in your lives.
Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results
Memorial Events
for DANIEL EK
Funeral services provided by:
Northwest Funeral Alternative428 Balmoral Street, Thunder Bay, ON P7C 5G8