Daun Philip Daum

Daun Philip Daum passed away at the age of seventy-nine, at the Rosedale Hospice in Calgary, Alberta, shortly after being diagnosed with aggressive lung cancer. He was predeceased by his parents, Philip and Minnie (nee Schaan), and brothers and their wives: John Daum (Kay) and Ronnie Daum (Bunny). He will be sadly missed by his sister Eleanor Schatz (Leo) and nephews and nieces: Rob Daum, Gene Daum (Kelly), Scott Daum (Diane), Carla Daum (Michael Fitzpatrick), David Daum (Anne Chao), Kathy Eliuk (Peter), Philip Daum (Gloria Fournier), Patti Daum (Gordon Bird), Kim Dellio (Kevin) and Kristen Cabral (Jerry), as well as numerous great nephews and nieces. Daun also leaves behind many close friends: his buddies at the “Care Home” (Jamieson Bar), the loyal regulars from Stavros Pizza and Sports Bar, as well as his golfing friends from Silver Springs Golf Course, especially Cheryl, Gaylene, Sheryle, and Tony.

Daun grew up on a small farm near Churchbridge, Saskatchewan. His family then moved to a home near Regina where he attended Luther College High School. Daun credits his teachers and coaches at Luther for nurturing his athletic talents and instilling a sense of direction for academic success. While playing for the Regina Rams, his team won the national championship in 1966. He went on to play for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies while pursuing his Education Degree.

The richest years of Daun’s career were spent as the head coach of the Bowness High School basketball, football and track teams. During his tenure Bowness won 21 city finals in football, basketball and ladies field hockey. Daun cared about the whole student, not just the athlete. He was passionate about developing his students’ characters and he was always there to support them when they needed help or mentorship. Many of these students stayed in touch with Daun after his retirement and were there to visit during his final days. As one of his students expressed: “You always pushed me to be better. To pay attention and work on the little things. You always saw more in me than I was able to see in myself.”

In addition to his teaching and coaching career, Daun was an active volunteer at his golf course and the football athletic club at Shouldice Park, among others. He was a good friend to his neighborhood birds and dogs. On his morning walks during Covid, he often greeted by name and offered treats to over forty dogs.

A celebration of life for Daun will be held at Silver Springs Golf & Country Club from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on May 3. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Booster Club or the Calgary Humane Society.