July 8, 1932 – July 27, 2023
Daniel Pakosh, age 91, son of Milko and Klawda Pakosh, was born at Mikado, SK on July 8, 1932. He passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness with dementia on July 27, 2023 at St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg.
Dan is predeceased by his parents and siblings Julia, John, Peter, Anna, Rose, Bill, Sophie, Olga, Julius, Emil, and Ed. He is survived by his sister Marjorie.
Dan grew up in Mikado, a farming community. His roots influenced his life’s work in research and development of farming equipment with Versatile, and then Ford New Holland. He is credited with designing and marketing the first bi-directional tractor in the world, among other inventions and innovations. Dan was often seen thinking about and sketching his ideas.
Dan is survived by the love of his life, Yolande (his Frenchie). He met a young woman from Montreal at an International Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses held in New York City in 1953, and was instantly smitten. They married in October 1954 in Yorkton, SK before settling in Winnipeg. Dan and Yolande’s love story lasted almost 69 years and reflected a deep love and mutual respect. It was strengthened by a shared faith and trust in their God, Jehovah. They were rarely apart throughout their married life and Yolande remained a loving and patient caregiver right until the end of Dan’s life.
Dan will be missed by his children Derrick, Darrell (Cheryl), and Michelle Pulak (Larry); his grandchildren Sasha (Joseph), Dustin (Justine), Cody, Hudson, Riley, and Caden; and great grandchild Rosemary. As a father, Dan set the example through his actions, always demonstrating humility and kindness toward others. His children’s best memories were times spent at the farm where they watched their dad do experimental work and had hands-on opportunities to learn. Dan inspired creativity and passed along an aptitude for problem solving to his children that they apply to their own work and passions. His grandchildren received no less. Being with Grandpa was a “Montessori Education”, where they played and developed real life skills, wheelbarrows and trailers supplied, along with garden tractor rides.
As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Dan served his God faithfully and trusted in the future promise recorded in Revelation 21:4: “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the doctors who provided exceptional care to Dan throughout his illness. Special thanks to Dr. Milner, Dr. Rabson, Dr. Taraska, and Dr. Basali.
A private family burial will take place at a later date.
1 thought on “Daniel Pakosh”
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Both Dan and Yolande have been kind and loving to many of us nieces and nephews who have benefited by their hospitality over the years. We will always be grateful and thankful to both of them! I will always remember family get togethers where Yolande’s spontaneous humor was followed by Dan’s quiet laughter. We never tired of the fun we had together. Our warm love to the family!! Soon we will be united again with those sleeping in death.