Dr. Daniel Martin Ek, age 60, passed away peacefully at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center with his family by his side on Nov. 20, 2023. A year prior, Dan received an unexpected and tragic terminal cancer diagnosis.
Born on April 10, 1963, he lived in Regina, Sask., with his family until age five. They then moved to Thompson, Man., followed by Kenora, Ont., 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.
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.
Condolences can be shared online.