Daniel Jack Heidt

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Daniel J. Heidt.  Dan passed away of a heart attack the evening of Monday, November 4, 2019.

Daniel J. Heidt (also known as DJ) was born in Mankota, SK on February 16, 1952 to Jack & Phillipina (Stengler) Heidt. He was the sixth of eight sons.

Dan grew up on the family farm and attended school in Mankota, then attended the Saskatchewan Technical Institute in Moose Jaw, where he achieved his Journeyman Carpentry ticket. From there he spent some time building schools and hospitals. Next, he was manager of the New Home Warranty Department at Keith Homes in Calgary, AB. This fueled his passion for carpentry and design, buying, renovating, and finishing homes across Calgary in his spare time. He then opened and operated DJ’s Billiards & Arcade in Okotoks, AB.

Upon moving to Saskatoon, SK Dan worked as the maintenance supervisor for Sask-Native Rentals. Dan met the love of his life, Barbara Montgomery, as well as her sons Corey and Trevor Montgomery and married them all on July 4, 1987. Barb and her sons moved to Dan’s farm so they could all enjoy life on the farm. He loved his horses, cattle, pigs, chickens, cats, dogs, and even those darn Ostriches (a little).  

In the early 1990’s, Dan was contracted as a Saskatchewan Crop Insurance agent. In the late 1990’s, Dan received his Real Estate License. Dan was proud of many of his projects, which included helping construct a bank, moving and renovating the Heidt family home from Mankota to Care-Free Park near Simmie SK, renovating Voth’s plumbing shop in Herbert into the Herbert Trading Post, renovating the administration building at the former Alsask Military Base, and numerous other projects.

Another highlight for Dan & Barb was spending ten memorable winters down in Arizona and Mexico, as well as a trip to Costa Rica to help their son, Corey, with building a house.

Dan was a master carpenter, he had vision like no one we have ever seen. Dan was constantly on the go and always renovating something or looking for the next project. Dan was quite a character, as some would say, “larger than life.” Dan loved to pull pranks, but he did so with a heart of gold.

Words cannot describe our feeling of loss that seems to rip our hearts apart. Dan loved us all so deeply — his sons, daughters in-law, and grandchildren were so special and precious to him. As the children and grandchildren grew older, Dan assisted many of them with the purchase of a home and then of course, he would “help” renovate. The comfort we have is knowing that Dan lived his life as he wished; not only did he enjoy every breath he took, every project he passionately completed but he also fostered endless friendships, comradery and good will with every person he talked to.

One thing is certain, we will miss his humor, his cooking, and his well-known opinion. Now we must feed on our memories of his great skill and valued opinion of how to fix, renovate, restore, and repair. The beautiful work he turned out we can only awe and admire.

Dan’s spirit will remain with us forever. We will always crack a smile when we think of him.

Dan is survived by his wife of 32 years, Barbara (Montgomery) (Bazylinski) Heidt; his son, Corey (Mandi) Montgomery and their children, Teagan and Tye Montgomery; his son, Trevor (Bethy) Montgomery and their children, Thomas (Brooklyn), Ashton, Bradshaw, and Leo Montgomery; his brothers, George, Clem (Bertie), Steve (Mary Ellen), Leo (Patti), and Al (Char); his sister-in-law, Billie Heidt; his uncle, Balzer Stengler; his numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and by his best friends, CJ Klassen, Richard Doll and Vic Stahr. CJ and Dan were inseparable, what one thought of, the other already had in mind.

Dan was predeceased by his parents, Jack & Phillipina (Stengler) Heidt; his brothers, Val and Louie; his sisters-in-law, Angie and Helen; and by his nephews, Ricky, Greg and Brian.

Dan, you were my best-friend, a wonderful dad to my boys and to our grandchildren. We love you and your appreciation for life so much. God speed sweetie-pie, your wife Barb.

At Dan’s request, there will be no formal funeral services. There will be a Celebration of Life during the summer, Dan’s favourite season.

In memory of Dan and in lieu of flowers, donations made to the Herbert Volunteer Fire Department (c/o the Town of Herbert, 503 Herbert Ave, SK, S0H 2A0) would be appreciated by the family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Daniel Jack Heidt, please visit our floral store.