After the amazing blessing of having Daniel Adam Huggett in our lives for 41 years, our family announces his peaceful passing, in his sleep, on Saturday, December 2, 2023, into the arms of the Lord. Husband of Sandra Huggett, whom he loved deeply. Loving father of his treasures Luciana and Sidney. Cherished son of Alan and Patty Huggett. Dear brother of; Jessica Hext and her children Mackinlay and Gracynn; Aaron (Holly) Huggett and their children Jesse and Cohen; and Sarah (Jacob) Binnendyk and their children Andy and Henrik. Grandson of Georgene and the late John Varsava and Janet Mackay. Son-in-law of Pasquale and Rosanna Bucci and brother-in-law of Maria Bucci and Michael (Jessica) Bucci. Daniel will be missed by his extended family, friends, and colleagues.
Born Sunday August 1, 1982 in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, Dan had many great adventures, and even more friends. He was incredibly loyal, with a magnetic personality. He was a uniquely giving person, from coaching Sid’s soccer with epic pep talks to lending a hand or words of encouragement for anyone who needed it. Dan always rooted for the underdog. You may not know it to look at him as an adult, but he knew what it was like to be an underdog. The challenge had made him stronger, and he “lowered the ladder” so others could climb up with him. One occasion, when asked how he was doing, he answered: “I’m gonna live forever…or die trying”.
Daniel was an avid reader, and was proud of the fact that there were no books on his many bookshelves that he had not read. He was a gifted writer who managed to entertain while motivating the reader to look within and reflect on others around them, and on themselves; a talented, award-winning actor with captivating charisma on and off screen. Dan was genuine, authentic and larger-than-life. “Never be afraid to kill off the main character.”
Over time, Dan travelled the world, making friends with characters from Paris to Oslo, Havana to St Catharines, Minneapolis to Cuba. He won a rodeo in Wyoming State (sort of), took photos with tourists at Mount Rushmore, outsmarted a cartel with the help of a South American Military Officer, flew a plane off a rooftop in Vice City, led a winning hockey team to a league record in penalty minutes (single game and season), proudly cheered his sister Jessica’s standing ovation when she hit the high note, and he became a world ranked gamer sailing the seas with friends, his kids and nephews as his crew. He was also a great cook.
It would be impossible to mention all of the wonderful games and adventures he had with Luci, Sidney and Sandra, as you would be reading this list beyond New Years Day and the printer would run out of ink, but to name a few of the activities he loved to do with with his family: tent camping at the Pineries, beach days in the Grove, walks to the lake, playing basketball, kayaking, bike rides, hiking, water parks and playgrounds; and he especially loved gaming with Sid and cooking with Luci. “Lu, pass me the Sawtsa (Sauce).”
Like his wife Sandra, his world revolved around his kids. While she kept them healthy, he provided the fun. He loved his wife in the way great romance stories portray, and few real life people ever have the courage to experience. “Stick with me, kid. Everything always works out for me.”
Like his daughter Luciana, Dan was smart, strong, and creative. He adored his Luci more than words can express and spending time with her was his idea of a perfect day. Heaven on Earth.
Like his son Sidney, Dan was fun, energetic, and interesting. He had a spark of life that was inspirational and lit up the room when he entered. He worked hard, played hard and had a heart-of-gold.
Like his father, Dan was a Process Operator with a great sense of humour. He adored his Dad and was convinced he was a perfect human. Dan worked at Shell Canada’s Sarnia Manufacturing Center for more than a decade, often solving problems for operations and occasionally creating them for human resources.
Like his mother, Dan cared deeply for people. If you knew Dan, you are better as a result of it, because you understand true friendship. He was always quick to respond with understanding and gentleness.
Dan was one-in-a-million. He took the time to truly see people, because he felt they each had indelible value, despite their flaws, even when others could not see it. Or perhaps, especially when others could not see it. He practiced his gift of empathy and compassion with his sister Sarah, who he considered the best person he ever met at this. “The only thing you can do is do better tomorrow.”
When Dan spoke about Luciana and Sidney, who he was more proud of than anything, he sounded like he had been bestowed with a rare and precious gift and as their Dad he prized guiding and stewarding them while recognizing them as their own unique and wonderful people. “I’m a good Dad. I got that right.”
To say that my brother Daniel Huggett will be missed gives new and deeper meaning to the words. No 998 words could be enough to capture who Dan was, his legacy, and his remarkable character; so I’ll leave you with two more that attempt to cover anything that has been missed: Listen & Love
Cremation has taken place. Family and friends will be received at The Rock Family Church, 1528 Michigan Line, Sarnia, on Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. with a memorial service following directly at 2:00 p.m. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to Ryan’s House (cheques only at the funeral home please). Memories and condolences may be sent online at www.smithfuneralhome.ca