Dan Mailman Passes

Daniel Laurence Mailman, 68, of Lower Sackville, N.S. passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2025. 

Born on Aug. 21, 1956 in Elmsdale, N.S., Dan was the oldest son of Ralph and Marjorie Mailman. Beloved husband to Janet, father to Kristie (Brent Fisher) and Jarrod, and a very proud Grampie to Archie Daniel, who was proudly given his middle name after his Grampie and will carry on his legacy. He also leaves behind a faithful companion and the one who finished all his meals, the family dog, Bella.

Dan grew up in Enfield and “on the farm” in Urbania, attended Hants East Rural High and started out working with CN Railroad at 17 years old. As a young man, he was very interested and passionate about Standardbred horse racing and could often be found announcing races at the Sackville Downs or Truro Raceway. Danny had strong connections with Lower Sackville; it’s where he met his best friend, Philip Syms, who later introduced him to his wife. It is where he and Janet chose to start their married life and raise their family. Dan was the type of father who made his children his first priority and ensured they understood the importance of family.

Dan began a career with Clary Flemming & Associates in 1981 and spent 25 years in the advertising business. In his time working, he was presented with opportunities to travel, meet new people and work alongside co-workers that became dear friends.

After retiring, Dan took over the family fishing business dipping for gaspereau under the bridge in Enfield. His father built the first wharf in 1949 where Dan spent many hours as a boy with his father and siblings and cousins. Later in life, it became the place where many tales were told. Anyone who was lucky enough to know Dan, knew he was a vivid storyteller, with the sharpest memory and a quick wit. Any topic that came up, Dan had a story or fact to add.

Dan is predeceased by his parents, Marjorie (Matthews) and Ralph Mailman; his brother, Murray; and sisters, Jeanne and Catherine. Dan is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Janet (Clinton); his children, which he loved dearly, he was so proud of and supported them from birth until now, his daughter, Kristie (Brent Fisher, who was his “second son”) and his son, Jarrod. The pride and joy of Dan’s life was his grandson, Archie. He is survived by his sister, Evangeline Mailman; and brothers, Stephen and David. Danny has three sisters-in-law, Helen, Pam and Margie (Greg Chapman); many nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; lots of cousins; and an abundance of friends, who will all miss him dearly.

One of the most wonderful things about Dan was his ability to make friends, from all settings and walks of life. To be the friend or family of Danny Mailman, meant you always had someone to listen to you and someone to offer heartfelt advice. He was loyal, at times almost to a fault. He showed people kindness, respect and never with judgement.

Within Dan’s legacy, he will be remembered for many things, like his unwavering love of the Toronto Maple Leafs, his keen eye at Saturday yard sales with Janet, and the many golf balls he's lost at different courses around the Maritimes. His love for fishing spanned beyond the Shubie River, from the lakes where he took Janet fishing in the boat, to fishing mackerel in Spanish Ship Bay. His intelligence and memory, which made him just like his mom, his sense of humour, his addiction to Tim Horton’s coffee, his love of TV re-runs of Mash, “the Great” Muhammed Ali and the speedy champion Somebeachsomewhere. He told tall tales, had strong morals, polarizing political opinions and participated in lots of banter and debates with his mom, his siblings and Jarrod. He was a proud L’nu man who embraced cultural traditions and passed that to his children and grandson. The last 18 months were undoubtedly some of his favourite as he got to spend it with his grandson, Archie. They shared many cookies, almost daily FaceTime videos and snuggles in the “big bed.” He will be remembered for many more things, too many to list them all. Most of all he will be remembered for the family man that he was and the kindness he showed anyone who was lucky enough to encounter him, something that makes his family very proud.

Funeral arrangements by Ettinger Funeral Home and The Royal Canadian Legion Enfield. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will take place at Enfield Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133, located at 50 Old Enfield Road in Enfield, N.S., at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 23, 2025.

A livestream of the service will be available via the Ettinger Funeral Home website at ettingerfuneralhome.com. Viewers are encouraged to pre-register in order to watch the service live. A recording of the service will be available later for a limited time.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the NS SPCA or the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 133 would be appreciated by the family.

Tributes, words of comfort and memories of Dan can be shared with the family at the funeral home's website.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Dan Mailman.