Danny Michael Ochitwa

Danny passed away at the age of 71 with family at his side. Danny was born on November 11, 1953. He was born with a rare genetic condition -Osteogenesis Imperfecta, commonly known as Brittle Bone Disease, but he learned to live with these physical limitations and lived life to the fullest. Danny’s mom was sick and not able to care for him, so he went to live with his older sister Barbara and her husband Bill Mukanik when he was about 18 months old and was raised with their children, for all intents and purposes as their brother – a member of the family. Danny completed school and followed up with schooling in fields of particular interest to him. He was our computer guru, from construction to programming. He worked in the electronics and computer industry. Danny loved music; he always had a harmonica with him, and would often play just to pass the time. Danny was actively involved with the Edmonton Jazz Society. He looked forward to volunteering yearly at the Edmonton Jazz Festival and his visits to the Yardbird Suite in Edmonton. Danny also had an interest in Art and was pretty darn talented. He worked with various media. He encouraged his nieces and nephews to try their hand at the arts, and some of them still have their hands in it. Danny loved spending time shooting his pellet gun. In the seasons with no snow, he would spend time outback the greenhouse or when visiting Myrnam, shooting targets. Danny loved sitting around a campfire and visiting with those around. He was a tea connoisseur, but when it came down to it, it had to be Orange Pekoe, and brewed specifically - bag in the pot, pour boiling water over the bag and steep and do not wash the teapot when done. Danny was a night owl and often worked on one project or another late into the night. He also watched many TV programs on KSPS PBS Spokane, which was indeed his favourite station to watch. He enjoyed a good old western whenever one was on. Danny was the “cat’s meow” to his great nieces and nephews. He gave a new meaning to the word “great”. He tried to spend time with them whenever possible. Danny liked to remind everyone that he was always a “GREAT” uncle. Danny was predeceased by his parents, Alex and Anne (Michalkow), Ochitwa, his sister Barbara and brother-in-law William (Bill) Mukanik. Danny is survived by his brother James (Jim) and his wife Patricia (Blocka), their children Mark (Maria), Rob (Carrie) and their families, Betty Corlett ( Mukanik), Ian Mukanik, and Krista (Rodney) Ketsa, Great Nieces and Nephews – Erin (Peter), Natasha, Tania (Dennis), Michaela, Mitchell and Alexander and his Great-Great Nieces and Nephews – Noah, Finn, Madison, Kayllen, Altas and Odin. A life well lived; Danny will be missed by all!

Danny Michael Ochitwa

November 11, 1953 - April 10, 2025