The family of Daniel Stephen Rode is saddened to announce that Dan passed away suddenly on January 27, 2026, due to a heart attack.

Dan was born in Grande Prairie, AB, and spent most of his life here. He had a short stint living in Leduc, AB, and another short time living in Ontario, but his heart really was here in the Peace Country, surrounded by family and friends.

He loved all sports, both as a participant and a spectator. He played peewee, bantam, and then high school football with the Composite High School. As a child, he played t-ball, baseball, and fastball, and as an adult, he played slow pitch. He learned how to ski at Nitehawk and Marmot. He loved zipping through the woods on his very short ski blades. He played basketball with the Wolves Jr. program. He loved bowling, both five-pin and ten-pin. As a spectator, Dan cheered for the Montreal Canadiens. He was also delighted that his Seattle Seahawks were going to the Super Bowl. He was an avid fan of MMA.

Dan loved music and enjoyed going to concerts when he could. As a child, he loved the family “road trip” music of Neil Diamond and Gordon Lightfoot. He enjoyed many types of music as an adult, but heavy metal was his go-to. In his younger years, Dan sang in the Youth Choir at St. Paul’s United Church and went to Music Week at Naramata’s summer camp, where he sang in the choir.

Dan had many jobs throughout his life. He attended a NAIT Millwright program at the Grande Prairie campus and worked as an apprentice millwright for a short time. He worked driving a skid steer, clearing brush for the oilfield. When he was in Ontario, he worked as a tow truck driver. His excellent problem-solving and customer service skills led him to the parts industry, and he was a valued member of the Sean Sargent Toyota team when he passed. His ultimate goal was to instruct Parts at Northwestern Polytechnic like his dad. Unfortunately, he was not able to fulfill that dream.

In 2009, Dan married Sheena Burkett. She brought her daughter, Naveed (who now goes by the name Sawyer), into the relationship, and Dan loved that little girl with his whole heart. Soon after, they added another girl to the family, Niya Airren. Dan was so happy. He had always wanted to be a father, and now his family was complete. When the relationship with Sheena broke down, Dan did not hesitate to take on the role of sole parent to both girls.

Dan also loved his big, extended family. He was always up for a visit, which included hugs, with aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. He loved big family dinners and birthday celebrations, especially if there was cheesecake involved.

Dan met Martha Diemand in early 2024, and they quickly fell deeply in love, building a life rooted in laughter, warmth, and family. Dan embraced Martha’s two boys, Emerson and Abel, as his own, thriving in his role as a devoted father figure. Dan filled their lives with care, guidance, and endless dad jokes that kept everyone laughing. Together, Dan and Martha created a beautiful family life — paddleboarding with the kids and Copper, the family dog; hosting BBQ dinners and late nights around the fire; a cherished beach vacation with Martha’s family; a memorable family trip to Toronto last summer; and a much-anticipated Okanagan vacation planned for this summer. Dan treasured regular family dinners, a competitive game of darts on siblings’ nights, and game nights with friends, always bringing joy and connection to every gathering. Though their time together was far too short, they shared countless dreams for the future. Dan’s love, humor, and gentle presence will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Dan leaves to mourn his passing: his daughter, “lil” Airren; his parents, Cathy and Craig Rode; his sister, Airren Rode, and her children, Thomas, Riley (Alyssa), Conner, and Josh; his brother, Nic Rode; his partner, Martha, and her children, Emerson and Abel; his grandmas, Carol Rode and Wilma deGit; his aunts and uncles, David and Donna deGit, Rick and Laurie Rode, Brad Rode, Ron and Susan Rode, Sheldon and Andrea Rode, Colleen Rode, and Wendy Brebrich; as well as many cousins and second cousins.

He was predeceased by his grandfathers, Ed Rode and John deGit; his uncle, Martin Brebrich; and his brother-in-law, Errol Hartman.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Church in Grande Prairie (10206 100 Ave). Following the service, friends are invited to join the family for tea in the fully accessible church basement.

For those who cannot attend the service, it will be livestreamed. The link will be available 5 minutes prior to the service.

While every effort is made to ensure a smooth livestream, technical or broadcast issues may occasionally occur beyond the control of Oliver’s Funeral Home.

“Daniel is travellin’ tonight on a plane.

I can see the red taillights headin’ for Spain.

Oh, and I can see Daniel wavin’ goodbye

God, it looks like Daniel

Must be the clouds in my eyes…”

~ words to “Daniel,” written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John