Obituaries
Dwight Maki
March 24, 1963 - December 29, 2025
Obituary For Dwight Maki
Dwight Maki, age 62, passed away unexpectedly on December 29, 2025, at his parents’ home in Grande Prairie, Alberta.
Dwight is survived by his family: Pam Bains-Maki, with whom he shared two sons and a lasting friendship; his sons, Kalyan Maki and Mani Maki; his mother, Shirley Dixon; his stepfather, Gary Dixon; his sister, Karen Giesbrecht; and his brother, Carey Maki.
Dwight retired from teaching English at SAIT in November 2024. He had recently moved to Grande Prairie to live with his parents on their farm and was enjoying life in the country. He had a deep love for language and took great joy in teaching. Known for his quick wit and fondness for wordplay, Dwight had a particular love of puns—often reminding others that language, like life, is best enjoyed when not taken too seriously.
An accomplished musician, Dwight played guitar, sang, and was gifted in sharing music of all kinds. Whether leading worship music in a church or playing rock music in a pub, he did so with ease and authenticity. Through his music, Dwight connected with people, drew them in, and created a sense of shared experience wherever he played.
Dwight loved sports, especially hockey. He played hockey as a young boy and again in college and later took great pride in coaching his sons in hockey. He remained active throughout his life and had recently joined a seniors baseball team. He had long held a passion for golf and, in retirement, was finally finding the time to enjoy it more fully.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 2:00–3:00 p.m. at Varsity Bible Church, 4807 Valiant Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta. A short reception will follow the service. The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person and may be viewed at the following link: https://youtube.com/live/ZGY0iyNh9SA?feature=share.
For family and friends in Grande Prairie, a gathering to view the livestream will take place at the Church of Christ, 9602 92 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, with a light reception to follow.
After the memorial service, from 6:00-9:00 p.m., a celebration of life party will be held at Two Rivers Distillery, 453 42 Ave SE, Calgary, Alberta. This will be a casual gathering to share Dwight’s favourite music, drinks, and food, as well as stories and memories, in celebration of his life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made by e-transfer to giving@campharmattan.com. Camp Harmattan was a place deeply meaningful to Dwight—a setting where he strengthened his faith, spent formative years as a young adult, and later enjoyed time with friends. Giving in his honour supports a place that helped shape the man he became.
(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.)
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Condolences
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January 22, 2026
Jason Tuchelt
I had the privilege of working with Dwight at SAIT and the opportunity to send him to teach ELF internationally in Angola. Dwight was someone I could always rely on. While he had a laid-back nature, he was unfailingly professional and consistently went above and beyond what was expected of him. Dwight had a deep understanding of the international teaching context. He recognized that understanding the challenges students faced outside the classroom—and adapting his teaching approach accordingly—was just as important as delivering course content. His compassion and insight shaped the way he connected with his students and approached his work. He also fully understood the realities of working in a developing country, where challenges related to classroom conditions, food, accommodations, and daily living are common. Throughout these entire experiences, I never once heard Dwight complain. Instead, he remained flexible, adaptable, and positive, viewing international teaching not just as an opportunity to give, but as a chance to learn and grow as an individual. Because of this, I developed a deep respect for Dwight and stayed in touch with him after his retirement. We would meet for lunch when he was in Calgary, and he shared stories about his retirement adventures, including his cross-Canada golf exploration. I last saw him before Christmas, when he mentioned he would be back in the city in March and that we should meet again. I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Rest in peace, my friend.
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January 22, 2026
Heba Younes
I am deeply saddened by Dwight's passing. We taught together at SAIT, and I knew him as someone genuinely dedicated to teaching and committed to his students. He was the kind of person who made an immediate and lasting impact; someone whose presence instantly felt like family! We shared many meaningful conversations around religion, and I always valued his wisdom and deep, thoughtful analysis. His sense of humour was also very special - sometimes it took me moments to catch it, but it always stayed with me. You will be deeply missed, Dwight. While my heart is heavy, I'm sure you're now in a better place. My deepest condolences to your family and to all who were fortunate enough to know you ❤️. May you rest in peace 🙏.
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January 21, 2026
Scott Cowan
Dwight was an integral part of my life when I was a teenager. Back in the mid 90's, Dwight quit his job and came out to Camp Harmattan to work/volunteer. I was working there at the same time. I remember this "adult" driving up in his Toyota Celica (the coolest car I'd seen in person at that point), and strolling in with his guitar, wearing a beret. He was the coolest guy, because he didn't think he was cool. He was just himself. As a 15 year old kid, Dwight treated me like an equal and used his kind influence to teach and mentor me. He taught me about faith, music, fun, and how to show kindness and care for others. He had a way to make people feel seen and important, I always felt like the most important person in the room, and I think others probably did as well. Dwight eventually moved on to work/volunteer at the Loaves and Fishes soup kitchen in Red Deer and I'm thankful that I ran into him a few times there (once at a Hokus Pick concert that he organized in the building). I went on to work at the Camp for many years afterwards, and then in other youth programs, and I've always tried to emulate how Dwight was that summer at the camp. I've thought of him many times over the years and appreciated his heart of service to others, his humour, his musical talent, his mentorship, and his friendship. "People won't remember what you said, or what you did, but they will remember how you made them feel." (Maya Angelou). My condolences to all his family and many friends.
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January 20, 2026
Joe White
I was saddened to hear of Dwight's passing. We worked together in the ELF department at SAIT, and I will always remember his quick wit and love of puns. Some of which I was a little slow to catch, but he was always patient and good-humoured about it. Each semester, Dwight and I shared a quiet laugh over an inside joke connected to one of the lessons we taught. Those moments meant a great deal to me. For that, I say, "Thank you," Dwight. My deepest condolences to his family.
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January 20, 2026
Aidan Wyatt
So sad to hear the news of Dwight's passing. I taught in the ELF program at SAIT with Dwight many years ago, and he was a wonderful colleague and mentor. He was always a friendly face to students and instructors alike, and he will be missed. My deepest condolences to Dwight's family and close friends at this time.
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January 19, 2026
Christine (Chris) Horgan
Such sad news. Dwight was a lovely man who cared deeply about the success of his ELFF students.
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January 19, 2026
Blair Howes
so sorry to hear this news Dwight was champion for both his students as well as his faculty colleagues at SAIT he would often come into the faculty association office to offer and seek guidance for issues and to brag to me about his upcoming retirement Plans (he and I are approximately the same age and come from similar backgrounds of family farming) he will truly be missed in his family circles and more broadly in the Sait community. Sait Academic Faculty Association (SAFA) President Blair Howes
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January 19, 2026
Chamail
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dwight Maki. As his student, I will always remember his dedication, encouragement, and the genuine care. He made a difference in my life, and his memory will remain with me. My sincere condolences to his family and all who knew him.
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January 15, 2026
Donna Winget
Rest in peace dear cousin Our sincere condolences to all of our family It was so great to see you in July, you are missed every day! 💔 Until we meet again 😇 With love, Donna, Angela, Andrew and Jody xo
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January 10, 2026
Brenda McIntosh
Sending much love & prayers to Shirley & Gary. We know how much Dwight did with & for you. We are very glad to have met him. It was so good to know you had him out on the farm. Sending peace & memories to his family & friends. Russ & Brenda McIntosh
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January 08, 2026
Margaret Rieger
Sorry to hear the sad news. Thinking of you Pam and your family. Margaret Rieger
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January 07, 2026
Susan Quapp
Greg and I are so very sorry to hear this and for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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January 06, 2026
Edi Giesbrecht
Dear Pam and your boys, so much heartfelt love and sympathy to you all.
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