It is with broken hearts the family of Dan Lefler (age 69) advise of his passing Tuesday July 1st 2025 peacefully at home with family by his side, after an unexpected and brief battle with cancer.

Born Edward Daniel Lefler June 16, 1956 in Brantford, Ontario to Audrey Ruth (Follis) and Harry Burton Lefler, he was the sixth of seven children.

Growing up in Brantford, he was a true hippy and started travelling across Canada in his mid-teens, meeting his future wife and mother of his three children. He moved to Nova Scotia mid 1970’s, working at Acadia University to support his young family, auditing classes to quench his thirst for learning. A naturally gifted woodworker, he designed and built his own furniture, including his prized clawfoot dovetail couch, improving his talent to include beautiful and creative pieces like his hand-carved link chains and walking sticks. His woodworking expertise was crafted throughout his career, starting a company with a good friend (DanMark Builders Limited), later becoming a Master Timber framer working for Acadia Timber Framing, Scotia Post & Beam, Legacy Timber Frames, and Arlington Timber Frames, his skills sought after and him traveling the world for high profile projects.

Dan was a talented musician, easily learned and self-taught to play instruments like the piano, saxophone, mouth harp, and guitar, but always returning to his favorite, the fiddle. He composed his own music and would often play or sing to anyone and everyone around. Dan was a brilliant chess player, and upon relocating to Dartmouth from the Annapolis Valley, could often be seen outside his apartment on Portland Street playing chess with passers-by, carving, and playing his fiddle. He enjoyed playing pool often and could be found playing at his favorite pub, Staggers Bar & Grill, with his last visit June 22, 2025.

Survived by his three children; Melanie Dawn Lefler, Halifax, NS, Jasmine Lee Lefler (Jason White), Black Rock, NS, Dustin Arthur Lefler (Meagan Kennett), Calgary, AB; grandchildren, Ricara (Matt), Morgan (Ashley), Chelsea (RJ), Ember, Wryn, Hudson, William; great-grandchildren, Teigan, Isabelle, Amara; siblings, Rick (Lori), Brantford, ON, Nancy, Brantford, ON, Peggy, Toronto, ON, sister-in-law, Alyson (AB); numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was predeceased by parents, Audrey and Harry; siblings, Ken, Elaine, Kathie; brother-in-law, Dennis.

At Dan’s request he has been cremated, services entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation & Burial Specialist. To leave words of condolence for the family please visit: www.tjtracey.com.

A celebration of his life will be held in Peter’s Place Brain Injury Recovery Centre, 615 Windmill Rd, Dartmouth, NS on Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 2-5pm. Known as the life of the party, please join us for potluck and to toast his final soiree, play some pool, a game of chess, cribbage, and share memories.

An intimate family service will be held at a later date.