With deep sadness and profound love, we announce the passing of Danen Scot Connell, who left this world on April 14, 2025, just shy of his 74th birthday. Danen was born on May 4, 1951, in Regina, Saskatchewan, to this hero and role model, Robert Connell, and his mother, Mary Connell.

A natural athlete with unmatched determination, Danen made his mark as a wrestler for the University of Regina Cougars. His incredible strength, discipline, and competitive spirit led him to become a GPAC conference all-star. He bested numerous champions throughout his career and earned an invitation to compete at the Olympic level freestyle wrestling, an honor that reflected both his talent and tenacity.

On August 24, 1973, Danen married the love of his life, Katherine Connell. Their 56-year journey together was one of unwavering support, shared laughter, road trips, and deep affection. Katherine was his anchor, his peace, and his constant source of joy — as he put it “they were together like two stripes on a barber pole”.

Danen was a devoted father to Katherine Danielle Connell and Christopher Scott Connell, born in 1977 and 1980 respectively. He poured his heart into fatherhood, never missing a game, a school event, or an opportunity to guide, encourage, and love his children unconditionally. His pride in their achievements, both on the field and in life, was immeasurable.

After earning his Bachelor of Education from the University of Regina in 1977, Danen dedicated 42 years to teaching. For 25 years, he worked with incarcerated youth at the Paul Dojack Youth Centre in Regina, Saskatchewan, where he was more than an educator — he was often the only father figure his students had ever known. He continued his mission to uplift and inspire for another 17 years on the Morley First Nations reservation in Alberta where he won many awards for his life’s work. His impact as a teacher and mentor is a legacy that will endure in the lives he changed.

Danen leaves behind his beloved wife Katherine, his cherished children Danielle (Andrew) and Chris (Katelyn), his five adoring grandchildren Chloe, Hyden, Ava, Abby and Zoe, his two brothers Darrell (Karen) and Lance Connell along with his extended family of in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends. Each of them carries a part of his spirit, humor and generous heart.

To know Danen was to be made better by him. He has an extraordinary gift for making people laugh, lifting spirits, and giving selflessly to everyone around him. His life was a living example of compassion, strength and service.

We will miss him beyond words, but we are grateful for the love he gave, the lessons he taught, and the light he brought to all who knew him. The world is undoubtedly better because Danen was in it.