I am saddened to learn of Daryl's passing. He was a supervisor and mentor of mine when I worked for Golder in Calgary. It took me a while to figure out that beneath his gruff and sometimes intimidating exterior, he had a heart of gold. He was always kind to me. We shared a love of dogs. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

So sad to hear of DJ's passing. My good fortune to get to know DJ for some 20 years. He was a man of authority and sort of intimidating until you get to know him. We had something in common that is the love of hunting. I will miss DJ. Ernest Taylor Pokiak

Very sad to hear this. Daryl was a great colleague   and friend while I was based in Calgary. Must say a main memory is for his wicked sense of humour, including at staff meetings.  Much too soon...

While guiding during the summers of 1982 - 1986, Daryl’s contribution to northern Saskatchewan and Wollaston Lake Lodge was monumental. He was a leader in both fish conservation and helping to bring professionalism to the guiding industry. A very competitive personality, he was instrumental in motivating a generation of fishing guides to up their game. His background in wildlife biology and interest in the science behind fishing became an invaluable resource for all future guides. He suggested and designed the Lodge creel census as a means of proving to Government Biologists and Regulators that catch and release fishing works. After a day of guiding, numbers of fish caught, size, etc. were noted. Soon the fish stories were about the big ones that were put back after a photo rather than the big one that got away. After a few years, this info was presented to the Department of Natural Resources by Brian and several guides. The report clearly showed the increase of fish caught and their greater sizes due to the catch and release program that Daryl instigated. After that meeting in Regina, Wollaston Lake and eventually northern Saskatchewan were declared catch and release zones. We and future generations of anglers owe you a huge “Thank you Daryl”. 
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/north-battleford-sk/daryl-johannesen-12157655

DJ was an amazing mentor and colleague. There was do much to learn from him. I will miss our conversations that always left me grinning.

Hearing of DJ's passing brought wave of profound sadness. Was fortunate to be a work colleague for 20 yrs. In the Saskatoon early years we were a small group and DJ had the added pressure of developing clients and growing the office. Budgets, timelines and quality were his drivers. Recall numerous times when DJ and I would work on reports through the weekend with his girls and lab Bear playing around us. After he transferred to Calgary, he further realized the value of sharing his knowledge and wisdom to the benefit of many, as well as letting more of his soft side to come out. At times I could frustrate DJ, but his support of me never wavered. He was my mentor, encouraged me to excel, to always keep learning, to care about the work, and that every new report should be better than the last one. Each spring in the last several years I would see DJ at Keeley Lake  during our overlapped fishing trips and we would catchup and reminisce. I will miss that, but this June at Keeley I will look across the water and say a few words in memory and with heartfelt gratitude for every thing he did for me and meant to me. DJ was a very special man, loved his family, and his legacy is part of many of us. Am blessed having known him. My deepest condolences to Sharron, family, and friends.

My sincerest condolences to the family.

I worked on and off over the past 20 years woth DJ, as he liked to be called. We became colleagues, then good friends, I would say. Although I am 20 years younger than him, I didn't notice the gap. We had fun woth our work and found we were both passionate about our work and the people we worked with.  I will remember DJ as someone I admire: a person who was sincere, kind, a straight shooter, and a man of integrity woth all who knew him. Oh, and a hell of a hard worker. He didn't change the world, but the world would be a better place if more people in it were more like him. Rest in peace, DJ.

Oh Daryl, you were larger than life. You as a biologist, hunter, Labrador dad, and family man.
Daryl was doing his Master’s degree at the University of Saskatchewan when I met him back in 1978/79. He and Sharron were two of my first friends and they met when we all competed in a fun only volleyball tournament.  
I loved Daryl’s sense of the absurd , and admired his work ethic and commitment to his girls over the decades since. 
Sharron, Kristine, and Kaitlin I am so desperately sorry for your loss. Be strong for each other. My heart and thoughts are with you.

I first met DJ back when started at Golder in 2007, a newbie, fresh from school in my new first job and although I was pretty intimidated at the start with the tough demeanor DJ had, it soon faded, and I knew I had a colleague and mentor that always looked out for me.  DJ and I worked together ever since I started at Golder and helped steer my career to what I am today, and I’ll forever be grateful.  One of the best things he said to me after seeing my “Despicable Me” computer background and then coming back after watching the movie, was that he is just like Gru.  DJ, I couldn’t agree more, you were Gru, a leader, a dedicated father, good friend, mentor, and softie.  I’ll miss you.  My sincere condolences to DJ’s family.

Our paths have crossed in Cacouna, Quebec a long time ago.  I felt safer thanks to him in that particular big project. A great leader. My condoleances to his family.

My condolences to Daryl’s family at this difficult time.

Daryl, it’s been a while since we’ve crossed paths and it’s heartbreaking to hear that you’ve left us, but to this day, in both my personal and professional life, I draw on the countless mentoring-moments you shared with me over the years we worked together.  Your passion and demand for excellence could make for tough working conditions at times, but with time and experience I recognized how much you cared about and were simply trying to draw out the best in me, whether I was ready for it or not. Your passion for family, including your beloved Labrador Retrievers, was also inspiring. I learned so much from you Daryl, thank you for being you, and may you rest in peace.

I am very saddened by the passing of DJ. He hired me in the Golder Saskatoon Office 28 years ago tomorrow (Jan 10). Even though he was tough and demanding, qualities that I appreciate, he also had a big heart and caring spirit for the people he mentored and worked with. I learned a lot about consulting from DJ, and always considered him to be one of the best all-round consultants that I have known. I also have a fond memory of him and myself and few of the lads from the office making goose blinds at my house and then having a very successful hunt the next morning, which I recounted with my wife last night. I know that other people must have similar memories as he had a big influence on those around him. My sincere condolences to DJ's family and close friends.

I am deeply saddened to hear of DJ’s passing. His commitment, integrity, and passion for his family, work, and numerous hobbies were truly admirable. DJ was a voice of reason and sound judgment, serving as a role model in leading multidisciplinary project teams and mentoring staff. I always valued his down-to-earth, solutions-focused approach, along with his positivity, humor, and camaraderie. He will be greatly missed, and my heartfelt condolences go out to his family during this difficult time.

I first met DJ as a work colleague early in my career and he was an intimidating but well-respected biologist who oversaw the majority of my work. As I got to know him better I had mused with him that he was just like Shrek and was simply an onion where the layers had to be peeled back to show the caring, sensitive and loyal person he is. Although he scoffed at the thought to keep his hardened outer layer, I know he appreciated the sentiment. DJ was a very influential mentor and strong supporter throughout my career and I remember several after-hours discussions in his office while we were working on a proposal or a project where he shared his wisdom. He has a special place in my memories and he will be missed. Condolences to DJs family and closest friends.

- Corey De La Mare

The most vivid memories I have of DJ were of how intensely he loved his family and how much he said they mattered to him.

Very sad to hear. I worked with DJ during my brief time at Golder (2008-11). He was an excellent mentor as evidenced by many of the condolences. I learned so much about discipline and excellence in environmental impact assessments from Daryl. He was a stickler for getting things done on time and on budget but not at the expense of quality and  logic.

I can recall him working with his dogs when I was in the office one weekend (a secret I've kept until now!).  There was a good reason for this time but to me what I took away from every interaction with DJ was his love of work, environment and people, especially mentoring others.

He will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family.

So sorry for your loss. DJ certainly could blaze a trail.

DJ was a mentor to me for many years at Golder. His passion for his work, and growing consultants was infectious. Despite time or budget pressures he was always up for a good laugh, or telling a story about his dogs or hunting. He always kept in touch, even reaching out to share a memory with me of us birding near Hastings Lake 20+ years after. 
My condolences to DJs family and friends. He will be missed.

What a loss, DJ will be greatly missed. As my mentor when I worked at Golder, he always made time to provide great insight. He was so generous with advice and wisdom and was just an exceptional person. He also had a love for the outdoors, and it was inspiring to see him make time to go hunting no matter how busy he could be at work!

Daryl will be missed more than words can express. I always think about him when reviewing documents and deleting all sentences containing "in order to"! All my condolences to his family and close friends.

I am so terribly sad about this profound loss. DJ had so much to give, and he always gave generously. As a colleague, he was one of my most instrumental mentors for the better part of the last two decades - I would not be where I am today without him. As friends, we shared many good laughs and our passion for the Arctic. While DJ will leave a large empty space, the memories and stories will live on.  

Julia

I am speechless at the news of DJs passing. He contributed to who I am today and was a great mentor. I still think about what would DJ think and I always will. 

My condolences to the family and he will be missed. 

Kelli Gillard

I am deeply saddened to hear of DJ's passing. I had the privilege of having DJ as a mentor at work. He was a highly intelligent man with a wealth of knowledge and insights he shared with me. He made it clear that he was always there for me if I needed to bounce ideas off of him and always made time in his busy schedule for mentoring moments. Most of all I will remember DJ for his genuine kindness and sense of humour. I could always tell that he really cared about me and wanted to see me grow my skills and grow in my career.

So saddened to hear this news and the loss of a dear friend and colleague.  Daryl ( DJ) and I worked together from the early 1980’s , crossing the Prairies on various environmental consulting projects where his passion for excellence and good humor was always on display. DJ will be remembered for his commitment to his profession, caring for his friends and family and love of nature and wide open spaces.  While much will be said of his hunting prowess, DJ was also a poet and a deep thinker on how to look after the planet. We will miss him for all of that.  Prairie sky’s DJ.

My condolences to Daryl’s family, friends, and colleagues. I had the opportunity to get to know Daryl through work and had the very special opportunity to do some fieldwork with Daryl. We shared some really nice times in the field, exploring wildlife, and having great conversation. He will be missed greatly.

I am shocked!  Daryl was one of the best people I have known.  I am a better person for having had him as a friend.  I hope and pray for his family in this time of grieving and know that his strength will get them through this tumultuous time.  I will miss him dearly.

Todd Burlingame

I’m so sorry to hear of DJ’s passing. Like many others Daryl and I met through work. Our first job together was the Rafferty/Alemeda dam environment assessment. Little did I know then that we would spend countless hours and years working together on projects throughout western Canada. As our working relationship grew, so did our friendship. Even after I retired, DJ would often call me to ask about a project we worked on years ago. DJ always had my back at work as well as in my personal life. What a ride DJ!
I will dearly miss him.
My thoughts are with Sharron, Bud, Katie and family.

I first met Daryl through work in 2004. He was fun loving   friendly,  respectful and above all. I know he enjoyed hunting, as he always booked time off from work during hunting season, and would regal us with stories afterwards from his hunting adventures. 
My thoughts and prayers are with Daryl's family during this sad time.  May his soul rest in peace.

So sorry to hear. Worked with Daryl years ago and always marveled at his tenacity and endless energy. Rest in peace Daryl 🙏🏻

OBITUARY

Daryl Victor Johannesen

June 29, 1958 – January 6, 2025

Sallows and McDonald - Wilson and Zehner Funeral Home

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