Daniel, age 77, passed away quietly on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, after suffering a stroke on May 9, 2021.

He was born in Port Arthur (Thunder Bay), Ontario on June 3, 1943.

He was predeceased by his father, Joseph Herve Masse, his mother, Ann (Harasymiw) Masse. He is survived by his sister, Jeanine (deceased June 28, 2026) (Joel) Dempsey, nephew Jason (Ann) Dempsey, niece Rebecca (Jacob - deceased May 7, 2021) and 8 great nieces and nephews.

Dan was educated in Hornepayne, Ontario and continued on to North Bay Teacher's College. He went on to earn his B.A. at Queens University in Kingston, Ontario as well as many other certifications, including the Harley Wheaton Percy Award.

His teaching career began in 1963 at CFB Bagotville, Quebec. From there he went to teach and be Director of Special Programs at CFB Baden, Germany from 1967 until 1971.

Dan returned to Canada to work at Woburn Public, Lawson School, Beverley School, Clinton Street Public, Surrey Place Centre, Beverley Resource Centre and TDSB Special Education department from 1972 until he retired in 2004. Not yet ready to stop working with the children and staffs he loved, he returned to Surrey Place Centre's program for school children with Autism for another ten years.

Dan loved to dance, listen to music, garden and travel. He visited Mexico often and travelled to Europe, Japan, England and United Arab Emirates. He enjoyed all of his adventures and had one booked for Mexico when Covid-19 hit. Sadly, he never got to make this one.

When Dan got involved in something he put his whole heart and soul into it as was seen by his involvement in the Toronto Operetta Theatre and Emajjin Foundation. Another passion was flower arranging which he put on display at these events.

Dan was known as the "Mayor of West Avenue" because he was always there to welcome newcomers and to lend a helping hand. Often, he could be seen walking down the road with a plate of food that he had prepared or bought too much of. His words, "It is hard to shop and cook for just one".

Anyone who knew Dan, knew that Poopchi was the love of his life. She gave him a purpose after he retired. She had him out for walks and kept him in shape. Dan knew every dog in the neighbourhoods they walked (Stroud included)...owners, most times, but not always.

Dan will be sadly missed by all his family, friends and neighbours.

Funeral services in care of Mount Pleasant Funeral Home.