It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Danny Poland. Danny passed away peacefully at Andy’s House with his family by his side on Friday March 14, 2025 at the age of 92.
Predeceased by his parents Patrick and Doris Poland and brother Patrick James. His wife Jacquelyn (McVittie) and brother-in-law Don Mcvittie. Son-in-laws Art Keith, Murray Underwood and grandson Daniel.
Danny will be deeply missed by his two daughters Lee Anne (Ron) and Mary. Grandsons John (Vanessa), Christopher (Derek), Andrew (Brittany) and beloved great grandchildren Tyler, Cara, Juliette and Mia.
Danny was born on April 27, 1932, in Chapleau, Ontario. As a young boy, the family moved to Warren, Ontario, and finally to Barrie, Ontario. Barrie was the start of Danny’s hockey career. He was a standout player whose career took him from the Barrie Junior B team to the Toronto Marlboro Junior A team in 1951, where he was a scoring sensation. Danny also played for the Pittsburgh Hornets and Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League and the Ottawa Senators of the Quebec League. His budding career was cut short in 1955 by injuries.
Danny moved to Bracebridge to play for the Intermediate B team. In 1956 Danny married Jacquelyn Mc Vittie. The two met while out for a Saturday skate at the Bracebridge Memorial Arena. In his early days in Bracebridge, Danny ran the Supertest gas station on the corner of Manitoba and Willis Streets. In 1961, he applied for a position at the newly open Correctional Camp between Bracebridge and Gravenhurst. After 28 years at Beaver Creek, he retired to enjoy other adventures.
In the 1970’s, Danny was one of the driving forces that brought Junior hockey back to Bracebridge. The Bracebridge Bears were an immediate success with Danny as the head coach. To this day, former players remember him as a mentor and as having a major impact on their lives. Danny will be greatly missed by the many people he touched in his life!!
The family would like to extend special thanks to all the staff at Castle Peak, may you hold your memories close. Also special thanks to all the doctors and nurses at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital for their care of Danny. Very special thanks to the wonderful staff and volunteers at Andy’s House. You were able to give him the peace he was looking for.
Please join family at South Muskoka Curling and Golf Course Friday July 18, 2025 from 1 to 4, to celebrate and share memories of Danny, truly a Bracebridge Icon!
In lieu of flowers, donations to Andy’s House would be a meaningful way to honour Danny.
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Danny was an outstanding member of our community! I delivered papers to his residence in the late 60 and early 70’s. Always had a nice Christmas gift for me and never forgot that! Was always nice to run into him and have a chat! Safe journey Danny!