Obituary of Daniel Linas Siurna

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Daniel Linas Siurna, P.Eng., who passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, at St. Joseph's Hospice in London, Ontario, at the age of 68.

Daniel Linas was known as Dan to his family, and Linas to his friends and colleagues. He lived a life distinguished by intelligence, curiosity, adventure, and compassion.

A graduate of the University of Waterloo, where he earned both his engineering degree and Master of Applied Science, Linas built an exceptional career in underwater acoustics and sonar technology.

For many years, he served as Director of Acoustics at Sparton Electronics in London, Ontario, where he designed advanced underwater sonar systems utilized by navies around the world to detect and track enemy submarines. In addition to leading technical development efforts, he played a key role in business development and travelled extensively to support the testing, evaluation, and deployment of the technology he helped create.

Following his time at Sparton, Linas served as a Principal Engineer with General Dynamics Canada before working with Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems, dedicating more than 22 years in naval systems business development. His work took him to destinations around the world, including the Netherlands, Chile, Taiwan and South Korea. Throughout his career, he earned the respect of colleagues, customers, and naval partners for his technical expertise, professionalism, and integrity.

While proud of his professional accomplishments, Linas' greatest joys were found beyond his work. He possessed a deep love and compassion for animals, a quality inherited from his mother, Lorna, whose lifelong love of animals and commitment to animal welfare included many years of volunteer service with the Ottawa Humane Society.

Linas adored every pet fortunate enough to be part of his family, including his beloved cat Amelia, whose passing shortly before his own was deeply felt. His affection extended equally to the wildlife that made their home in the yard he shared with his husband Devin. Ginny the Possum was a particular favourite, along with Freddy the Squirrel (every squirrel was named Freddy simply because he could not distinguish one black squirrel from another). He kept a careful eye and watched over his backyard visitors, relentlessly protecting them from the neighbourhood cats.

Not all of Linas' wildlife conservation efforts were universally appreciated, particularly his fondness for the skunk families that periodically took up residence beneath the garden shed, which drove Devin slightly crazy.

Following his mother's passing, Linas continued supporting the charitable causes that had been dear to her. Even during his final days, he found comfort in knowing that those donations would continue after his passing, ensuring that his mother's legacy of compassion—and his own commitment to animal welfare—would live on.

An avid traveler, he embraced the world with curiosity and enthusiasm. His favourite destinations were often those that offered opportunities to experience wildlife and animals in their natural habitats, with Namibia, South Africa, Australia and India among the places he cherished most. On one memorable safari in Namibia, Linas found himself rooting for a warthog being stalked by a cheetah. Much to the dismay of the guide, he intentionally warned the warthog, saving its life and committing what was widely acknowledged to be a serious breach of safari etiquette. The episode perfectly reflected his unwavering tendency to side with the animals he felt needed protecting.

Travel was something Linas embraced—always at the front of the aircraft - where he could be found happily catching up on a stack of unread copies of The Globe and Mail. Together, Linas and Devin explored six continents and 80 countries over the course of their 28 years together, creating countless memories and adventures along the way.

Linas was also a dedicated fitness enthusiast who rarely missed a group exercise class. The discipline, energy, and camaraderie of group fitness brought him great enjoyment, and that is where he met Devin.  Attending classes led by his favourite instructors was a priority, even when declining health made exercise increasingly difficult.

Linas found great pleasure in music and fine wine. In recent years, he discovered a love of cooking, exploring new recipes and sharing meals with those he loved.

Linas was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Lorna Siurna.

He is survived by his husband Devin Munro; his brothers, Donald Siurna (Wendy) and Thomas Siurna (Caroline); his nieces, Chelsea and Elena; and great-nephew Colton and great-niece Georgia.

Linas is lovingly remembered by his mother-in-law, Helen Munro; his brother-in-law, Troy Munro; and his nieces, Miranda and Brooke.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Erin Spicer of London Health Sciences Centre, whose compassion, dedication, and exceptional care were instrumental in extending Linas' life and ensuring he was able to enjoy precious additional time with Devin, family, and friends.

The family also extends sincere thanks to the staff at St. Joseph's Hospice London for the compassion, dignity, and exceptional care they provided on his final day.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the Old South Village Pub, 149 Wortley Road, London, Ontario, from 12 noon to 3:00 p.m., where family, friends, colleagues, and all whose lives were touched by Linas are invited to gather, share stories, and celebrate a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Linas' memory are invited to make a donation to Hope for Wildlife in Nova Scotia. Donations can be made in his memory through the Hope for Wildlife website at hopeforwildlife.net.

Linas will be remembered for his brilliant mind, adventurous spirit, compassion for animals, and the joy he brought to those who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.