Widow of injured worker picking up the pieces for daughters after dad's death

Celina Danis is going through something only very few people can understand. Her partner, Chad Wiklun, died after being injured on the job.

On Aug. 8, Wiklun was pinned between two pieces of machinery while working underground at the Agrium potash mine near Vanscoy, located around 40 kilometres southwest of Saskatoon.

He died in a Saskatoon hospital on Aug. 10 after being on life support.

Danis said since then she’s had to stay strong for their two young daughters, seven-year-old Casey and six-year-old Carsyn.

“They don’t understand why daddy isn’t coming home at night,” she said. “They have had a lot of distractions at this time so they’re holding up a little bit better than everybody.”

As a way to comfort their daughters, Danis said she’s trying to make sure they know their dad is always with them.

“I told them when it’s thundering that’s daddy running with his big boots on, and when it’s raining that’s daddy having a shower,” she said.

Danis and Wiklun had been together for 13 years at the time of his death.

She said when she left the hospital she started thinking about all the little things he did for her like changing the oil in her truck.

For now, Danis said she is sleeping with Wiklun’s pillows close.

The family is thanking everyone who’s helped them since Wiklun was injured, and doesn’t blame Agrium for what happened.

They’re encouraging people to continue to donate blood.

United Steelworkers Local 7552 is establishing a trust fund for the couple’s daughters and Agrium has agreed to match all employee donations.

A GoFundMe campaign has also been started to support the girls.

The funeral service for Chad Wiklun is planned for Tuesday.