Dennis David Westad, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend.

May 16, 1945, Beaverlodge, AB, - May 7, 2021, Chilliwack, B.C.

Thank you for celebrating the life of Dennis Westad.

Dennis died Friday, May 7, 2021, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. He passed away with his loved wife by his side, and his son and best friend nearby.

Dennis is survived by his wife Sondra; his son Derrick; his daughter Kim and her husband Adrian; and his three grandsons (David’s sons), Braedan, Nicholas and Brett. Dennis is also survived by his three sisters: Mabel, Karon and Charlene.

Sadly, Dennis was predeceased in 2018 by his much-loved first wife Margaret; and in 2019, their son, David (twin brother to Derrick). He was also predeceased by his four brothers: Mervin, Ron, Allan and Robert.

Dennis had a long career in logging, a job he loved. He worked in northern Alberta and B.C. before moving to Quesnel for many years and then the Lower Mainland, where he hauled out of Boston Bar and Merritt.

Wherever Dennis went, he worked extremely hard and was respected for his work ethic and skill. He never met a hairpin road or challenging road condition he couldn’t figure out. He also mentored many young drivers during his career, happy to share his skills and help a newcomer.

Dennis even liked the long and early hours. He loved watching the sunrise every day.

Dennis was proud of the fact that he didn’t have a sick day in his logging career. He carried that attitude forward in dealing with cancer over the last two years. “I haven’t been sick a day in my life,” he would say. “I feel really good.”

He loved boating, waterskiing, snowmobiling, motorbikes and exploring backroads.

Dennis loved life, his family, nature and the wind in his face. He was loved and admired by many -- family members and friends alike.

His final resting place is in the Bethel Cemetery, close to his parents and family. He will be very near the Westad family farm where he grew up. His parents, Edwin and Ingrid, homesteaded it in the early 1900s. The farm is still in the family.

In Dennis’s memory, please take a moment to enjoy the sun on your face and the beauty around us. You never know what the day will bring.