Condolences

• June 24, 2021

  King Dave

  I first got to know Dennis when he transferred from Waterous Power Systems Calgary to our Grande Prairie location . This was back in the nineteen seventies . He will be remembered for being an outstanding heavy duty mechanic , hard worker and did very meticulous work . He was always a pleasure to work with . Many customers often asked for him by name because of the good work he did . He did have one quality about him that did annoy the the boss though , he always started his shift 15 minutes later than the regular start time . But he always worked a 1/2 hour later to make up for the late start . We most enjoyed his sense of humor though . We were like family in the early years at Waterous . We worked together for many years until he left us to finish off his career at Rentco Equipment . I would like to say again what a pleasure it was to have worked with him for many years and the friend he was . We wish to express our condolences to his family and friends . He will be missed . Dave & Marie King

• June 24, 2021

  Mcinnis Stephanie

  My deepest sympathies to you all. Dennis has always been one of my favourite people since I was a little girl. Always such a happy guy full of good humour and many jokes. Growing up I got to see a lot of Dennis as he only lived a few houses down from us. Him and my Dad (Roy Thomas) were pretty good buddies back then. He will be truly be missed and it saddens me to see him go at such a young age. May he always follow in our hearts ♥️

• June 24, 2021

  Skotnitsky Heather

  Shirley our thoughts & prayers are with you on the loss of your beloved Dennis. At least you had some happy years with him by your side. If there is anything we can do please just call. You will always be my LFUF. Love you lots. Brian & Heather

• June 24, 2021

  Alexandre Melinda & Alain

  Shirley our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We first met Dennis when Melinda and I transferred to Grande Prairie in the fall of 1975. We were a young couple with two small children (Vanessa and Ryan) and did not know anyone. It was fate, that we bought a house next to Dennis. He became not only our best friend and my big brother, showing me how to put meat on our family table by hunting and fishing. Taking us out in the wilderness during the spring, summer, fall and winter, and doing so many outdoor activities. Dennis had a huge heart, extremely caring and had an incredible sense of humor. We knew he was part of our family when Vanessa and Ryan started calling him Uncle Dennis. In the fall of 1980 we transferred to Medicine Hat. For the last 39 years we stayed in touch talking on the phone for one or two hours each time. Talking about days of old and those old farts we knew, only to realize that we have become one of those old farts and their talking about us. Dennis, my friend, you left us too soon but now your at peace. Your have left us with such incredible memories. When you have time, drop by and touch me on the shoulder, Iâ??ll know itâ??s you. All our Love, Melinda & Alain Alexandre.

• June 24, 2021

  Deuchar Pat

  Shirley, I am so sorry to hear of Dennisâ??s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Take care of yourself and remember the good times you shared together. You always smiled when you talked about Dennis. Pat Deuchar

• June 24, 2021

  Bates Jan

  Our heart felt condolences go out to my two sisters, brothers-in-law, nephew, and Dennis's wife, Shirley and her family. Dennis was my big brother and my close friend. We were typical siblings when we were young. We argued and fought about whose turn it was to do the chores delegated by Mom and Dad. After finishing high school in Wetaskiwin, Dennis started taking a mechanics course and then moved to Calgary and stayed with sister, Marjorie while continuing with his studies. He got a job at Shaw GMC Trucks where he received his mechanic certificate and then moved on to Waterous Detroit Diesel where he apprenticed and received his heavy duty mechanic certificate. Dennis was a perfectionist in his work and everything else he did. I know some of the stories about customers specifically asking for Dennis at Waterous. They knew he would always get the job done right. Dennis and I lost touch for awhile after he moved to Grande Prairie but I know he loved living there and loved life there. He was hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and also became active in gun and archery clubs - all of the things he loved doing. He also learned how to ski at Powder King. One of my fondest memories of Dennis was when he came to visit my husband and I in Calgary and we went skiing together at Lake Louise - it was a fantastic day and a time to reconnect. We became closer again and started phoning each other more often. Another memorable occasion was when my husband and I went to visit Dennis in Grande Prairie and the three of us went golfing. We were all terrible golfers but we had so much fun - another great day! Dennis's sense of humour was undeniably the best. He kept us entertained and laughing during all our family visits - great times together! In his last few years, we called each other often and had long talks about old times. Dennis, we love you and miss you so much. We wish you hadn't left us so soon but one day we will see you again on the other side. Until then, we will

• June 24, 2021

  Rusten Marj

  It is a month today since you passed Dennis & I still have a very difficult time accepting the fact that you are gone. Our condolences go out to my sisters, brothers in law, nephew & his wife Shirley & her family & all of his many friends. I'm only 5 yrs older than Den but I still remember Dad coming home from the hospital that New Yrs Eve and proudly telling us girls "You have a baby brother". He was such a cute kid until his awkward stage but grew into a mature, handsome, talented man. After graduating from Wetaskiwin High he came to live with us in Calgary where he started his mechanics apprenticeship at Shaw GMC then finished his Heavy Duty apprenticeship at Waterous. He also spent a winter pulling wrenches in the Arctic for which in later life he payed for working in that extreme cold. He loved hunting & fishing. When in Calgary he & I went duck hunting a couple of times. I was a terrible shot but being the crack shot he was we brought supper home. From there he moved to Grande Prairie and continued working for Waterous but finished his mechanic career at Rentco Equipment which he loved. Grande Prairie was the perfect place for him to carry on his love of life - hunting & fishing, gun clubs & archery clubs. He also tried another adventure in Power Parachuting but the winds of Grande Prairie limited his dream of flying due to a few rough landings. One of the most memorable times with Dennis was when sister Lil & I went to our Condo at Tumbler Ridge with Dennis. He & his buddy took us on a Muskrat Boat trip down the Murray River to the falls & Back. Saw mama moose & baby up close in the river as well as other wild life. Beautiful Trip!! Thanks Dennis. The next day we toured the country & went fishing in our ski-doo suites till almost dark. Of course Dennis was the only one to catch fish (Only One). Dennis was a kind, generous man with the greatest sense of humor. He usually stole the show at our many family gatherings. We had many laughs & good times playing

• June 24, 2021

  Whiteford P Gail

  Shirley, I was sorry to hear of Dennis' passing. We had been phoning your number but it was disconnected. Then when the card I sent was sent back this year, I thought something was amiss. A search on the internet led to the funeral home site and the news that he died a year ago, nearly. So this is late because we just did not know. The Whiteford family and the Craig family send out belated love and wishes to you.

• June 24, 2021

  Lank Brian & Norma

  We were very sad to hear of Dennis's passing and wish his family the best at this sad time. Dennis, Walter and I were hunting partners,for over 30 years and spent many great times in the hunting camps along the Simonette River south of Ridge Valley. He was truly one of the best hunters I have ever known for being a marksman in shooting, tracking game and general knowledge of the bush.. His knowledge of the outdoors was evident every time we went hunting, fishing, berry picking or to the gun club to just shoot. Dennis and Mary were instrumental in helping develop the Wapiti Shooters Club, The Game Country Archery club, many gun shows, fishing derbies and many more outdoor activities. A very sad day for us, rest in peace my friend and we will see you on the other side. Brian&Norma Lank ,