June 17, 1946 - August 16, 2011 - Age 65

Dennis was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. He and his family moved to High Prairie while Dennis was in his teens where he met and married Valerie Cunningham. They celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary last October.

During his working life, Dennis tried his hand at a number of trades, but he has always been a skilled equipment operator. Once his two sons came along, he enjoyed watching them play sports and develop into young men. He also loved the family Rottweiler very much.

Dennis was rambunctious and somewhat delinquent as a child, but as an adult he was a pillar of strength for his family.

In general he was not a man of many words. He is also from the old school where men showed little emotion and tested others’ strengths. Despite the tough outside demeanour, he had a real soft spot for his grandkids.

He felt very much at peace working the land. Just this year, he said he hoped he could get out to the farm and do a couple laps in the combine. He valued his family more than anything else, spending Friday evenings at his brother Ron’s house with the rest of the clan. During this time, family bonds were cemented through stories of joy and occasional sorrow.

Dennis grew up very modestly. However, through honest hard work, determination and respect for others he came a long way in a lifetime. He always wanted Wayne and Brad to have more than he had growing up and he was proud that he was able to see that happen and witness the men his boys turned out to be.

Dennis’s health has been deteriorating for a while now. His body was worn out but his will and spirit remained strong. He looked forward to and enjoyed visits from family and friends the past year. We are grateful that he passed peacefully in the comfort of his home.

Dennis is survived by his wife Val; sons: Wayne and Brad & their families; brothers: Ron, Doug, Carmen, Reg and Robbie; sisters: Judy, Bev and Elda.