Dennis was born on March 7, 1935 in Flin Flon, Manitoba, and entered the Presence of his Lord on May 29, 2023. His growing-up years were spent in Sheridan and Swan River, Manitoba. As a young man, he worked as a miner in various places including Lynn Lake Manitoba, Atikokan Ontario, Bralorne BC and Bishop, California. In 1963, he got into the rebar business in Kamloops, starting K-Rod Steel. Dennis remained active in construction management well into his 80’s. He spent the last 42 years of life in Pritchard, residing in a log house that he built from trees on his acreage. In 1980, he became a devout Christian and was a radically transformed man. When he was asked how he was doing, he’d often say, “Better than I deserve.” He recently celebrated his 60th year of sobriety.
Dennis was predeceased by his parents Earl and Ella (Drinnan), brothers Richard, Wayne and Gary, and grandson Kole (Schmidt). He is survived by his wife of almost 69 years, Verla (Holden), children Malcolm (Joanne), Valerie Schmidt (Larry), Rick (Loreli), Delaine Dopp (Mike) and his brother Jim, “Bud”. There are also 17 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson on the way.
A celebration of his life will be held at the Pritchard Community Hall on June 11, 2023 at 4 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Salvation Army or The Mustard Seed would be appreciated.
Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
250-554-2577
6 Tributes
To all the clan…Dennis was a true friend and always had THE BEST MESSAGE…We can’t remember a time, as we were left in awe of his appreciation of all he had been given in this life… God bless his family and may God keep Dennis’s message in our hearts.
I I will always remember Denny with love & gragratitude. so sorry for your loss Verla. ViViki Engdahl
So sorry to hear about your Denny’s passing. Humble Den was absolutely one of a kind. A flood of memories are hitting me, being a kid growing up around this fabulous renegade was both awe inspiring and scared me shitless, and I know he reveled in both.
I still tell the story of this skinny little kid getting hypnotized by Dennis and then placed across the tops of two kitchen chairs and he stood on me. Yup, awe inspiring!
RIP Dennis, I will never forget your laugh and the impact you had on my life. Hugs to Verla and the whole clan…enjoy the storytelling.
Love and prayers to all the family. Denis’s friendship was very special to Jim and myself, Love in Jesus name Lavaine
Sending sincere condolences to ALL the family. May the Lord be your arm of strength at this difficult time. As you tuck your cherished memories deep within your heart Dennis will be with you forever. Your faith brings peace knowing yiu’ll meet again one day. Another treasure in heaven. Sending BIG Hugs to ALL the family.
I was saddened to hear of Dennis’ passing. He was a good man, sometimes gruff, but always good to the heart. I worked with him for many years and always looked forward to his visits to Vancouver. At Christmas, he usually sent me a bouquet and when we spoke on the phone, he called me “little girl” most of the time. My sincere condolences to Verla and all his family. He is a presence that will be missed by all.