Dennis “Don”

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Don Dennis at the age of 91. Don was born in Kenora, Ontario, and was raised in Vancouver with his brother, Les, by their parents, John and Mary Dennis.

He often told stories about riding his bike all the way to Burrard Inlet to swim with his friends as a youth, hiking up Seymour Mountain and staying in a cabin in the woods so they could go skiing. As a teenager, he worked as a pin boy at Commodore Lanes, sparking his lifelong love of bowling, which he later passed on to his daughters.

Don met his wife, Joyce, when they both worked at BA Oil and were introduced through the company bowling league, just after Don had been transferred from Calgary to Toronto. He was heavily involved with the Port Moody Soccer Club, serving on the board and coaching his daughters’ soccer team. Every weekend, he would travel to more than one field or gym to watch his daughters participate in their various sporting activities.

Summers were spent camping on Camano Island, Deception Pass or along the Oregon Coast with family and friends. When camping became a bit more challenging, Don and his wife, Joyce, took up cruising, visiting destinations such as the Panama Canal, Mexico, Alaska, and Hawaii.

After retiring as head of systems in the library processing department at UBC, Don filled his spare time volunteering with the local Speed Watch, tending to his garden and reading good books. He was an avid reader, averaging about a book a week. He was also a very social person and enjoyed the sorority socials, his weekly crib games at Dogwood Pavilion, and walks or coffees with his Healthy Heart Group.

Don was predeceased by his loving wife, Joyce; his brother, Les; and his sister-in-law, Anne. He is survived by his children, Karen (Robert) Phillips and Lynda Green (Adam Mullen); grandchildren, Ezrai Phillips and Kendall Green; as well as his in-laws, nieces, and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his many close friends.

A memorial service to honour Don will be held on Saturday, August 29, at 1:00 p.m. at Como Lake United Church, 535 Marmont St., Coquitlam. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to B.C. Lung Foundation or Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation.

Don’s memorial will be streamed. Please check back here a few days before August 29; the stream link will be posted then.