Denis was born in Timmins, Ontario in 1959, to devoted parents Camille and Jeannette. His father worked for Ontario Hydro and his mother owned a small store, which brought the family enough to live on. Denis went to Ecole Secondaire Theriault with his friends Denis Labreche and Chris Ganon.
Denis left the north and joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1978 and was stationed on the HMCS Ottawa until 1983. He traveled the world with his buddies Jim and Moose by his side. Both of whom pre-deceased Denis at a very early age.
Denis had two brothers, Larry (Patty, nephew Kevin, niece Kira) and Daniel, as well as a large family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, all of whom were close growing up.
In 1986, Denis and I met and fell in love. We were married for 17 years and he had one stepson Aaron who had a beautiful daughter, Cassandra. This little girl became the light of his life. He was her personal play toy and the two of them would happily sit together and watch the Habs play hockey.
Years later I realize that, that the essence of the mystique and wonder surrounding Denis, was that he was happy. He "tasted the most premium of love and life available to a human being." Much the same way he thought fine scotch should be appreciated.
With his wife Barbara, he lived in Wasaga Beach, one of his favorite places, a Jack Russell named Winston became Denis' companion as they would spend many hours around an evening fire. Denis died in April of 2006 unexpectedly, not giving any of us who loved him dearly, the opportunity so say good-bye. He lived a full and somewhat colourful, if not volatile life, but a life he spoke proudly of. He loved reminiscing and sharing the glory days. He travelled and lived life to the fullest, with many stories to be told and many battles and loves, won and lost. He was proud of almost all of them. He lived and died on his own terms. It was easy to love him and hate him all at the same time. He lived life by his own rules and called his own shots. Denis's love was pervasive, his heart was sensitive and his energy was contagious.
As per his wishes, there was no service, cremation has occurred and internment is at the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Armed Forces, Beachwood Cemetery, Ottawa, Ontario. Those wanting to honor his memory may do so by looking up at the twinkling stars of the northern lights or by starring into the clear blue water of a lake, There he is, at peace, at last.
Each day without you the dark is fast approaching, so I clench my hands and pray to see, I whisper your name and pictures begin to show, memories begin to unravel. It is you I see, from head to toe, Just as if you did not go. Too soon the light begins to fade, and the journey has been spent, I know I can awaken safe and sound, as my love has just been sent.