It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Dennis on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at the age of 85 years.
Dennis was predeceased by his loving wife Jean, his companion for 58 years; their only son John Allen, his brother Gary; his parents John and Doris Gray; mother-in-law Mary Jane Paterson; brother-in-law Dan Cook and sister-in-law Janet Armstrong.
He will be sadly missed by his children, Denise (Allan) Caners and by Laurie (Jamie) Pearson; grandchildren Chad (Diane) Caners, Dana (Chris) Nordal, Denal (Waylon) Buchko, Lindsay Pearson, Ryan (Heather) Pearson, Drew (Alanah) Pearson; also, his great grandchildren Reilly, Alise and Huxley Buchko as well as Sadie and Fin Nordal. He is also survived by his sister Kathy Cook of Sechelt, B.C. and sister-in-law Lucy Gray of Elliot Lake, Ont. As well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Dennis was born in Lethbridge, Alberta on October 13, 1939. Shortly after he was born the family moved to Winnipeg where his father was employed by the Manitoba Sugar Co. In 1950 the family moved to Taber, Alberta and Dennis continued his education there. As a youth he enjoyed playing basketball and hockey. During the summer months he worked at the local canning company. He was also a member of the Taber Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron #225.
After completing his education, he joined the RCMP and was sent to Ottawa for basic training. Later he was transferred to headquarters in Winnipeg. Then Dennis was transferred to Hodgson detachment. While attending a social function in Winnipeg Dennis met this beautiful woman named Jean whom he fell in love with. They were married in Winnipeg the following year and transferred to Beausejour detachment. They spent 8 years in this community during which time three children were born Denise, Laurie and John. Dennis was then transferred to Boissevain and later to Cranberry Portage detachments and then back to Winnipeg.
During his last 8 years of his service he specialized in investigations dealing with unexpected sudden deaths that occurred in rural Manitoba. Dennis maintained a close working relationship with the Chief Medical Examiners Office and lectured extensively on Homicide Investigation Techniques and Testifying in court. Dennis was proud of his contribution to the Force. He left the Force in 1987 with the rank of Cpl.
In 1991 Dennis was appointed to the Sgt-at-Arms position at the Manitoba Legislature. He enjoyed working in this political environment with the various challenges he encountered from day to day. Dennis left this position in 1998. Later that year Dennis joined the Manitoba Gaming Control Commission where he worked with many First Nation Communities throughout the province. He retired in 2006.
After Dads retirement he enjoyed his time by the pool with his friends and family and taking his four-legged buddy (Jake) for walks.
We would like to thank Dads neighbors Giselle and Leo, Tony and Eddie for their support and friendship over the years. We would also like to extend our thanks to the WFP Service and Wpg Police Service. A private graveside service will be held.
Dennis was predeceased by his loving wife Jean, his companion for 58 years; their only son John Allen, his brother Gary; his parents John and Doris Gray; mother-in-law Mary Jane Paterson; brother-in-law Dan Cook and sister-in-law Janet Armstrong.
He will be sadly missed by his children, Denise (Allan) Caners and by Laurie (Jamie) Pearson; grandchildren Chad (Diane) Caners, Dana (Chris) Nordal, Denal (Waylon) Buchko, Lindsay Pearson, Ryan (Heather) Pearson, Drew (Alanah) Pearson; also, his great grandchildren Reilly, Alise and Huxley Buchko as well as Sadie and Fin Nordal. He is also survived by his sister Kathy Cook of Sechelt, B.C. and sister-in-law Lucy Gray of Elliot Lake, Ont. As well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Dennis was born in Lethbridge, Alberta on October 13, 1939. Shortly after he was born the family moved to Winnipeg where his father was employed by the Manitoba Sugar Co. In 1950 the family moved to Taber, Alberta and Dennis continued his education there. As a youth he enjoyed playing basketball and hockey. During the summer months he worked at the local canning company. He was also a member of the Taber Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron #225.
After completing his education, he joined the RCMP and was sent to Ottawa for basic training. Later he was transferred to headquarters in Winnipeg. Then Dennis was transferred to Hodgson detachment. While attending a social function in Winnipeg Dennis met this beautiful woman named Jean whom he fell in love with. They were married in Winnipeg the following year and transferred to Beausejour detachment. They spent 8 years in this community during which time three children were born Denise, Laurie and John. Dennis was then transferred to Boissevain and later to Cranberry Portage detachments and then back to Winnipeg.
During his last 8 years of his service he specialized in investigations dealing with unexpected sudden deaths that occurred in rural Manitoba. Dennis maintained a close working relationship with the Chief Medical Examiners Office and lectured extensively on Homicide Investigation Techniques and Testifying in court. Dennis was proud of his contribution to the Force. He left the Force in 1987 with the rank of Cpl.
In 1991 Dennis was appointed to the Sgt-at-Arms position at the Manitoba Legislature. He enjoyed working in this political environment with the various challenges he encountered from day to day. Dennis left this position in 1998. Later that year Dennis joined the Manitoba Gaming Control Commission where he worked with many First Nation Communities throughout the province. He retired in 2006.
After Dads retirement he enjoyed his time by the pool with his friends and family and taking his four-legged buddy (Jake) for walks.
We would like to thank Dads neighbors Giselle and Leo, Tony and Eddie for their support and friendship over the years. We would also like to extend our thanks to the WFP Service and Wpg Police Service. A private graveside service will be held.