Denis was born in New Westminster. When he was a boy, he moved with his family to Paldi, where his father was camp chef and later residing in Duncan. Most of his working life was spent as a logger in the Cowichan Valley and coastal B.C. logging camps.
Denis was athletic all his life and enjoyed golfing as a member of the Cowichan Golf Club. He played baseball in younger years as catcher for the Mayo Lumber Senior A team, and had the top lifetime hitting average in the six-year history of the league. As a lifetime and long-suffering Toronto Maple Leafs fan, he was thrilled when he attended one of their games in Las Vegas.
Denis loved his annual trips to Hawaii with his wife Cass. Gardening became a passion in later years and he was known for his beautiful impatiens baskets. He adored cats and always had one or two by his side.
Predeceased by brother Bill and sisters Joyce, Bonnie and Pat. Survived by wife Cass, and his children Rick (Jen), Karen (Brian), and Colleen (Sarah), nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
Thank you to Drs. Ibrahim and Nielsen and the nurses in the ICU and the palliative ward at Cowichan District Hospital who took such great care of him.
At a later date, a celebration will be held as Denis would have wanted. He loved disco music and more often than not was the last to leave a good party. A friend once remarked that he was "the oldest teenager in Duncan".
"Online condolences may be made at www.hwwallace.com
H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre