Born in Paisley, Scotland, on January 1, 1945, Denis immigrated to Canada as a young child and grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He was the beloved son of Hannah (née McHardy) and Denis Sr., and a devoted brother to Sheena.
Denis completed his engineering education at The Northern Institute of Technology before accepting a position with Nortel in Brampton, where he worked for more than 35 years. It was in Brampton that he laid down roots, met the love of his life and best friend, Mary Ellen (née Medley), and married her on July 22, 1972.
A devoted father to two wonderful children, Patrick (Kari) and Kathryn (Krysztoffer), family was everything to Denis. Those who knew him will forever cherish his candour, generosity, big heart, unwavering integrity, and strong sense of ethics.
An avid traveller, Denis spent many years exploring the world by sea and visiting more than 25 countries. He found great joy in experiencing new places, cultures, food and adventures.
Community service was equally important to Denis. He was awarded Brampton's Long-Term Service Award in 2022 and has received many scouting awards, most recently he was presented with The Award for Fortitude. He dedicated more than 40 years to Scouting as a leader, commissioner, mentor, and role model. Throughout those years, he touched the lives of multiple generations of youth, leaders, and parents, all of whom will remember him as kind, compassionate, wise, and supportive Scouter.
Denis will always be remembered as the embodiment of Ernie Banks's words: "The measure of a man is in the lives he's touched."
Visitation will be held at Andrews Community Funeral Centre, 8190 Dixie Road, Brampton, ON Tuesday, July 7, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held the following day, Wednesday, July 8, at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Denis's memory to the 13th or 2nd Bramalea Scouting Groups, Canadian Cancer Society, or SickKids Foundation.
