Dennis Robert Hartlen

Dennis Robert Hartlen died peacefully at the age of 77 on Saturday October 3, surrounded by his family after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was predeceased by his beloved wife and partner of 55 years, Darlene Sandra (Taylor) Hartlen.

Dennis was born in Halifax on Aug 12, 1943, son of the late Ernest and Mary Hartlen. He moved from Hammonds Plains to Terence Bay at an early age to begin school and there he met Darlene. They were married and raised their family in Terence Bay.

Dennis was an extremely hard worker and began his career in tile setting at Maritime Tile. In 1979 he decided to strike out on his own and with Darlene as his partner they started their own flooring company, Central Tile and Terrazzo Limited. They ran the company successfully for 39 years with many loyal and dedicated employees. They were well-respected in the local construction industry for the quality of their work and the ability to get projects finished on time. Dennis was a lifetime member of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, receiving his 50-year award in 2016.

Dennis enjoyed fine woodworking in his spare time, crafting many fine pieces of furniture for friends and family from dining room tables to grandfather clocks. He also made lots of items for his grandchildren including cribs, wagons, and other toys. He even once built a completely wooden model car engine right down to the spark plugs.

Dennis enjoyed being on the water and spent many hours cruising around the Arm and Halifax Harbour. Dennis and Darlene always enjoyed taking RV road trips throughout the Maritimes with their shelties Jessie and Casey in tow.

Surviving are sons Dwayne (Denise), Darren (Monique); grandsons Jordan (Chelsie), Jacob (Baleigh); granddaughters Sophie, Leah and Kate; great-grandchildren Carter, Teaghan and Wyatt; niece Dodi Taylor and nephews David Taylor, Danny Taylor, Philip Slaunwhite and Josh Thorne.

Dennis is also survived by his extended family of brothers and sisters in Cape Breton (Felix) who he only discovered later in life. He was welcomed and embraced as part of the family - Dennis, Carol, Donald, David, Noreen, Gerald, Sheila, Mike, Richard, Sarah Jane, Anna, and their families. Besides his wife and parents, Dennis is also predeceased by his birth mother Marjorie Copp, birth father Daisley Felix, a brother Louis Felix and a sister Marie Nickerson.

Thanks to all the wonderful caring staff at Parkland at the Lakes (Lewis Hall) where he spent his last year. They provided the most excellent care and made it feel like home for him.

Cremation and arrangements entrusted to the care of JA Snow Funeral Home

A private family graveside service will be held at a later time. Online condolences may be made at: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice in Dennis' memory.