Denis K. Crockett

AKA Denis Crockett

May 1924 - November 2019

Denis was the third child of Maxwell (Max) and Winifred (Win) (Andrews) Kirkpatrick-Crockett. He was born in Victoria. His older sister was Anne and his brother was David. Growing up in the depression gave him a very strong work ethic and appreciation of all life had to offer. He and his brother were active boys and young men, skiing, and playing rugby and lacrosse. Denis’ team, the Victoria Jokers, was the western champion for the Mann cup but the war interfered with the final. At a reunion of team members (when they were in their late 60s) they were discussing this when they realized they could still form a team and decided to challenge the eastern champions. The eastern team couldn’t field a full team and they won by default! Denis was so tickled when his picture was published in the Vancouver Sun. Denis fought in Holland during the war, where he lost the full use of one leg and the sight in one eye. This was the end of his field sports.

Education became the next focus and he attended UBC where he obtained his Bachelor of Business Administration degree. During this time, he met Noreen Gummow and they were married in 1948. Thirteen months later their first child, Judith, was born. When she was still a baby Denis and family travelled to Columbus, Ohio so that he could get his Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Due to financial constraints he had only 1 year to complete this, which he did in 10 months!

Denis and family returned to Vancouver where he worked at the Department of Motor Vehicles. The family settled in North Vancouver on Lonsdale Blvd in a basement suite while they found a property they loved and built their house. During this time their son, John, was born. They moved into their new home in 1953 and the next year their youngest daughter, Robyn, arrived to complete the family. Denis lived in this home for all but the last two years of his life.

The district of North Vancouver was very different back then. Denis was a volunteer firefighter and involved in municipal and federal politics. He was actively involved in the BC Centennial. One duty was the host of the Miss North Vancouver Pageant. His children found this very funny and teased him!

Denis worked at a number of jobs - including accountant for trucking company and car sales. One dealer he worked for was marketing the Mercedes Unimog, which was an enormous vehicle designed for mining and lumber industries. One of John’s memories is riding in the Unimog up the Capilano River! He started his own business, Store Equipment Supply Company which he ran successfully until he retired at 75.

Fishing and boating were two loves. He searched for the right vacation property for years and finally found it in Centre Bay on Gambier Island. One fond memory is of using the speedboat as a come-along to lift heavy planks to the wharf for repair! Many wonderful family times occurred there over the years.

He had always been a terrific swimmer and took it up actively in his 30s. He was introduced to Masters Competitive Swimming and was hooked! He competed internationally and was very proud of the team events. He quickly became involved in the organization and was President for many years.

Denis and Noreen travelled over the years to Greece, Great Britain, Hawaii and Mexico. They liked staying in local hotels and meeting the people who lived there. A correspondence with a couple in rural Greece continued for many years with exchanges of presents! Robyn travelled with them to New Orleans and other places.

Noreen died after a battle with cancer which left a hole in Denis’ life. He was very fortunate to meet another wonderful woman several years later who was his companion for almost 20 years, Joan Buckham. Denis continued his travels with Joan, they visited Tuscany, Cuba and Hawaii. They both enjoyed music and theatre especially choral music.

Dad did not speak of the war or his experiences for many years but as he got older, he reminisced more often. He became involved in the Legion and his regiment - the Regina Rifles. He traveled to France and the Netherlands as a guest of the government for the opening of their museum. He was instrumental in helping to organize twin schools between North Vancouver and Belgium and Holland where the children could email each other and discuss their lives. For many years he would visit local elementary schools in his blazer and medals to talk to the children about the war and what Remembrance Day was remembering. As his fellow soldiers were growing older, he acted as an advocate for them and their families, helping them to navigate the government red tape.

A more devoted friend you could not find. He would drive great distances to have a visit with a housebound friend. Denis loved people and gave much to many and was proud and humble to do so.

Survived by his three children, Judith Locke, John Crockett and Robyn Walker (Marke), daughter-in-law; Debbie Crockett grandchildren; Damien Locke (Kim), Jordan Crockett (Norrie), Mark Crockett (Louise), Morgan Walker, Adam Crockett, and James Walker. He was delighted to know his three great-grandchildren; Shaely and Tyson Locke and newest arrival Maverick Crockett, who he had the pleasure of meeting.

He will be missed.