Timothy Grant Denley

Tim is the best person Joan and Jane ever knew. He was very grateful for his life experience.

Born May 2, 1949 to Isabelle Denley (nee Kemp) and Grant Denley. A few days after his birth, Grant flew them home to Gogama in Provincial Air Service CF-OBS De Havilland Beaver, which began Tim’s love of bush planes.

Beloved friend and husband for 52 years of Jane (nee Reardon), dear dad of his favourite daughter Joan (Jordan Evens). Beloved nephew of the late Marjorie Kemp and late Kay Pollard (Gord). Dear brother of Steve (Karen), Rod (Judy), Peter (Brigitte), Phyllis Morgan (Jim). Beloved brother-in-law of Cate Reardon, Pat MacLean, Joanna Reardon (Roy Spencer), Ed Reardon, and late Barney Reardon. Loved by cousin Dan, the Thompson Cousins, and his nieces and nephews and their families.

He was loved and will be missed by our Goulais neighbours, including Karen (late Harry), Jane (Sam), Maggie, Ellie (Siegmar), Mark and Ann, Alar and Pam, Paul and Hélène, Pete and Debbie, and George and Jeannie, as well as their families. Special friend to Mike Z., Ian, Eric and Karl, Kenny, Adam, Steve T., Sid, Jack, Jason, Jeanne A., Mike B., Denise, Mike O’C. and the late Russ and Martha Devlin, and their family.

Tim attended Algoma College for Geography, and Sault College for Architectural Drafting. While there, he worked in the AV department and built the darkroom, as well as coached and supported the women’s hockey team. For Algoma College’s Winter carnival, Tim’s team, “The Flying Geog-Straps” put together a beautiful snow statue of an Inuit hunter.

He had a number of jobs over the years that focused on being outdoors, including working for the MNR and Ontario Parks. Later, he worked for 25 years as a letter carrier for Canada Post, and thought a lot of his co-workers. After retiring, he would often remark that he missed talking with his customers.

Tim was a founding member and respected volunteer of 17 years with the Goulais Fire and Rescue. He designed the logo for the organization, and acted in the role of chief for a couple of years. Tim also served as a respected member of the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, including a few terms on the Board of Directors. He was also, happily, one of their most frequent visitors.

Tim was an avid outdoorsman, carver, builder, hunter, and conservation enthusiast. He loved hiking, cross-country skiing, boating, and camping. He spent many beautiful days outside enjoying the screened porch he built, watching his cherished ducks and geese. He was also a frequent CBC Cross Country Check-up radio respondent, and enjoyed sharing his news, views, and soccer cheers. Tim was a voracious reader for many years, and had an inquisitive mind and spirit. Friends often remarked that he was the smartest man they know.

No matter where he went, he was always interested in the goings-on. He would strike up a conversation with anyone, often making friends along his journey through this life. Thank you, Pat and Don, for including Tim in your travels.

Tim knew that the key to true happiness is to find the joy and the fun in every day. He loved telling jokes and making people laugh. One of his favourite sayings was “if you’re not laughing, you’re wasting your time on this planet”.

Family would like to extend a thank you to the wonderful care staff at Extendicare Mapleview who showed Tim such diligent care and kindness. We would also like to especially thank the care team at Sault Area Hospital Emergency Department and 3C for your support during our final days with Tim.

Per his wishes, Tim has been cremated. Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre (50 Pim St.) on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 12:00 to 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tim’s name to the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre (payable by cheque or online). Arrangement entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. East; 705-759-2522). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the family.

And don’t forget to feed the geese.