Denis Ernest Lemon

CD LCdr. RCN (Retired) C.Eng. M.I.Mech.E.

March 29, 1925 - January 24, 2013

Denis slipped away peacefully on January 24, 2013 surrounded by the love of his family. Denis will be forever missed and cherished always by Edna his devoted wife of almost 65 years, his two “precious” daughters Hilary (Ian Jordan) and Valerie (Bob Desmarais), grandson Mark Jordan, granddaughter Pamela Desmarais, sister-in-law Rosemary Barker plus many relatives and friends. Denis was especially proud of Mark and Pamela whom he adored. “Pa” will hold a special place in each of their hearts. Denis was predeceased by his parents Kathleen and Ernest and brother Frank. Denis was born on March 29, 1925 in Erith, Kent England. He attended both Erith and Wimbledon Technical Colleges before graduating from the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, London England. He did his mechanical engineering apprenticeship in the Royal Arsenal Woolwich, England. Denis enjoyed good fellowship during his service at Woolwich Arsenal, the Fighting Vehicles Research and Development Establishment and the Royal Navy Inspectorate of Naval Ordnance. It was in the drawing office at the Fighting Vehicles Estb. that he met co-worker Edna Lingwood. It was love at first sight! During the Second World War, Denis served in both the Civil Defence of London England and Erith, Kent UK . He joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1953 as Commissioned Ordnance Lieutenant. Denis, Edna and “baby” Hilary immigrated to Canada in 1954. During his career in the RCN, Denis served at HMC Dockyard Esquimalt BC, HMC Dockyard Halifax NS, RCN Headquarters Ottawa Ont. and served in HMCS Haida, HMCS Ontario, HMCS Stadacona, HMCS Kootenay, HMCS Restigouche and HMCS Gatineau. While posted in Halifax, youngest daughter Valerie was born in Dartmouth and christened on board HMCS Restigouche. In 1963 Denis was promoted to Lieutenant Commander and two years later became Inspector of Naval Ordnance, HMC Dockyard Esquimalt. In 1968 Denis was Manager of Rocky Point Ammunition Depot and then in 1970 became Executive Assistant to the Base Commander, Victoria BC before retiring as Commanding Officer, CF Ammunition Depot, Angus Ontario in 1972. He was appointed to the Royal Navy Ministry of Defence, UK until 1974. Denis was awarded both the British Defence Medal and the Canadian Service Medal. In 1967 he was honoured with a Public Service of Canada “Certificate of Award” for an implemented suggestion to improve the efficiency of the Service while in the RCN. Following Denis’ distinguished career in the RCN and RN he worked in Real Estate and Insurance before his employment with the BC Institute of Technology as Contract Administrator. His final position before retiring in 1986 was that of Classification Standards and Employee Relations Officer with the BC Government Employee Relations Bureau. One of Denis’ passions in life was music. He was a talented tenor saxophone player and enjoyed gigs in London with his Dad who played the clarinet. Denis was a founding member of the Coppertones and the Don Kerley Band which later became the Commodores Big Band. He was a devoted member for 25 years and was manager of the band from 1986 to his retirement in 2000. As Band Manager he was the heart and soul of the Commodores and set the tone for the success it is today. Denis loved a joke and a good story. He had an infectious sense of humour, quick wit and a tremendous zest for life. He was a man of great pride and integrity. His kind and gentle nature and forgiving spirit will live on in us all. Of all Denis’ accomplishments his family was his proudest. We will love you “more and more” and cherish your memory forever “you’re very ok Dad”! A Celebration of Denis’ Life will be held on Friday February 22 at 2 p.m. at First Memorial, 1155 Fort St. Victoria. Canon Andrew Gates officiating. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Denis’ honour to The Friends of HMCS Haida to preserve and protect HMCS Haida Naval Memorial and National Historical Site of Canada. Please visit www.hmcshaida.com/#!vstc13=events. Click on Friends of Haida/Donations.