Just heard the sad news. I knew Dennis from roller skating and hanging out at the Frostop so many years ago.  One of the nicest guys around. Great sense of humour. So many laughs and great memories.  Some years later, when I worked for optometrists, Dr Hayhoe & 
Dr. Zienchuk, Dennis would come in every so often and we would catch up.  Still the same as he was all those years ago. The world has lost a genuinely nice person. My condolences to his family and friends. R.I.P. Dennis

Dennis was always the fun guy in the family! I remember him well over the 57 years that Joy has been my best friend. Rest in peace dear friend.

Dear Susan and family,

We were so very sorry to hear about Dennis. We always enjoyed our time with  him up north…always a big smile on his face. We hope the loving memories you have  help you through this difficult time.  Our heartfelt condolences to all of you.

From our Family to the Chamberlain Family!
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Dennis.  I’ve known Dennis and his family for many years.   My family lived across the Street from the Chamberlain Family on Grand Valley Dr.  and Dennis and I were in the same class in Public School and later at Preston High School.   He will be missed by his family, friends and anyone who knew him.  R.I.P.  Dennis 

Karl Kiefer & Family

So very sorry to hear of Dennis’s passing My son and grandson  have great memories of him at the Indy

Dear Sue and family, 

My heart is with you all. I only met Dennis a handful of times, but I heard so much through Sue when we worked together. I also very much share his love of hiking and the Bruce Trail. I will be donating to the Conservancy in his memory. My thoughts and heart goes out to Sue, so much, and to his whole family.

Sincerely, 
Beth Lanigan
(a colleague of Sue's from her Preston Library days)

I'm so very sorry to hear this tragic news.  My deepest condolences and sincerest sympathies, sending you much love and support.   I remember many happy times and occasions with you all.  May you take comfort in your many wonderful memories together.

So sorry to the family for your loss.
I worked at CGT .
Dennis was always smiling and having fun with life.
And always had time for a chat,
Rest in peace my friend.

My Dear Sue....I am in awe. I'm so sorry for you and the children and his family. He was a great person!!! God Bless...Sally

Little kids taking a rest on the big chair. A much needed break after chasing Dan trying to catch up to him after our little hide and seek escapade. So Dan was not in the picture.

In loving Memory of Dan and Dennis.  me, Steve

Dennis may God be with you and Dan. Rest in peace.

Crossing paths on the Elgin trail 3 years later

I hope you don't mind my sharing this story of Dennis, as it is truly a small world.

These are my favourite pics of Dennis. I met Dennis in Burgos, Spain in front of the Cathedral Sep 26, 2016 when we were both doing the Camino Frances. I was lost looking for my hotel. Seeing my Canadian flag on my pack he helped me locate it. He was staying a few days in Burgos nursing some bad blisters. Ray a Brit he came to know was staying with him. 3 days later we cross paths again in Carrion de Los Condes, Ray, Dennis and I wearing the same colour blue shirts. What is the chance of meeting like that or what looked like wearing "team perrigrino shirts"!

We had dinner together that night and Dennis and I order the pork shank which was a 3- 4 pound roast! I don't know how he finished it but I had pork sandwiches for 2 days. I never saw them again. 
... until 2019 hiking the Elgin trail in Canada I see the Camino patch on Dennis' pack. He looked familiar....we shared stories of our Camino and made the connection.

We hiked several times together on future hikes. The most memorable for me is from the Blue Mountain E2E Aug 6-8, 2019 that Dennis organized and led for the four of us, Dennis, Dan, Steve and myself. 3 guys and a gal. I has so much fun on that hike. Almost peed my pants. A pic of us treating ourselves to ice cream at Jolly's. The guys went for 2 scoops which was a full pound of ice cream! 

Dennis was mischievous and I suggested we hide on Dan while he took a big ....So we hid, and squatted behind some shrubs while we waited for Dan, and waited, and waited, 3 old people hiding and squatting, our legs cramping while we waited killing ourselves laughing. And finally there was Dan. He couldn't see us so he thought we were far ahead. Anyone who had ever hiked with Dan knew he did not like to be last. So like a bat out of hell he took off, even though we were shouting at him he never heard us and we never were able to catch up.

Such a great guy. Full of humour. A fun person to be with. If you had a problem of any sort with your car he was right there to resolve it. He will greatly be missed. This picture was from Steve & heathers peninsula hike last fall. Thanks for the great memories Dennis!

Dennis was a kind, caring, trusting, and loyal friend. He could also be that pesky big brother type, always trying to get me in trouble. He was so funny, always had a joke, and such a lighthearted disposition. I can't think about a memory with Dennis and not chuckling. 
Dennis was a great hiker! He'd loved being on the trail!  He had a curfew to get home to Sue on Friday afternoon. I got to know Dennis through many group hikes and Bruce Trail events, but in the summer of 2023, I had the distinct honour of hiking the Peninsula section of the Bruce Trail with him. We planned 167 km in 6 hikes! That's a stretch for most, but he aced it! It was just the two of us. We were staying at the same place, the wonderful sanctuary of Rural Rootz. Evenings were chill and games! We were up and out before dawn to hit the trails in the coolest part of the day. On our first hike, Dennis came within a few feet of a bear hidden behind a tree. Dennis' sheer size obviously terrified the poor thing, and he scrambled up the tree. I was lagging behind, saw the bear and shouted "Dennis!" Then Dennis did the kindest, sweetest thing. He hiked back to me. We observed the bear high up in the tree for a moment and hiked onward to give it space. Once a safe  distance, I said to Dennis, "That was risky, to come back toward me". He said, "Yea, but I didn't know if there were cubs and I needed to get between you and the bear." Dennis, the protector of the realm! Oh my heart! We had an awesome tour of Peninsula over the 6 hikes.  Dennis got his 10th End to End and I completed my 12th. 
Last year, Dennis shocked me to ask, "Are we doing Peninsula again this summer?" I didn't expect that! But I was over the moon happy that he would even consider joining me again! Dennis sailed through it like a pro, and once again we got to bond over hiking all day and playing games in the evening and he completed his 12th End to End. These memories of Dennis will be cherished always. Near and dear to my heart!

Dennis was an energized optimistic hiker and a terrific character on the trail.  His accomplishments on the Bruce Trail and the Camino de Santiago were a real inspiration to all of us.  He would gladly share a story or a joke or two and always loved a butter tart at the end of the hike.  He will be sadly missed.  My deepest condolences to his family.

Dear Susan and Family,

It is with sadness that I convey condolences on the passing of Dennis.

I had the pleasure of knowing  Dennis while hiking the Bruce Trail.

To me, he was a source of inspiration, motivation, and a model of resilience and perseverance.  Dennis was a person of integrity, and I held him in high regard.  He often had clever one-liners, which added to the humour of the day.  He was a quiet, helpful, and an informal leader in our group of hikers. 

While Dennis will be missed, his Spirit will endure on his beloved Bruce Trail.

My life has been made richer for knowing him.

Ed

It saddens me to learn of Dennis’s passing. I have known Dennis for over 30 years as a friendly competitor and always enjoyed  having a beverage with him  over that time and hearing about his family and later years his zest for some mega hikes. My sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to his wife , family, and all his friends that span his lifetime as Dennis Chamberlain made us all smile. Keep smiling down on us Dennis!

I first met Dennis in 2018, according to Dennis I pushed him out of the way, hard to believe.  This led to an everlasting friendship on the trails with lots of laughter, clever one liners and challenges. Sharing BnB’s was another adventure where Dennis would indulge us with his cooking finesse and Euchre acumen.  Dennis, your friendship and kindness was a gift I’ll forever cherish. Missing you deeply, friend.
Love, Fran

Dennis was a great friend - we met on the Bruce Trail and become buds - sharing passion for hiking, Bruce Trail, ‘dad’ sense of humour, exchanged views on world affairs, stories galore and joy in meeting new friends through hiking. Dennis shared his love for family and friends, projects in his home and always willing to lend a hand to whoever needed it. I’ve never met an adult with such a sweet tooth for treats and candy😆
Miss you bud!

The AHC (The After Hours Club). We had so many laughs and late nights during pool trade shows. Sometimes having a  grand time with customers until the wee hours of the morning (6am). I would arrive at our trade show booth later that morning (feeling like a zombie), and there would be Dennis chipper and fresh as a daisy. Making deals and already having had 3 conversations with customers, and coffee in hand for us. 

When my daughter Oona was born, he jokingly called her the newest member of the AHC. : ) Pictured above at her baby shower.

There are so many memories I have of Dennis. He had a personality that was larger than life in some respects. And always had a way to make you laugh with his silly boyish sense of humour. During road trips to visit customers he'd pop in to a Dunkin' Donuts and grab a coffee – handing it to me saying "Nothing but the best!". lol Mind you I would have preferred a fancy latte somewhere else. But that was his quirky charm.

I first met him during one of my interviews at CGT. I was absolutely nervous, but he made me feel right at ease. Maybe we had an instant connection that I didn't realize at the time from having experienced life trauma. I'm not sure what it was. But he was always my cheerleader, and had my back. I recall during that first meeting someone made a comment about the "Pool industry being difficult because it's all men", as if I couldn't hack it. And he jumped right in saying "Hey, that's not an issue". Like he knew I would be just fine. 

He jumped into action and drove me to the Cambridge hospital when I cut my finger off with an exacto knife. Staying with me the entire time. 

Sometimes he drove you nuts making numerous stops to pick up parts or take photos for customers during customer visit road trips. But I'll miss those days, our conversations and jokes during long hours spent in the car.

Dear Sue, Lesley and family I am so sorry to hear of the sudden loss of Dennis.   You're in my thoughts and prayers .
Love Terri McDonald

March hike with Dennis. Always a great friend to everyone. How very very sad. He will be missed by all his Bruce Trail friends. My deepest condolences to all his friends and his family.

Everyone has a favourite memory of Dennis. I will share mine. It’s Christmas time and Mom and I have been baking many different kinds  of cookies to share with family and friends. We would store these  in our back room until it was time to assemble them . One night we are watching TV and we hear rustling in the back room. Going to check what the noise is we see Dennis, Sue, Bonnie, and Ed in the back room. I believe  they were headed to Doug and Maryelen Cassans  for a visit. Dennis is caught red handed with a cookie in his mouth. He could smell a fresh baked cookie from a mile away. You could see the twinkle in his eye as he enjoyed the cookie. I will truly miss his sense of humour and zest for life.
Love, Phil

The loss of a husband, father, brother, uncle and friend is something that we are never prepared  for. The loss of Dennis is no different. Hearts are broken, tears fall and everyone may have a feeling of disbelief. In the days ahead when time is spent with family and friends there may be some comfort in all the stories and memories each of you have to share about Dennis and how he touched all your lives.  My memory of Dennis is from Coronation school. He was a very nice guy and always tried to get me to smile or laugh and always succeeded. Some people just leave a lasting impression in your life. Dennis was one of those people.

I took this picture during an unexpected snowfall in Beaver Valley on Nov 1, 2023.  A few of us, including Dennis, laughed like kids while making snow angels that day.  We  also scored our Beaver Valley badges. One of many very good days. 
A playful entertaining and resourceful soul; a “fun-guy”. Dennis was a warm and very welcome presence on the trail.  💔

Dennis was such a wonderful uncle who always had a funny joke to tell or prank to pull whenever I saw him. I always appreciated his warmth and wonderful sense of humour. 
I’ll think fondly of him on my walks or hikes. He will be very missed but all the wonderful memories I have with him will be treasured. 

Lots of love to Sue, Leslie, and Greg, and the rest of the family.

To Sue, Greg and Leslie my sincere condolences to you. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. My heart ❤️ is broken for you all. Keep all your memories close.🙏🏻❤️🥰

Truly heartbreaking news. We will miss seeing Dennis and having chats about his hiking adventures and what trail he was onto next when he came in to the office. Passing on our deepest condolences to the family and friends. 

Much love, 

Hailey and Jasmine (total hearing centre)

I met Dennis on a group hike in April 2019. Since then, he’s been a constant hiker, usually in a large group and always ready to go. He was always early, ready to drive and lend a hand (or a rope).  Dennis was a fixture among a core group, which almost always included his hiking buddy Steve. He’ll be deeply missed by all of us. 
My deepest condolences to his family.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Dennis Sterling Chamberlain

4 novembre 1952 – 2 avril 2025

Barthel Funeral Home

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