Dennis Raymond Charest

Dennis Raymond Charest passed on Sunday, January 4 after a brief battle with Cancer. He was predeceased by his wife, Teresa, and his father, Raymond. He is survived by his mother: Emelda, two siblings: Elaine(Ron) and Carroll(Rick); His four children: Chelsie, Chad, Spencer(Kari) and Connor and five grandchildren: Dayson, Brian, Parker, Jones and Molly.

Dennis was born in a small French farming community in Beaumont Alberta. His younger years were spent helping his dad on the dairy farm that they lived on. In his teens the family moved to Hinton where Dennis began working in the restaurant industry. This would start a life long career in food service. At the peak of his 36 year career he was top salesman in Western Canada for Unilever Food Services. His unique approach to food sales involved cooking in the customer’s kitchen using the products and showing them first hand how the product could increase efficiency, flavour, and ultimately sales.

Dennis loved being a family man. His dedication to his family attests to that. He especially loved children. He took pride in his children and was a favorite among nieces, nephews and younger cousins. Later in life, his grandbabies took center stage. Dennis was never happier than with a content baby or toddler in his arms or on his lap. The importance of family is something that he passed on to his children who will continue to carry it on.

His love for children was further expressed in coaching teams. He coached Giants Football in the 90’s, and Cougars Baseball in more recent years. In his semi-retirement, Dennis’ chosen work continued to highlight his love for children, first is managing the kitchen at Pacific Academy, and finally in driving school bus for Chilliwack School district. Dennis lit up whenever telling stories about ‘his kids’ in the kitchen or on the bus.

Dennis loved to ‘Live Large’ as he called it and enjoyed travel. He particularly enjoyed beach vacations which took him, his wife and youngest child to Mexico annually for over a decade. He loved being able to tell a good story or great joke and entertain people. He was a host with the most. He was a great cook and often showed his love through the art of his cooking or baking- this sentiment is something that he inherited from his mother.

Dennis could have a gruff exterior, but had a big heart. Anyone that got to see his big heart and experience his sense of humour was lucky enough to get to see into his inner world. Dennis was a generous man and liked to pay it forward whenever he could. This is a trait that he passed on to all of his children.

The family is grateful that Dennis fit so much living into his short time here with us. It leaves us with so many great memories and so much love to carry with us.