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Dennis Willis Obituary
1951 ~ 2015
Dennis died peacefully in Salmon Arm on March 25, with his family at his side. Dennis fought a courageous battle against cancer with dignity and an unfailing optimism that he would be cured.
Dennis was born in Port Alberni and attended ADHS where he was a member of the high school band and played saxophone. He made friends easily in his careers as a real-estate salesman and later as a car salesman. He lived in Calgary for a short time where he was a City Policeman.
Predeceased by his father, Sherwyn in 1997 and his mother, Clara in 1998 and his infant son, Sheldon.
Dennis survived by his wife, Helen, step-sons Corey and Aaron, his sisters Heather Mallory and Pan Hanlin (Don) as well as son, Shane (Sasha) and grandson, Taryn of Prince George.
Dennis enjoyed boating and explored many areas of the Shuswap Lakes on his 32ft. SeaRay. Every winter he and Helen travelled to Panama where they enjoyed entertaining family and friends.
Dennis will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered by many. By his request there is no funeral.
Thank you to the wonderful staff at the Bastion Place Palliative Care Center in Salmon Arm for their compassion and excellent care!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
10 Entries
Neil Murray
May 27, 2020
So sad to have learned of Denniss passing. And for everyones loss, condolences! I worked with Dennis as a partner in the CPS.
Chris Halliday
April 1, 2015
So sorry to hear about Dennis' passing. He was a huge influence to me in the early days of starting in the car business. He pointed me in the right direction, and I will always be in his debt for that.
I worked with him for 3 1/2 yrs, and will never forget what a great person he was to work for. When motorcade sold and I moved on to the next stage of my career he gave me his little hula girl from his desk. 8 yrs later and I still have it. I will never forget.
Thank you for everything Dennis.
Don Barbeau
March 31, 2015
Had the ultimate pleasure of working with Dennis while he was employed at Motorcade. Dennis always made me feel welcome when I visited and was thrilled to show me his ( weekly ) new wardrobe shipped from Kelowna which arrived at his office! Always positive and a joy to be around. One of my favorite clients!
Great memories for sure.
Angela & Lionel Munson
March 30, 2015
Pam was very saddened to hear about the passing of your brother,our condolences go out to you and Don and your sister, also to his wife and their family.
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Harvey Goodwin
March 30, 2015
Helen so sorry to hear of Dennis's passing. So many good memories of your time hear in Abbotsford with our visits at Motorcade and of course our time in Rotary together.
Tim Heide
March 30, 2015
Helen and family,
I couldn't have asked for a more genuinely caring and dependable colleague to work with for 10 years. A common sense of humor, simplicity to doing business and the evolvement of a friendship, made our working partnership a true pleasure. I am so sad that you (and we) have lost him...and far too soon. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of the family.
Mildred Stepan
March 28, 2015
To The Willis Family,
We were saddened to be informed of Dennis's untimely passing.
Mildred Stepan & cousins (Sherwyn's side)
March 28, 2015
Helen
Our deepest condolences to you and the boys in the loss of Dennis, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
We shared many fond moments together
Love
Ron & Marlene
Brian McLean
March 28, 2015
To Helen and family.
So many great memories with Dennis - the car business in Victoria, the privilege of being his best man at your wedding, boating in Desolation sound, and lunch in Kelowna last year. I was shocked and saddened at his untimely passing. Dennis was truly a special person and will be in my heart forever. Much love and condolences, Brian McLean and family.
Linda and Bob Coates
March 28, 2015
Dear Helen: We were saddened to hear the news of Dennis' recent passing. We will always remember his upbeat nature and that huge smile! We have fond memories and photos of times shared with both of you on the boat(s) when you lived on the island. We are thinking of you. Blessings to you and your family.
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