Denis CHAMPAGNE Obituary
March 29, 1956 - July 25, 2012
Denis Champagne passed away suddenly on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at the age of 56 years. Denis was born March 29, 1956 in Cochenour, ON but Cochrane, AB was his home. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and always made time for everyone. Denis was adventurous and an avid learner. He enjoyed working on vehicles and excelled at the technical things in life, being able to fix just about anything. Denis coached his kids in many sports over the years and always enjoyed watching them play. Later, he enjoyed golfing and spending time with them. Denis enjoyed the simple things in life, a good joke, a good game of crib and stopping by for a pot of tea to contemplate life. He was proud of his volunteer work with the Cochrane Legion over the years including the Poppy Campaign, Raft Races and Outhouse Races. He was also proud to attend Mat and Shauna's wedding just a few short weeks ago. He was always full of advice and proud of his four kids. He was looking forward to the future. We will miss his laughter, generosity, his larger than life personality and his big dreams. Denis will be remembered by his children Christine, Nicole (Steve), Mathieu (Shauna), and Jacques (Sarah), their mother Lorraine Champagne, his grandchildren Porscha and Seth and a third grandchild on the way. Denis is also survived by his mother Leona (Roger), his sisters Claire (Larry) and Gisele, his brother Paul (Kristen) as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Gilles in 2002. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY'S Cochrane Funeral Home (369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB), on Monday, July 30, 2012 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's Catholic Church (corner of Highway 22 and River Heights Drive), Cochrane, AB on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Royal Canadian Legion, Cochrane Branch, 114 - 5 Avenue West, Cochrane, AB (Telephone 403-932-2011). In living memory of Denis Champagne, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park, Cochrane.
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6 Entries
Nicole Sherwood
August 20, 2012
Deepest sympathy - my heart and prayers go out to the entire family at this time of grief and in the days ahead.
Ernest Ruet d'Auteuil
July 31, 2012
We will remember Denis with great fondness.
It is a loss for the entire family, that such a good
soul is taken from us so early in life. Denis had a lot more to give; he was full of positive energy.
Jennifer Cummings
July 31, 2012
So sorry about your loss, I worked with Denis and really enjoyed him. Sorry I missed the funeral I found out too late. I know its hard on you all at this time losing a loved one is uncomparable, my thoughts are with you.
Stacey, Daniels McLeans
July 29, 2012
We are deeply saddened and extend our support, condolences and love to you all for such a sad and sudden loss of your Dad and good person. We really liked and respected Denis. We are sorry that this happened way too soon in his life. Denis sure made a positive difference to many of us. We are thankful to have known him and know he lives on through you. We are remembering you all in our hearts and prayers and pray that you will find comfort somewhere, and in something at this tough time. Mary Stacey, Lawrence Daniels, Bill, Jesse, Kerri and Aaron McLean
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Perry Wager
July 28, 2012
When I think of Denis, I think of him smiling, laughing. I remember the unique influence he had on his children, and their lovingly exclusive approach to family matters.
As with all families, there are amazing times; the birth of your own children, grandchildren, graduations, weddings, the mixed feelings of your children's independence, a complicate job well done, and for the lucky ones; sometimes raft races, or a day on the slopes or greens or just a chat and a laugh over coffee, or tepid brew at the ball park after "a big game" … and of course there are those challenging times; when it seems things couldn't get any crazier; like vigorously shaking a snow-globe; and then… as the obscuring swirls settle; you can begin to make out an image, an image that always was there, and always will be there; in Denis' snow globe the image was him and his family… regardless of what's going on, and you might even loose sight of things, once things settle; there he'd be, with his family…
My sympathies to Denis' children and grandkids as they cope with the loss of their Dad/Granddad, and of course also to his Mother, and all his loving kin, and the exotic mixture of his extended family and friends. Well, you know; you all have your own stories of how Denis touched your lives...
If you've met the family; you know they are all good people, and I feel some of their goodness comes from having a Denis in their lives.
Denis did have big dreams, and he'd do what was in his power to make them come true, and he wouldn't give up on them. When we look back on history, when even the wildest of dreams have been realized; we often call the people behind the dreams visionaries. I think Denis was a visionary.
From wonderful dreams to the grinds of day to day life; Denis took things in stride. He was a self-made gifted, patient auto mechanic. He could repair, or modify most any vehicle. When the fix wasn't obvious; he'd do his research and come up with a solution. I'm sure anyone who knew Denis has a story about how he helped them out with a car problem, or how he just helped out to make something happen.
I'll remember Denis as a friendly generous man; easygoing, a quick wit with a twinkle in his eye… a Dad, Granddad, and a true friend to many.
God Bless…
allan handrahan
July 28, 2012
my sympathy to all family members and close friends.i will remember denis in my prayers.ionly met denis through the legion and never met any familymembers
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369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB T4C 2E2
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