Obituary of Dennis Gillies

In loving memory of Dennis Gillies, who passed away in Invermere BC on August 2, 2023. He was the devoted husband of Arlene, loving father of Kevin (Nicole), Susan (Dean) and Lesley, and proud grandfather of River, Sarah, Ben, Jake, Stella and Gemma. He is survived by his brothers Ron (Darlene) and Gord (Gail) and lifelong friend of 75 years, Patrick (Patricia) Carey. Dennis was born on December 28, 1941 in Rosetown, Saskatchewan, raised his family in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and moved to Invermere in 2015.

Dennis made friends and spread laughter and wisdom wherever he lived and travelled – whether it was around the campfire at Emma Lake, in his Palm Springs community, or walking the neighborhood of CastleRock. He always had a story to tell and no matter the location or company he was both memorable and beloved.

He had a brilliant mechanical mind and could fix or build pretty much anything. He first used his talents as an air conditioning and refrigeration repairman and later in his career he shared his expertise as a knowledgeable and respected instructor at the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (SIAST), now known as Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

Dennis was extremely active and exercised throughout his life – biking, walking and playing oldtimers hockey until the age of 70. He loved sports and particularly enjoyed seeing his grandsons play hockey, soccer and volleyball. He was a committed gym member, so much so that he was given a lifetime membership to the SIAST gym upon his retirement and was one of the oldest members of Valley Fitness Centre in Invermere.

Dennis was a dedicated family man and took pleasure in any and every time spent together. Family holidays were spent camping, hiking, boating, waterskiing and roasting marshmallows at the Emma Lake cabin and skiing at Panorama. His grandchildren were his greatest pride, and he created an abundance of unforgettable memories with them.

Dennis’s life was truly one well-lived and loved. He touched everyone he met with his humour and big heart. He will always be remembered with joy and laughter.

Our family is incredibly grateful to the nursing staff at Invermere District Hospital who showed our dad and family such compassion and empathy in his last weeks of life. Also a sincere thank you to Dr Weber who went above and beyond to provide support for dad in his final journey. The rooms in Palliative Care were a place of comfort and solace for our family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the
Invermere Health Care Auxiliary Society (direct to Palliative Care)
Box 571
Invermere BC
V0A 1K0

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday September 9 1:00 – 3:00 PM
at the Residence of Arlene and Dennis Gillies:
#1 2600 RiverRock Way (CastleRock) Invermere BC