Dennis John Date passed away peacefully July 14th, 2022 at the age of 90. Dennis leaves behind a lifetime of wonderful memories and accomplishments. Dennis was born to Percival and Grace Date in London, England in 1932. He had an older brother, Bill, who was affectionately referred to as his “big bruver”.
Dennis is survived by his beloved wife Madeleine (Roberts) of 58 years whom he lovingly called “Chick” and his four children Philip, Jill (Jamie), Sarah (Shawn) and Gavin (Monica). Dennis also leaves behind seven grandchildren Ben, Jack, Cam, Sam, Alex, Carly and Jenna who will miss him dearly and are so very thankful for the happy memories and for the financial support provided for their future educational endeavours.
Dennis had a happy childhood being brought up on the edge of Hampstead Heath in London, England. He enjoyed playing by the pond and on the green rolling hills of Hampstead Heath. Even during the war years, he was well looked after and continued to enjoy his neighbourhood despite the many challenges of wartime bombing and rationing. This was a time period in which he developed his love for baked beans and his passion for trains. Dennis spent hours sitting in the window of his flat watching the trains go by. Dennis could also tell you all the numbers of the city buses and where they all went. Dennis was an avid cyclist and in his younger days he enjoyed cycling across England with his friends and always spoke fondly of those days. Dennis also enjoyed going to London every Saturday and seeing his beloved Chelsea football (soccer) team play at Stamford Bridge.
He graduated from high school at the age of 16 and went on to work in the municipal field as an accountant. Dennis found his future wife who was visiting from Canada which eventually led to their marriage in London, England. A year later in 1964 they moved to Toronto where he worked for the provincial government as an accountant. In the same working capacity he moved to London, Ontario where he became the Finance Commissioner for London for eight years. Following that, Dennis took his family to Sudbury which led to some of the family’s happiest memories. This is where he grew his love (obsession) for blueberry picking. Dennis worked for the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing. After eight wonderful years in Sudbury, Dennis took his family to Kanata where he was Treasurer for the City. He later retired and moved back with Madeleine to Sudbury where they had wonderful years together enjoying their grandchildren, traveling and enjoying life in Sudbury where blueberry picking continued to be his passion.
Sadly, Dennis’ dementia became noticeable in 2011, but he continued to enjoy life with the same dry humour and love for his family. Although there were changes in his life, such as riding the bus, he simply adapted and continued to enjoy his traveling and family. In the later years, his humour and intelligence always came through in unexpected moments. His years with dementia were worry and stress free.
A big thank you goes out to the Alzheimer’s Society of Sudbury and Extendicare York for their exceptional care and compassion during his last four months where he was allowed to have his personality shine through.
The family gathered for a private funeral on July 18th, 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Maison McCulloch Hospice or to the day program at the Alzheimer Society of Sudbury. Arrangements entrusted to the Lougheed Funeral Home. For donations or messages of condolence, www.lougheedfuneralhomes.com