Dennis Lawrence Oliver Obituary
It is with great sadness that we share that Dennis Lawrence Oliver is no longer with us. Denny passed peacefully in Vernon at North Okangan Hospice House comforted by the love of his family, and care of the hospice staff and volunteers.
Denny will be remembered as a devoted and loving family man and loyal friend. Married to Carol in 1961 the two of them spent 52 years together before her death in 2014 after a long battle with Melanoma. Their lives were dedicated to their children and they supported their boys in all things.
Denny is survived by his sons Rick (Heather), Joe (Deb), Dave (Shawna); his siblings Lyle (Maureen) and Carolyn; grandchildren Briana, Nicholas, Andrew, Sarah, Caden and Layten; great grandchildren Justice, Jenna, Wesley and Maddox.
He is predeceased by his wife Carol (2014); parents Doreen (1941) and Wilf (1982); brother in law Sid (2012) and grandson Aaron (2017).
Denny was born in Rossland in 1936 and grew up in the Rossland/Trail area where he met Carol, the love of his life. They were married in 1961. Working as a surveyor took Denny, Carol and their growing family to many parts of the province including Golden where Rick was born, Fernie where Joe was born, and Gibsons/Sechelt where Dave was born. Denny and Carol decided to move to a more permanent location and spent many wonderful years in Courtenay watching their kids grow up and thrive in their sports and other pursuits. Denny was promoted to District Highways Manager in 1981 which prompted a return to Golden, then Rossland/Trail, and finally back to Courtenay where he finished his amazing 36 year career with the Ministry of Highways. Denny always wanted to retire to the Okanagan where the family shared so many family vacations. Shortly after work was done, Carol and Denny moved to Vernon to be in the Okanagan and close to the boys and their growing families.
Denny had many health issues through the years, all of which he fought bravely and managed to keep a positive attitude throughout. In the end, he couldn’t beat a third bout of cancer.
We want to thank the doctors, nurses, other professionals and volunteers who gave him such great care over the years at the BC Cancer Centre in Kelowna, Vernon Jubilee Hospital, Kelowna General Hospital, Chartwell Carrington, Interior Health Community Care and Palliative Care, and finally the North Okanagan Hospice Society.
At his request, there will not be a service. He asks that sometime when you are raising a glass you recall a fond memory of times together.
If you are so inclined, please support your local hospice or the cancer charity of your choice in his name.
