A Private Celebration of DOn's Life will be held in the Spring.
Cemetery:
Fairview Cemetery Listowel
Cemetery:
Fairview Cemetery Listowel
In Memory of
Donald Murray Dennis
February 12th, 1939 - February 4th, 2026
Place of Death
South Bruce Grey Health Centre, Kincardine.Obituary
Donald Murray Dennis, of Tiverton and formerly of Lucknow passed away peacefully at the Kincardine Hospital on February 4th, 2026 at the age of 86. He is survived by his wife, Joy (née Weber), and his sister Olga (Murray) Smith of Seaforth. Beloved father of Michael Donald Dennis and his wife Jacqueline (née McPherson), and Jody Murray Dennis. He was a proud grandfather to Mathew, Andrew, and Jenna Dennis, and to Lisa and Josh Dennis, and a delighted great grandfather to James and Cohen Dennis.
Don was the eldest child of Clarence Murray Dennis and Mary Margaret (nee MacKinnon) Dennis. Don grew up on a farm outside Atwood near Listowel, where he excelled in local athletics such as hockey, basketball, and track and field. Don’s favourite sport had to be baseball, where in September, 1953, he led the Atwood Bantams to an Ontario Baseball Championship with a 21 strikeout no hitter in the decisive game. Don later received an invitation from Walter O’ Malley to attend a Brooklyn Dodgers Major League Baseball camp. His parents, however, believed that a University education was more important, so Don went on to attend Wilfred Laurier University to earn a teaching degree. Don began teaching at the high school in Lucknow and later joined the staff of F.E. Madill Secondary School in Wingham, where he spent the remainder of his career.
A dedicated educator, he taught mainly Latin and Physical Education, sharing both his love of language and his passion for athletics. Over the years, he coached numerous teams—including football, soccer, and basketball—and was known for the encouragement, discipline, and quiet confidence he instilled in his students and athletes.
Don loved keeping busy maintaining and working around his house and property on Stauffer Street in Lucknow. Finishing wood furniture became a favourite hobby, and he loved starting his day with the paper and working on the daily crossword and Sudoku.
Don’s legacy lives on in the many students he taught, the athletes he coached, and the family, especially his wife Joy, whom he loved so deeply.
Special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff, that made dad’s stay in Palliative care at the Kincardine Hospital as comfortable and caring as possible.
Arrangements have been entrusted to MacKenzie & McCreath Funeral Home, Lucknow. A Private Celebration of Don’s Life will be held in the Spring. Interment Fairview Cemetery, Listowel.
As Expressions of Sympathy donations to the charity of your choice are appreciated by the family.
Acta non verba.
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