Dennis Walter Lewis

Dennis Walter Lewis

It is with great sadness the family of Dennis Walter Lewis announce his peaceful passing at the age of 93 on January 11, 2021.

Dennis was born July 9, 1927 in Maidstone, Kent England. He moved to Canada after WWII, settling in Ontario with his first wife Viola (Petrie) in 1949. They had three children: Carol, Gary and Colleen.

Dennis was devoted to his second wife for over 41 years, Patricia Rose Lewis (Cranmer). Lovingly remembered by his children Carol Lewis (David), Colleen Hazell (Gary) and Gary Lewis; as well as his step-children Bill (Linda) and Kim (Alain) Cranmer. Dennis leaves a total of nine grandchildren between him and Pat, and numerous great-grandchildren. Remembered fondly by his British relatives: niece Helen (Anderson), nephew Tony (Robinson) and by his half-brother David (Wood). Dennis was predeceased by his dear sister Joan and brother-in-law Alfred Khas, and his older brother John Lewis.

Dennis (aka ‘Denny’ and ‘Dennis the Menace’) was an engaging and charismatic man whose career was devoted to helping youth. He started by volunteering with the Boy Scouts in St. Catharines Ontario; first as a scout leader, then as the city’s District Commissioner. This led to a professional career in Scouting throughout the 1960’s. During that decade of many challenges, Denny was instrumental in modernizing scouting. By 1970 he had moved to the Scouts Canada head office in Ottawa.

In 1970, Denny’s passion and skills addressing the youth issues of the time attracted the attention of the Canadian Youth Hostel Association (CYHA). For the next decade he poured his energies as CYHA’s Executive Director into improving the hosteling experience for all youth in Canada. He gained respect internationally. In 1979, he was appointed Secretary General for the International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF). This saw him back in England at the head office of IYHF in Welwyn Garden City. For most of the ’80s he worked tirelessly and travelled the world extensively. He was committed to enhancing accessible and practical opportunities for youth to learn about their world through travel and personal experiences.

In retirement, Denny and his beloved wife Pat returned to Canada. They built a cozy home on four acres of scruffy land at Sheridan Rapids on the Mississippi River, Ontario, developing it into an oasis of gardens and trees. They fished and canoed on the river. They relished reconnecting with family and grandchildren. Family and the beauty of B.C. eventually attracted Denny and Pat to move to Vernon in 1999.

Life in Vernon was filled with family, strong relationships and lots of activities. As members of the All Saints Anglican Church, Denny and Pat enjoyed many meaningful friendships. He indulged his Welsh roots and love of singing with the Vernon Welsh Society. His love of travel continued with Pat after retirement. Denny enjoyed sharing his extensive experiences with a ‘Travel Tips’ column that he wrote for several years for the Vernon Morning Star.

Denny will be remembered for his love of people, his enthusiasm for belting out tunes at the top of his lungs at any party, and his keen interest and insights informed by his travels in world affairs (with long discussions into the night, wrapped by “And now that we’ve solved all the world’s problems”). His children remember how truly silly he could be, his Hockey Night ‘popcorn dance’ and his comic ‘grocery aisle jaunts’ are just two examples. All who met him enjoyed his natural wit, humour, and brilliant ability to communicate; whether speaking to a large audience, or privately. He engaged with anybody equally, no matter who you were. He inspired. Dennis was a kind and gentle man who was devoted to his family, his church and his world community.

As our Dad would sign off; “Kissy, Kissy”!

Arrangements entrusted to Vernon Funeral Home 250-542-0155

Condolences may be left at www.vernonfuneralhome.com