Dennis Claude Bidinger of Saanichton BC died peacefully on his own terms on October 24, 2023, at Saanich Peninsula Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Dennis was born in Natal BC on April 12, 1951. He and his family moved to Rocky Mountain House in 1953. He received all of his formal education in Rocky Mountain House and he was a life long learner. It was during his early schooling years that he met the love of his life, Judy, and they were married on January 13, 1973. They had just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past January. Dennis and Judy welcomed sons Aaron in 1975 and Keenan in 1978. His family brought great joy to him. Dennis was a devoted son, a loving spouse and father, a devoted brother and brother-in-law, a wonderful grandfather and uncle, and a true friend.
Dennis’s entire professional career was in the oil and gas industry working around the globe with offshore drilling. He was a gifted leader, who worked his way up through the ranks. He told many stories of his experiences and ventures as his memory was impeccable. The people he worked with were vast and he could recall just about every person he worked with along with a good story about them as well.
Dennis was a gifted writer and wrote his memoir several years ago to leave to his family. He was also very interested in genealogy, and in his retirement years, spent hours researching and sifting through old photos retracing his families past which had a very large influence in the Rocky Mountain House area. His memory was like no other and you wanted to make sure you had your facts in order if you were going to challenge him on something.
No one was more meticulous about caring for their vehicles than Dennis. Any minor rock chips were immediately sent to the body shop for a full restoration. All crooks and crannies were polished to better than showroom condition. Dennis also spent many days on the water fishing with both his father-in-law Gordon Beck as well as his sons on either Cow Lake, Struble or Mitchel Lakes. Later the fishing expeditions were on his ocean vessel in search of the illusive salmon. Both Aaron and Keenan can share some bragging rights on the biggest catches. It was always a special event to bring home the fish for a feast. Dennis had a passion for their dogs as well, both Schubert and Kaiser were Schnauzers that filled them with much love and joy over the years.
Growing up in Rocky yielded many good close friends who Dennis and Judy kept in contact with. Many of those friends also worked in the oil industry all over the world. Reunions at Crimson Lake over the years with old Rockyites gave him pleasure remembering community dances, cars and just about everything.
Dennis was predeceased by his mother Maxine(Gray)Lasalle, step-father Hugh Lasalle, mother -in-law Marjorie Beck and father-in-law Gordon Beck, and his father John Lawrence Bidinger.
He is survived by his loving wife Judy, his son Aaron and daughter-in-law Irene and their children Payton and Brooke; his son Keenan and daughter-in-law Kristen and their children Samuel and Jacob; his sister Gwen Thomas, sister Faye Schmidt and family; brother-in-law Reg Beck and sister-in-law Karen and their children Christopher, Jordan (Emily) and Scott.
In January 2021 he wrote his own Mom’s obituary. He listed several things she had taught him, ending with a special note on how to make a dignified exit from this existence.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in memory of Dennis to BC Cancer or the SPCA of Victoria.
There will be a private family interment in Rocky Mountain House at a later date.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
18 Responses
I am so saddened to read of Dennis’ passing. I truly enjoyed his amazing writings on the Rocky Recollections site. He was an interesting, gentle fellow and will be so missed by everyone who knew him. We share your sorrow, Judy and family, and send warm hugs your way. Bill & Evelyn
Deepest condolences to Judy and family. I was happy to renew acquaintance with Dennis in the last few years and was shocked to hear of his passing..so very sorry for your loss.
Dear Judy and Family. I just learned of Dennis’s passing. I am a cousin, first cousin to Maxine Lasalle. We met you and Dennis at Maxine and Hugh’s fiftieth wedding anniversary. Dennis and I communicated after Maxine’s passing and I shared as much family history with him as I know. We are sorry for your loss and pray your cherished memories and close family ties with your children will carry you this difficult time. Please let me know when you do the interment. We would love to reacquaint with you and your children. With love, Clarence and Beryl
Growing up in small town Alberta, Dennis, Judy and I attended school together from elementary to high school. Following graduation we headed off into the world on different paths, running into each other occasionally. Through the Facebook page of Rocky Recollections, of which Dennis was a key contributor, there has been a connection of former Rocky residents. Although I have not been an active participant to the page, I have been taken back to the days of our youth and also I have been given the opportunity to catch up on the last 50 plus years since graduation. Retirement has caught up with us and also the realities of life. I was saddened and shocked to hear of Dennis’ passing. Not possible when I think of us as kids together at Rocky Elementary. My condolences to Judy and family.
Karen Boles McCutcheon
Our Condolences to Judy, the family and friends. He will be missed. I enjoyed reading his stories on Rocky Recollections.
I had the pleasure of working with Dennis in Brazil more than 20 years ago. A wonderful person and all coworkers here feel sorry for this sad moment.
Rest in peace Dennis!
I pray to the Lord to comfort Judy, their sons and hole família.
Cheers,
Marinete Leme
I was privileged to have the opportunity to work with and to learn from Dennis in Indonesia many years ago. He was one of the best, held in the greatest respect by all who knew him. Fair winds and following seas, Dennis.
My sincere condolences to Judy, the boys and their families in their loss.
Very respectfully,
Terry Carr
Fair winds and following seas, Dennis.
Dear Judy, we met while you were living in Balikpapan. Thank you for your kind hospitality.
My hope is that “….soon time may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost”
I send my sincere heartfelt condolences to Dennis’ beloved wife Judy, his sons Arron and Keenan, and their families.
Although Dennis and I never met in person, we along with others having many of the same concerns and worries about the state of things having several chats about it.
I was not part of that oil fraternity, but along with several that are- I guess I became somewhat an adopted member.
I expressed to Reg this morning that I feel the loss of a friend, and experience that sense.
My kindest regards
Don
Peace, comfort and courage. My sincerest condolences. Take strength from family and the fond memories of Dennis.