Dennis Claude Bidinger

April 12, 1951 – October 24, 2023

April 12, 1951 – October 24, 2023

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

  1. Judy,

    I had the pleasure of working with Dennis in Trinidad years ago. The world lost a good one when he stepped out. Take comfort in the good memories. My condolences to you and your family.

  2. I had the pleasure to work under Dennis when he was Rig Manager of the Deepwater Frontier Drillship located in Brazil. I as Electrical Supervisor would communicate with him and he always replied and wrote well. During my time with Reading & Bates I had heard about Dennis from many people. He was well respected and I finally met up with him whilst he was Manager. I often think about him and wish I had known him longer. I have just found out about his passing. Dennis was the very best. My sincerest condolences to his family.

    John Hansen
    Australia.

  3. I’m so sorry to hear this news. My condolences to you, Judy, and your family. Dennis was such a great guy, and a best friend in high school. I will always have great memories of times we had together. Take care.

  4. Dear Judy and family, Gerry and I are shocked and saddened to hear of the recent passing of Dennis. We will miss seeing him in your yard outside the indoor riding arena, meticulously looking after your beautiful property. I always enjoyed waving to him or stopping for a quick chat. Our deepest condolences to you and your sons and family, if there is anything you need or we can do please know we are just next door.

  5. Judy and family, shocked and saddened to hear of Dennis’ passing. I am living in Victoria now, maybe we could get together for a coffee or drink some time.

  6. I eagerly awaited Dennis’s stories on Rocky Recollections. His great outlook and his excellent story telling abilities brought back the good old days in a small town. I will miss that special time of reminiscence. My heartfelt sympathies to you, Judy, and your family. It is a hard time in life and I am certain you have many warm memories that will one day bring you comfort. Dennis will be forever missed.

  7. I’m so saddened to hear of Dennis’ passing. We had reacquainted through the Rocky Remembrances group and shared many texts and stories. I very much enjoyed his contributions to our group. He’s left a wonderful legacy and will be missed.
    Sincerest condolences to Judy and his family…

  8. Dear Judy and family, I too was so saddened with the news of Dennis passing. He was such a lovely interesting writer and co-host of Rocky Recollections. We will all miss him there. May memories of your years together comfort you. My sincere condolences to you all.

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