My husband, Ron, died Feb 21, 2013 at the age of 74, of complications associated with dementia. Life was rough at both ends. Born in Prelate, Saskatchewan, he started out with a Father at war, and a family of Mom and 4 kids struggling to make ends meet. And during his last years, he fought against the cruel ravages of dementia.
But it’s the many wonderful years in between that characterize the man he was, the man that I loved. The man that was adored by his daughter Janice (“he’s my hero”); loved by his grandchildren Michelle and Lukas; and brothers Gerald and Keith; (predeceased by mother Edna, & sister Nadine). And equally loved by the large and boisterous Cornelson clan to which he was granted honorary member status, much to his delight. And judging by comments, he has also been loved by a host of life-long friends and colleagues. For a lifetime, he kept us all laughing with his wry observations on life and human nature. The many years of his prime were rich indeed. He enjoyed 37 years as a police officer, initially in Calgary and then West Vancouver…..the kind of officer that could give you a ticket and send you away smiling. The stories are numerous and legendary. Due to my airline career, Ron and I travelled the globe extensively, earning him the nickname of Capt. Freebie. And our travels were so enriched by Ron’s ability to strike a chord with everyone he met, regardless of background, nationality or language. Children and dogs were his specialty. We were fortunate to have wonderful children in our lives….daughter Janice, his pride and joy throughout the years. Plus two grandchildren, two nieces, and two nephews whom we cherish and who kept us young at heart. We were blessed with good health until dementia struck. And we loved each other for over 35 years. So Ron would have heartily agreed that, in the things that mattered most, he had a wonderful life. He left me with a wealth of memories. I let him go gratefully because it ends his pain, but I will miss him terribly.
Many thanks to the staff at Kiwanis Pavilion who cared for Ron these past few months and saw through his torment to connect with the “real” him. Those who were special angels…you know who you are. In lieu of flowers, donations would be welcome to the Alzheimer Society of BC or the Kiwanis Pavilion.
A celebratory gathering and wake will be held where stories will be told, glasses raised, and a wonderful guy honored.
Lovingly, Barb Denney
MEMORIAL GATHERING AND WAKE
A memorial gathering & wake is now planned for Thursday, April 11th at the McCall’s Reception Centre beginning at 1:30 pm. McCall’s is located in downtown Victoria at the corner of Vancouver & Johnson St, with their large parking lot right across from the Johnson St. entrance.
Janice & I have been very touched by the many condolences & reminiscences both on the website & via cards & emails. We look forward to seeing any of you who can join us to hear some of those “legendary” stories & to give Ron the kind of send-off he would want to attend!
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
48 Responses
Dear Barb & Family;
I am very sorry to hear of your loss with Ron’s passing but glad that he did not have to suffer any further. The five years I worked with Ron at the West Van PD (81-86) flew by and I will always be grateful to my forever Sgt., Ron Denney. Ron had a great sense of humour and we worked together on a few, “capers,” even though I was the Rookie member of his entourage and sometimes called the, “Clone.” Ron was tough, very straight but compassionate and always brought common sense to every situation. I have great respect for Ron. One of our platoon adventures to Boyer Island resulted in Ron being awarded the, “Ron Dennney Cliff Diving Championship,” trophy, following Ron’s unfortunate tumble from the railing and cliff face there. Ron alerted us to his plight by calling out my name, knowing I was the most likely to be in a capable and conscious state…common sense. Ron was always supportive and defended me against the unwarranted attacks of many annoyed or disciplined civilians and a few of the WVPD management…all with great humour. I learned a great deal from Ron. Ron had a nickname for everyone, some more humorous than others! I spent the following 25 years working with Delta PD, prior to my retirement in 2011 but always had great memories of my time with Ron. My Sgt. Denney is loved, will be missed by so many but is respected forever by all.
Love to you and your family,
Paul Sinclair
Barb and Janice,
I am sorry to learn of Ron’s passing but know he would have so badly not wanted the life he was living in the end. It is not easy to lose someone you love so much, but what a blessing he is in a better place.Barb I so used to love your and Ron’s spontanious visits with me on my deck as you were in the hood. Ron was always such a delight,a twinkle in his (good )eye. I will be there at the service with a big hug and will look forward to his celebration of life with you both.
xoxo
Cheryl
By the way Jan, how lucky we both were to have such great Dads who loved us so much, hey?
Dear Barb,Janice & Family .
Please accept our condolences on Ron,s passing.
Your tribute so true brought back many fond memories for me, Ron was one of the first members I worked with at WVPD and taught me that police work could be done a lot easier with a bit of humor .
Thank,s old mate . bet your making them laugh up there.like you did down here .
Love to all Peter /Oriel Norman
Barb, Janice and Family,
What can we say that has not already been said, other than how much we will miss our dear friend Ron. Our mutual Family Doctor referred to Barb as “Saint Barbara” for all that she did for Ron over these past years with such love and devotion.
We were always amazed at her patience and gentleness with Ron trying to make his life with Dementia as normal and comfortable as possible.
He was also blessed to have had such a wonderful caring daughter, sister-in-law and brother-in-law.
We all miss him at our retirees group lunches here on the Island but will never forget him.
We love you both,
Mike and Marilyn
I was so saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. This must be so hard on all of you, especially you Barb and Janice. I will always remember the fun loving Ron Denney and cherish those times we all shared. Ron was one of those guys that once you met him you always remembered him, not too many people you can say that about in a good way. Unfortunately I will be travelling with my son for his baseball during the celebration of Ron’s life so will not be able to attend but believe me my thoughts are with you.
Bob
My all-time favorite Brother-in-Law, Sergeant Ron Denney has passed…..
He was a major influencer in my life and I am influenced by his passing….
Life-ending experiences oftentimes offer us a look at our own lives and an opportunity for a reassessment of what is in-fact important and what is at least significantly less important than family and how we spend the time we have…..
Ron did very much fight the good fight…for the longest time he refused to give the disease its due, to let the disease beat him….and yet in the end, regardless all his efforts and all of Barb’s super-human efforts, Dementia did beat him, and at last it has finally taken him.
There is absolutely no doubt that Ron is in a better place….he has to be, given the place the disease left to him here, particularly in the end days, Ron was not at all in a good place….or certainly a place Ron would have wanted to be.
Ron was such a strong personality, larger than life, giving you his last dime without question and yes, the shirt….helpful, understanding, of me especially…
He was in-fact, my personal counselor as I tried to secure permission to enter the Cornelson family….and once I was finally admitted, with his able assistance; we battled, with each other, in that special way only real friends are able, for the approval of Dar and Barb’s Mother, Sunny….less so for Ted, Dar and Barb’s Father, (in the Cornelson Family the woman rule….) we never really knew who won, I imagine we both did, given we did both very much love Sunny’s daughters.
I will miss him terribly, Ron was my compatriot, we agreed on a lot of the ‘important stuff’…..Brothers-in-Law forever, eh…?!
He certainly was always the alpha among us; Sergeant Ron Denney was a policeman’s policeman, the type of policemen we all remember from our earlier years; the type we wished our policemen were today. Sergeant Denney was a cop who believed he was there to Protect and Serve, not necessarily to be protecting and serving by being hidden in the bushes seeking seat-belt infractions.
What I know, is that I owe Ron much, that I always will owe him much and God Damn it…..I miss him…!
Until we meet again my friend…..
Barb, You and Ron were the best neighbours we could ask for. When we moved onto the street you welcomed us with open arms – kids and dogs included. Our special moments were shared with you and will be remembered by all of us. Ron was thrilled to be there with Clinton for his grad photos. The best part of Dave’s lawncuts was sharing a beer with Ron after. Ron will always be a part of our best memories. Our thoughts are with you. Love Dave, Shirley, Clinton and Carly
Barb and Janice Denney
Please accept my condolences on Ron’s passing.It was great socialling with you and the rest of the “old farts” when we all moved to the island.
Now with Ron’s passing and Aggie in 2011,I’m sure they are still bugging one another where ever they are.
When you love someone,you never get over it and I’m sure your memories will sustain you.
See you at the memorial.
Bernie
I am Sadden that we have lost another great man,when Ron passed away..The Love and Care he received was Second to none and would make any man Proud on his last days..His time had come to move to a happier place for which he awaits to Reunite and Dance the night away..For now, the many memories of special times and places will fill the mind..But know full well that Two Special Ladies have another Angel watching over them..(and the grandchildren)…His strength will be yours to Seize, it will keep you Strong..For there will be days you need it Janice and Barb…
I Tip My Glass to You RON
LARRY
Barb you are so fortunate to have had such a great and loving partner, father and grandparent. Ron may be gone but he will never be forgotten.
All our love.
Brian and Mary.