Dennis passed away peacefully September 8, 2021, at home following an enjoyable and productive day in the garden. Predeceased by his parents Bill and Doris Sanders and his brother Norm Sanders. Dennis was born at the Royal Jubilee Hospital on July 24, 1942. The family lived in the vibrant James Island community in North Saanich, where his father worked for Canadian Industries Ltd. (CIL). When his brother Norm reached high school age in 1944, the family moved to Saanich and built their home on Reynolds Road. The community at that time was open fields, orchards, Borden’s Farm, and several wineries. It was a carefree childhood filled with adventures. He would venture off for the day, experience trains arriving with grapes for the wineries, deliveries to Borden’s and he would often go to Pendray Farms on Saanich Road with the Ridout Brothers.  He learned to work hard, experience life, operate tractors and machinery, milk cows and enjoy the basics of life. These early roots imbedded his lifetime friendship with the Pendray, Ridout, and Borden families.

Dennis attended Cloverdale Elementary School, SJ Willis Junior High School and graduated from Mt. View High School in 1962. Following graduation at the encouragement of his father he began a machinist apprenticeship at Ramsey Machine Shop. However, the call of Pendray’s dairy farm on Blenkinsop Road was far more appealing.

Dennis married, Vicki Wright, that girl from the other end of Reynolds Road.  With marriage and the addition of three children; Marnie Lynn, Wayde and Denise, Dennis resumed his machinist career. He completed his machinist’s apprenticeship with MacKay-Cormack Ltd. on January 30, 1970, followed up with Marine Engineer certification.  Thus, started a lifetime career in the maritime industry with Island Tug and Barge Ltd.  Over the years the company changed owners and names to Genstar, Seaspan, and the Washington Marine Group. He enjoyed eight years experience working for Seaspan Shipyard in North Vancouver.  He wrapped up his 50-year career working as barge inspector.

Dennis is survived by his wife Vicki Lynn; two daughters and sons-in-law, Marnie Lynn (Ron) Hollingsworth; Denise (Chad) Wood; son and daughter-in- law, Wayde (Tina) Sanders; six grandchildren Austyn (Ryan) Pielle; Bayley and Cayce Hollingsworth; Evan and Ruby Sanders; T’airah and Jeff Dunlop; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Jo-Ann and George Gurney; Fred Wright; Geri Sanders; nieces and nephews; Mitchell Taylor; Shari and Grant Sanders; Richard, Lyle, Russell, and Blair Gurney; Brent, Jo-Ann, and Kyle Wright.

In retirement Dennis “reinvented” himself. He joined Lake Hill Lawn Bowling Club. He loved the winter card games. Every day started for him at 5am at the “Golden Arches” for coffee with friends. His calendar was full of lunches with fellow retirees and childhood friends.  He always had a pocket full of dog treats and was well loved by his four-legged friends.  Although not a computer user, Dennis embraced texting with a passion.  Not only was there text but emoji’s too and kept in touch regularly to stay connected with friends and family.

He was always in great demand to help out with his little van with WWII trailer in tow.  Always agreeable and ready to give a hand.  Dennis will be missed dearly and remembered fondly by all who knew and loved him.

Subject to COVID regulations a private celebration of life will be held.  Memorial donations can be made to the charity of your choice.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

  • Mark Thomson

    Vicki and family, I’m so sorry for your loss, Dennis was a great man, teacher and friend…..he’ll be forever missed. He really did care about “EVERYTHING!”, he was always thinking of all that went on his life, family , friends and work. He taught me so much about engines, winches, machining, and salvage…which seemed to be where we both ended up at…I called him “Mentor”…will miss him …Mark..(aka, Grasshopper)

  • Julie Fuller

    Dear Vicki and family,

    Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Mr. Sanders’ kind smile and willingness to always ask me how I was doing when I was over at your house after school made me feel so welcome. My fondest memories of him are from more recent years when I would bring my children over to visit you both which they truly enjoyed. Our sincerest condolences to you all. With love, Julie, Richard, Sam, Dylan and Georgia

  • Norm Chouinard and Carol Thibault

    We just discovered this really sad news in The Times Colonist. My husband Norm’s life also begins at the Golden Arches every morning and he recently talked about missing Dennis waiting in his truck but never thought he was ill or not coming back. Norm said Dennis always made you feel welcome and he reached out to new comers with a smile. During COVID they would sit side by side in their trucks outside the Golden Arches. Norm was always appreciative of Dennis’s knowledge of the local history and wondered each day what topic would get covered. He would be so excited to come home and tell me all about the latest news. There will be a void without Dennis in Norm’s daily routine and in his heart. He will always remember Dennis for being such a wonderful caring friend. Our hearts go out to Vicky and the family at this time. R.I.P. Dennis!

  • Judy Brownoff

    Vicki and family, there are no words to express the loss of your Partner, Father and Grandfather. There are no doubt many memories. Vicki your morning coffee Dennis would bring you, of course after his coffee club meeting, or the drive thru for ice cream and so many more. At this time remember the memories you all shared with Dennis, celebrate his life, one that was full with family, lifetime friends and experiences. Family connections are important now as you move forward. Vicki my thoughts (and my Dennis memories) are with you all during this time.

  • Kelley

    What a beautiful tribute. Sending strength and love to the family and friends of Dennis.

  • Barb Handel Jacobs

    Vicki, heartfelt thoughts go out to you and the family in this time of sorrow. I still remember Dennis from our Reynolds Road days.

  • Gwendolyn Carnell

    To Vicki and family; My heart goes out to all of you.
    I will always remember how kind Dennis was to me, and the pumpkin plants that he shared. But somehow he seemed to get them to grow bigger!
    I’ll really miss Dennis, and always think of him with great fondness.

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