REGINALD DENNIS CHECKLEY

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REGINALD DENNIS CHECKLEY Known as Dennis to all, we sadly announce that Dad passed away, peacefully in his sleep, after a long journey with cancer on Thursday, January 10, 2019. Dad was predeceased by his beautiful wife Barbara, his mother Helen Verville, father Reginald Checkley and his stepfather Adelard Verville, his sister Marilyn Martens, nephew Darin, Dennis' long-time friend, and godparent to both Sean and Tracy, Garry Robertson and his wife Carol. Garry was so much a part of his life that he became a lifelong cherished "uncle" to Sean and Tracy until his passing six years ago. We just know that they're together and causing mischief as they always did. Left to cherish Dennis' memory are: his son Sean (wife Linda, grandsons, Ryan and David, and granddaughter Lauren) and his daughter Tracy (grandson Dustin); his partner of 25 years, Joan Balbon, stepson Jay (wife Sherry, granddaughters, Kayleigh and Adrianna), nieces and nephews, Scott, Shelley and Keven, stepsiblings, Lori Smith (her husband Wayne and nephew Kenny) and Dale Verville (wife Jackie and nieces and nephews, Daniel [wife Karli]), Janelle and Joel, and nieces Lisa and Linda (Lindy). Dennis achieved his dream of building his own reputable home building business, Hallmark Homes, in 1980, with Sean at his side. Prior to this Dennis had worked as a real estate agent before becoming a broker. It is during this time that he forged his long-lasting friendship with Ernie Oldfield, and Rube and Kissi Diamond (the three musketeers). While sharing many a drink, they would often recount their memories of hunting, diving, gourmet dinners, infectious laughter, and just being together while listening to Dennis explain "why things are the way they are" according to Dennis. In 1970, Dennis and Barbara built their escape-from-the-city cottage at Tannis Lake. It truly was their second home with Sean and Tracy. Many wonderful and long-lasting friendships were rooted in this cottage. Dennis loved to fish and go diving with Rube then have drinks and dinner after the haul, which was usually enough to feed a small child. Thankfully his wife Barbara was an excellent cook. After Barbara passed, Dennis continued to escape to the cottage with Joan for many years. Known for his terrific sense of humour and wit, he will surely be thought of often by all those that knew him and whose lives were changed because of his dedication as a father, brother and friend. We'd like to take a moment to thank his doctors, nurses and staff at CancerCare Manitoba, as well as his homecare workers for their sincere dedication and compassion in helping our father through his illness. He passed peacefully and with gratitude for your service. As per Dennis' wishes, a private family gathering will be held in lieu of a memorial. E.J. Coutu & Co. Funeral Directors 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 26, 2019