DENNIS EDWARD WILSON

Condolences & Memories (19 entries)

• I knew Dennis from the Wpg Squash Club back in the day. Dennis exemplified the Gentleman - attentive, genuine, decent. We played now and then. I was in super shape then and told him of running down then up the 30 stories of the Richardson Building where I worked for Richardson Securities. He was amazed, made me feel like a super athlete. Always positive and supportive. His obit is a testament to his character. - Posted by: Paul Sweatman (Friend) on: Aug 29, 2025

• I am sorry to have just heard about Dennis' passing but I felt the need to offer my condolences to Marg and the rest of his family. I have always held Dennis in the highest esteem. I first met Dennis when I was a student teacher at Oakenwald School in the mid-70's. He always struck me as welcoming, professional, and good-natured. Then, many years later in the 90s, I came on staff at Whyte Ridge Elementary School and was honoured to have him as my principal. What a fine leader he was - he always took time to listen, was always open to new ideas, and perhaps most importantly, he believed in and trusted his teachers to use their professional judgement and take some risks. From a teacher's perspective, this was such a gift! Thank you Dennis for the many ways you contributed to the vitality of the teaching profession in Manitoba. - Posted by: David Mandzuk (Colleague) on: Apr 17, 2024

• My sincere condolences to Dennis’ family and friends. I was saddened to hear about Dennis’ Alzheimer’s and his passing. I know first hand the toll the disease takes on all as my husband fought it for nine years. In 1978, I met Dennis as my principal at Oakenwald School. At the time, he had just been assigned the job as principal of two schools, Oakenwald and Crane with a combined staff of close to 40. Along with the rest of the staff, I marveled at Dennis’ excellent leadership and communication skills. He was respected and appreciated by students, staff and parents. I recall his professionalism, his caring and his outstanding support. He was always approachable, ready to listen and offer suggestions/encouragement. When I saw Dennis’ picture attached to the obituary, it was just like I remember him even though I have not seen him for many many years…inquiring eyes and genuine smile. Marlene Mutch - Posted by: Marlene Mutch (Teacher friend) on: Jan 25, 2024

• My condolences to all the family. I knew Dennis during his growing up years on Rosewarne Ave. Dennis was very patient putting up with me during my teen years. I was best friends with his sister, Janet for many years and we spent countless hours in their home. Marg, if you have Janet’s contact information I would enjoy getting in touch with her. Thanks Judy Stevens - Posted by: Judy Stevens (Friend of family) on: Dec 01, 2023

• Dennis was my Principal at Acadia Jr. High. As a teacher, I regarded him with great respect and admiration. He was professional, flexible and funny. When another teacher and I presented him with a curriculum idea which was a bit outside the box(!) he listened and then encouraged us to proceed. His support to staff was always ready and appreciated. His life story does not surprise me! He was a giving man. Even from where I write, in Baddeck NS, I cherish his memory. Denise - Posted by: Denise Maclellan (Former colleague and teacher) on: Nov 29, 2023

• I am so sad to read that Dennis passed away. I had the privilege of being on staff at Glenlawn Collegiate during the late 60’s and early 70’s. I was young and inexperienced amongst a staff of so many wonderful and admirable teachers. I was in awe of many including Dennis. Dennis was not only wonderful teacher and coach, but also a warm, friendly very thoughtful person. My sincere condolences to the family. - Posted by: GORDON MUTTER (Colleague) on: Nov 26, 2023

• While I was no athlete, I remember Mr. Wilson from my years at Glenlawn. He's on the list of all the great educators we were so blessed to have at that school. Only as the years passed did we come to fuller realization of the benefits they added to our lives. As with Mr. Wilson (none of us were used to calling them by first names), so many of those educators carried on, giving to those that followed us. They left a huge legacy to the hundreds whose lives they touched and molded. We cannot thank them enough. - Posted by: Bob Beavis (Former Student) on: Nov 23, 2023

• Dennis was an old friend going back to fraternity days in University. He always called me Trish though other knew me as "Pat" . Many happy memories, but particularly remembering how welcoming his parents were to have Dennis and his many friends enjoy time in their home, and we did spend a lot of time there. They had a small pet monkey called Sammy which I loved and always enjoyed his antics. Dennis' intelligence and depth was appreciated by friends, but his quick and wry wit, sense of humour and love of fun made spending time with him such a pleasure. And to quote his wife: a gentle man and a gentlemen. - Posted by: Trish McDonald (Friend) on: Nov 22, 2023

• My sincere condolences to Dennis’s wife , family and friends. I had the privilege of knowing Dennis first through my involvement in high school basketball, and later as one of his staff members at Whyte Ridge when the school opened in 1992. Dennis was the consummate professional administrator, and was extremely respected by students, staff, fellow and community. He helped create a very positive school climate. Dennis was a natural leader. Many of his attributes he gained as a coach transferred to his style as a principal. He encouraged his staff to grow professionally, be hard working, innovative, and was very supportive of progressive educational thinking. He placed confidence in his teachers, and allowed them to flourish. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to have known him all these years. Thank you Dennis. - Posted by: Ken Park (Colleague ) on: Nov 20, 2023

• A good teacher and coach. The best there was. Need more like him. - Posted by: jack kelly (student) on: Nov 19, 2023

• I have known Dennis for over 60 years as a totally dedicated person to anything he took an interest in. He was certainly a key figure in helping Basketball grow enormously in Manitoba through his tireless participation and efforts. He was always pleasant and understanding to his players and colleagues and would always be willing to share his expertise when required. I eventually ended up teaching and coaching his sons at Windsor Park Collegiate. I can't remember Dennis missing many of their games and it was obvious they had been brought up and coached by their Dad to be excellent players and people. My last recollection of Dennis was as a fellow student teacher evaluator at the University of Winnipeg. We always got together to compare our assignments and make suggestions to each other. I will certainly miss our yearly meetings and Basketball will also miss one of the truly great and inspiring leaders for our sport. My condolences to his family and many friends and colleagues. - Posted by: Brian Thompson (Friend and Basketball Colleague ) on: Nov 19, 2023

• Mr Wilson was the principal at Acadia when I (and my 3 siblings) were students there in the 80’s. I remember him as an amazing man and very gentle and well liked. It’s not often we remember people from school so many years later. He obviously had an impact on me (and I’ve been a teacher in Pembina Trails now for 25 years as well). My condolences on your family’s loss.. - Posted by: Cheryl Carpenter (Mackey) (Former student ) on: Nov 18, 2023

• Dennis lived his life with class and unquestioned integrity and was a true gentleman. It is a terrible loss for his family and his many, many friends. On behalf of the Watts family, my deepest condolences. Rick Watts - Posted by: Rick Watts (Basketball Friend) on: Nov 18, 2023

• Dennis was the VP at Acadia Junior High when I attended in the 70s. He was always great at interacting with the students. Later, when my children attended Whyte Ridge school I had a chance to reconnect. He was still always kind and respectful with the kids. One year my son, in grade 2 at the time, won a giant Morden's chocolate rabbit for donating the most cans of food during a food drive. Dennis actually walked him home from school that day to make sure he made it home safely with his prize. He'll always be remembered kindly by family and I. - Posted by: Scott Cochrane (Former student and parent ) on: Nov 18, 2023

• I was saddened to read of the passing of Dennis Wilson. It's been many years since I met Dennis, but those times are still alive in my mind. Dennis and I were rival coaches in basketball, but we became friends. His encouragement and respect were a big part of my life back then, and still easily recalled and treasured today. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. - Posted by: Maurice Hogue (Friend) on: Nov 18, 2023

• It's been 50 years that I last saw Dennis, but I cannot forget him. It was the fall of 1971, I think that I walked into Glenlawn H.S to start a new teaching job.When I told the principal that my choice was to coach basketball and teach History he suggested I meet Mr. Wilson. Dennis, I discovered taught History and coached the Varsity boys basketball team. "Sure it'll work out. Glad you can join us", said Dennis. We landed up coaching and teaching many of the same kids. I taught them English and coached the Varsity boys softball team, but it made perfect sense. Coach Wilson already had assembled a first rate staff from his History Dep't. and together with Wayne Ruff and Ted Keddie I was able to learn a lot from Mr. Wilson. Dennis, I will remember you always as a great teacher, coach and friend. - Posted by: Bruce Enns (TEACHING AND COACHING FRIEND) on: Nov 18, 2023

• I was a new resident to Winnipeg & I didn't know one soul. Dennis was my history teacher at Glenlawn. One frigid minus 30 degree day I was walking my regular route down St. Marys Rd to school when a vehicle stopped & waved me over, offering me a ride. I couldn't believe that someone was actually offering me a ride. None other than Mr.Wilson, my history teacher. That made a huge impression on me as a sixteen year old & I never forgot it. Years later I became a member of the Winnipeg Squash Club where I met Dennis again. I always enjoyed talking to Dennis at the club. A real Mensch. - Posted by: Rick Fast (former member of the Winnipeg Squash Racquet club.) on: Nov 18, 2023

• My sincere condolences to Dennis Family & friends. I first met Dennis in 1963 when I attended Glenlawn Collegiate. Dennis was the Phys Ed Teacher & we became good friends that year. The following year I joined the Fort Garry Police Department. We lost touch for a few years but met up again when Dennis began his duties in Fort Garry. Our paths kept crossing & we attended each others retirement parties. Dennis was a Gentleman in the truest sense of the word. He greeted everyone with an open heart & was always willing to lend a hand. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Rest in Peace my friend, - Posted by: Alexander C Stratton (Friend) on: Nov 18, 2023

• Dean, I am sorry for your loss and am sending my best wishes as I know how hard it is losing a father who is a special person. Over the many years I have known Dennis meeting him always lifted my spirits as I remember the positive energy he exuded. Dennis was my high school history teacher and to us he was a star among the students. Basketball was a connecting point for us, and after I got comfortable calling him Dennis, those connections continued through decades. The world is a poorer place without your Dad, but his memory is a blessing. - Posted by: Bill Noyes (Friend, fellow coach, student) on: Nov 18, 2023