Obituary of Cecil Wallace Denton

Cecil (Cec) Wallace Denton, born in Regina, beloved husband of Helen, passed away suddenly but peacefully on Saturday, July 31, 2004 at the Sarcee Hospice at the age of 78 years. Cec struggled valiantly to the end against prostate cancer, his nemesis for over eleven years. His unyielding strength and persistent optimism inspired new friends that he made during Chemo and Radiation therapy who were waging their own battle against the same foe. Cec spent his whole working life in the oilpatch. All thirty-five years were spent with Mobil Oil. It all started in an oil refinery outside of Regina in 1945. Through practical experience, he became such an excellent geological technician that the company offered to sponsor him to get a university degree in Geology. Cec knew that his love for the land and the people who worked it couldn’t be ignored so he sought a new direction. He became an oil scout and then moved on to a job that would prove to be his true calling and in time define the very essence of his being. Cec became a Landman. He always claimed that his agricultural background was his single most important asset in daily dealings with members of the farming community but everyone knew that it was his genuinely warm, friendly, and unpretentious manner, common sense, strong personal values, along with his love for the land and the people who farm it that were the true secrets to his success. In later years, Cec would humbly but proudly say “I was a Landman.” Colleagues would quietly add “and he was the best”. As was to be expected Cec couldn’t tolerate retirement, so he found his way back to the oilpatch, this time as a safety consultant. He had come full circle and had returned to the heart of the industry that he couldn’t bear to leave. Only his failing health could keep him away. Cec will join in heaven Doreen, his wife of over Thidrty-four wonderful years and their son Darryl who died tragically in 1980. He grieved for the loss, but knew in his heart that they were crying tears of joy when he joined Helen Gavelin in 1982 and became a loving father to her sons Robin and Kirby. Cec especially loved his grandchildren: Elyse, Eric, Jeremy, Thomas, Mats, and Kyle. Although the cancer that plagued him kept him from doing all he wanted to do with them, he delighted in the endless hours they spent playing cards together. Cec will be forever missed by his family and many friends. He is survived by his sisters Edith (Hal) Schultz of Calgary, Florence (Rich) Scharch of Camerilla, California; sister in law Kay (Vic) Young of Regina; and brothers Lewis (Ally) of Cudsworth, Sask. and Harvey of Regina. “Dear Cec, we are only now beginning to sense the empty hole in our hearts that can never be filled.” Funeral Services will be held at St. David’s United Church (3303 Capitol Hill Crescent N.W.) on Thursday, August 5, 2004 at 1:00 P.M. Graveside Service to follow at Rockyview Garden of Peace. To forward condolences go to www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 – 29 Street NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: (403) 944-2433. In living memory of Cec Denton, a tree will be planted at Nose Creek Valley by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 Crowfoot Circle N.W., CALGARY, TELEPHONE: (403) 241-0044.