Obituary of Dennis David EPP

September 9, 1928 – Rosthern, Saskatchewan
December 15, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Dennis Epp passed away during the early morning hours of Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at the age of 92 years.

Dennis was born in Rosthern, SK on Sunday, September 9, 1928. He grew up on the ancestral farm of his parents, David and Justina Epp. He enjoyed a happy early childhood on the farm in the wide fields and in the native woodlands.  He was taught the hard work ethic of chores around the home and in the garden by his mother and shop and fieldwork by his father.

He attended high school at Rosthern Junior College from 1946 to 1948, then Saskatoon Normal School for teacher training. He taught in one-room country schools for a couple of years, also working in Saskatoon doing highway surveying, plumbing and heating, electrician’s helper and retail sales. He attended Canadian Mennonite Bible College in Winnipeg from 1952 to 1953, returned to teaching in Saskatchewan in Lake Four and Windom, and completed two years of Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan.

Dennis spent three years in Japan as an English Bible teacher and missionaries’ aide under the Pax Voluntary Service program sponsored by the Mission Board from 1959 to 1962. He then returned to Canada to teach high school in Carrot River, La Ronge, Estuary and Leader, SK before returning to Saskatoon to complete his Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Saskatchewan in 1968.

He served as pastor at the Brethren in Christ Church in Kindersley, SK from 1973 to 1975 and at the Mennonite Church in Grande Prairie, AB from 1976 to 1977. Dennis then returned to teaching in Maple Creek, SK from 1977 to 1981 and in Calgary from 1981 until his retirement in 1995. In 1963, Dennis married Tokuko, an English teacher he met in Japan and to whom he was married until his death. They were blessed with four daughters and one grandson.

Upon retirement, Dennis was able to pursue his favourite activities and hobbies full-time, especially daily long walks (something he did until nearly the age of 90), photography, camping, hiking in the mountains, long drives in the country, visiting small town hardware stores, and watching planes land and take off at the Calgary airport. He enjoyed many travels including trips to Japan, an Alaskan cruise, annual anniversary trips to Victoria, many photography excursions with Tokuko, and fulfilled his lifelong dream of travelling to the Holy Land in 2015.

In addition to his love for his wife and family, Dennis will be remembered for his devotion to God. His delight and interest in the Word of God only increased through the years as he attended Alpha classes at church. Dennis frequently volunteered to lead Bible studies and substitute for pastors in preaching and providing soul care. He was committed to spreading the Gospel and building the Kingdom of God throughout his life.

Besides his loving wife, Dennis is survived by daughters, Izumi Epp, Naomi Epp (Jim Huber), Denise Epp (Hiroshi Nishiyama) and Ami (Fernando) Longhi; and grandson Akira Longhi. Dennis is also survived by siblings, Carl Epp (Madeleine Enns), Oscar (Rosalind) Epp and Elsbeth (Jim) Moyer; brother-in-law Roy Stuart, sisters-in-law, Helen Epp and Anne Epp; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Dennis was predeceased by his parents, David and Justina Epp, sister Irene Stuart, brothers, Victor Epp, Walter Epp and Bruno Epp; and sisters-in-law, Hilda Epp and Mary Epp.

A celebration of Dennis’ life will be live-streamed from McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at 5:00 pm MST.  Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Dennis’ obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Dennis Epp, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.