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Condolences
I just found out of the news today of Dennis passing away. I knew of Dennis from a business setting. Always had time to take my call and talk business.
Like Dennis, I grew up on a family farm in the Peace River area, so there was common denominator between our upbringings.
So sorry to hear of his passing. I pass my condolences to his family.
Derry Wright
I joined Dennis at Homme Baker in the spring of 1983. Dennis was always very kind to me - both professionally and personally. He was the most disciplined lawyer I have ever met and I learned a lot from him.
I did not have a car back then and Dennis picked me up and we ran a lot of 10k races together. Dennis was also one of the better athletes I have ever personally known - I never came close to him in any run. I was saddened to learn of his passing. He was a prince of a man. My condolence to Jennifer and the family.
Dear Jennifer,
Our friend Tom Engel informed me of the sad demise of Dennis. Please accept my condolences and please convey my condolences to your family.
Dennis and I met in 1976 in then the newly established Law School, when he enrolled in the first year LLB class and I joined its Law Library as Reference Librarian. During the law school years, Tom Engel, Joe Morin and Dennis welcomed me to "pump stairs" with them in the Faculty of Education building. Their intense "stairs pumping" was an example and encouragement for me to raise my fitness level.
Dennis will be missed by all who knew him personally and professionally. He will be remembered by the memories he has left behind in the hearts and minds of those whose lives he has touched.
I hope you all have the courage and inner strength to cope with this loss of a very dear family member.
Umesh Vyas
Dear Jennifer and family,
We are so sorry to learn just recently of Dennis' passing. He was a very very fine man. Our deepest condolences on your profound loss.
Julie & Steve Downe
My deepest condolences to Jennifer and the family.
- Barry Rust
Jennifer and family
Our deepest condolences to the family. Dennis was an amazing man and very generous with his time. He generously shared his experiences with my cousin and her husband going through his treatment plan. They were so appreciative.
Calgary has lost a great family and community spirited man.
I had the opportunity to work with the Nerland family as a housekeeper for several years and my family and I were blessed with his big generosity because when we most needed Dennis was always there for us. Thank you so much. I always admired him because I observed a man with lots of love and respect for his family and others. He is an angel, I will never forget Mr. Dennis. My condolences to the entire family. Margarita Valente
I, along with the entire Glans-Look team, am deeply saddened to hear of Dennis' passing. Our hearts and thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time.
I met Dennis in the spring of 2019 when he participated in the patient panel discussion at our annual research day event. For many reasons, it is not easy for people to talk about lung cancer – especially those who are fighting it. I greatly appreciated his willingness to share about his experience, which was of great encouragement to those alongside him on the stage, as well as a voice given to others fighting this battle.
The Glans-Look Lung Cancer Research team is honored that Dennis and his family have thought to mention our program, and grateful for the support of our mission to improve the lives of those experiencing lung cancer.
Our dear friend Jennifer and family
The world has lost a bright light. A true gentleman and a cherished friend. There are those people who make you believe that life is full of possibility and hope for humanity. Dennis was that bright light in our lives and in so many others. Humble, generous, sincere, and always willing to listen and advise without pretense or expectation. True to his rural roots, no matter the grandness of his accomplishments in life and career, he never put himself above others. A man that led by example and inspired you to be a better person. Demonstrating every day what it means to be a loving family man, a dedicated husband and a determined, disciplined business leader. Words cannot convey our feeling of loss and the gratitude to have known someone so special. In his absence, we are left with unforgettable memories and gratitude for all he has done for our family. Forever in our hearts, our good friend Dennis Nerland.
With love Gord and Leslie Nadeau and family.
Dennis, I was prepared to meet an amazing person before I met you. Hearing of a man of legendary party prowess, capable of no end of law school shenanigans and tomfoolery (and that's not just a reference to one of your best law school buddies, but there is a good deal of that!), and yet a man who distinguished himself as an outstanding athlete, lawyer, philanthropist and family man, anticipating meeting you gave me a bellyfull of butterflies. But when I walked into your beautiful home on the first of many magical Dennis and Jennifer Christmas parties, the man I met with the kind, generous, welcoming smile was the man that breathed life into every one of those stories, and hundreds I will never know.
I am so very sorry for the loss of this truly wonderful man, Jennifer and family.
Jennifer and family,
Thank you for enhancing Dennis' life, for having his back, and for sharing him with the rest of us.
Dennis,
Thank you for 46 years of friendship, adventure, generosity, and inspiration. You will forever be in my heart.
Gail Mark, Mackenzie, & Hayley Spurr
Jennifer and family we were saddened to hear of the loss of Dennis. Our most sincere condolences. We remember many happy times in Scaboro during the 80s and 90s. We first met Dennis as clients but your family adopted us into your circle of friends which we very much welcomed as a new family moving to Calgary. We are forever grateful of our friendship with Dennis and the family
Our thoughts are with you during this very sad time
Mark, Gail, Mackenzie, & Hayley
Our sincere condolences to Jennifer and family. We have such good memories of Dennis. A life well lived and well loved. Thinking of all of you in these difficult times.
Sincerely Jan, Mike and the Bruni family
Jennifer and family, I am so deeply saddened at the loss of Dennis. After having worked with Dennis for a decade, and much more importantly, having the opportunity to spend time out of the office, I can say I have not met a better man. Dennis was the epitome of class and style, a true gracious man in a world that cries for more like him. He will never be forgotten amongst friends, colleagues and anyone that had the great fortune to be a part of his life. Rest In Peace Dennis.
Jennifer, you and your family are in our thoughts as you grieve this loss. What an accomplished life Dennis lived and a beautiful life you created together. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Cheryl and Randy.
Ms. Pollock and family,
On behalf of the entire Calgary Petroleum Club team, I share my heartfelt condolences.
Be safe and well,
Toni-Marie
Jennifer & Family -
I am so very sorry for your loss. Dennis was an amazing, multi-faceted individual and it was always such a pleasure to chat with him over a glass of wine. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
We are so deeply saddened to hear of Dennis’ passing, he was truly a fine gentleman and an inspiration to so many. Our most heartfelt condolences go out to Jennifer and the Nerland family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Maureen & Rick Hindmarch
Jennifer and family, thank you for sharing Dennis with us, he was an amazing person. A tragic loss for those of us who were lucky enough to have benefited from his infinite generosity. Dennis was one of those rare people in life that I felt blessed to have encountered, his positivity and ability to see the potential in everything is a gift I will greatly miss.
Jennifer, Robert and all of the extended bunch: so sad to hear that Dennis is gone. The world is short a wonderful man
What does one say to honour the legacy of one of the most brilliant, kind, wise, most highly respected men? I’ve been putting off writing something here for that reason.
At one of the annual galas for The Tooth Fairy Children’s Foundation, Dennis allowed one of our live auction items to be having dinner with him at La Chaumiere, one of Calgary’s finest restaurants (the restaurant donated the dinner as they thought so highly of him). Dennis confided that he was afraid nobody would bid on the dinner, nobody would pay money to have dinner with him! He was so incredibly humble! Dennis sold for a very healthy sum that night to 2 wonderful young men that had done their MBA’s with me. Dennis ordered several lovely bottles of wine for the 3 of them that night, all at his expense. The young business men were in absolute AWE of him, amazed at the once-in-a-life time evening they had so enjoyed!
Trivia:
• In 1981, 40 years ago, Dennis set up the Prof Corp for our Dental Practice, as well as our Family Trust.
• 20 years later, he did all the legal work to incorporate Strategix Ltd, my dental consulting company.
• Then, Dennis set up The Tooth Fairy Children’s Foundation as a charitable entity, with no fee attached, and did an amazing job of chairing the board for 8+ years.
• Dennis also had his lovely daughter, Emily write scripts for the Foundation.
• Jennifer, and her sister Lisa did wonderful things behind the scenes for the Foundation, like setting up the room and purchasing appetizers for our annual AGM’s.
• Dennis and I shared the same Birthday, he was just a few years older. I will so miss wishing him Happy Birthday this February.
Dennis was a huge influence on a lot of people, he will be so very missed. My best wishes to every member of his family, I can only imagine how much you all miss him!
As children growing up, neighbors farming side by side, sharing the benefits of parents who were leaders and builders, school mates and playmates, our sincerest condolences to Dennis' family from the Ken and Mina Elder Family. Take strength and comfort in your memories and love.
You have to count your blessings when you get to spend time with a man like Dennis. On a very personal level he exemplified those traits that you wish everyone had! Honesty, integrity, dedication, generosity, passion, supportiveness, caring, etc. You can name all the critical virtues and that was Dennis. Add in great intelligence and a photographic memory and you had a great business partner! While serving on Boards with Dennis his perspective and guidance was invaluable. Perhaps the times that I (and Lori) will cherish the most were when we were hockey parents sharing times with Dennis and Jennifer. On the road trips (the best of all times) or at home, the interaction we had together was uplifting and many times exhausting but never dull. An incredible guy and so sad to say goodbye for now! All our love and prayers to Jennifer and family!
Jennifer,
We are so sorry to learn of Dennis' passing. He was such an accomplished person with many varied interests and talents. He surely will be greatly missed. I am grateful to know that you had so many years together, and so many adventures. Our condolences as well to Emily and your sons and all your family. We hope that, in time, your happy memories will help fill the empty space in your hearts.
Thinking of you at this difficult time,
Debbie Diegoli and Ingrid Anderson
Vermont, USA
We are all very saddened and send our love. So many stories as our children were growing up.He always had time. From dinners to road trips to Christmas evenings. Our hearts go out to you. Such a loss. Too early, too early, too early. Peace be with you. Della, Jon, Michael, Alex, Rachael and Emelia.
Jennifer and the Nerland family,
We were so saddened to hear of Dennis's passing. We met him in 2004, after losing Mel and he took control of the situation with a brilliant mind and a compassionate heart. He always spoke with love and pride when speaking of his family, especially his Grandchildren. It was an honor to have known him. and he will be truly missed. Our love and prayers go out to all that loved him.
The Soloway Family
To Jennifer and your remarkable family, please accept my deep sympathies. From the minute we met at Standard High School, Dennis had my admiration and respect. He was smart and classy and fun to be around. He had dazzling hockey skills and excelled at every school sport they could throw his way. He worked hard, in school and in his career, and set a high bar for himself and others. I feel tremendously privileged to have retained our connection - personal and professional - throughout our adult lives. He enriched me with his kindness, respect and warmth. Throughout his life but, in particular, during his journey with cancer, he showed grit, determination, grace and character. He was a gift to us all and each of us is better for having known him.
To Jennifer and family, I want to extend my deepest condolences. I had the honour of serving on a couple of Boards with Dennis, and, more importantly, getting to know him as a mentor and friend. I always appreciated his deep knowledge across many fields, but most of all, his integrity in dealing with everyone. I know he will be sorely missed by his family, and indeed by everyone who had the good fortune to cross paths with Dennis. Don Verdonck
How do I begin to honor such a wonderful man who became an influence in my life at the mere age of 17. Dennis was an articling student and I was just barely out of high school. He became my mentor, teacher and family. We went through many life events, my wedding, the births of our children, all the great moments of working by your side, yearly Christmas celebrations at the Nerland/Pollock household. I can't begin to express how grateful we all are to have had you for such a short time in our lives. Not only were you so generous with myself, but with all of my family as well, particularly my parents. They loved you Dennis and always thought so highly of you. You will forever live in our hearts and your generosity and kindness will never be forgotten (as most of the things in my home were purchased and gifted by you). I pray that you will rest in eternal peace in God's heavenly kingdom. Angels always make their way there and you are the most beautiful angel to me. Until we meet again. Love you lots. Sara
There simply are no words to describe this loss. A loving gentleman taken far too soon from his beloved family. My deepest sympathy and much love is being sent to you all, Nerland family. Karen Hall.
Hello Jennifer,
This is sad news. I'm so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed the time I spent with Dennis over the years. My condolences to you and your family.
Judy Boyes
Mr. Nerland was always a gentlemen and a great guy. I am sad to hear this news.
I am literally in awe of Dennis's accomplishments and athletic endeavors as well. Dennis grew like a mustard seed and ever present Husband and Father, I am humbled to have been introduced to Dennis in the 90's and we benefited from that advice for year's to come. May blessings continue to flow upon Jennifer and her family , love and respect. Frank Giesbrecht
Jennifer:
While working with you to introduce and practice collaborative labor relations at the Calgary SD I often wondered about the mysterious man who was so fortunate to and capable of keeping up with someone as energetic and dynamic as you. After reading this obit. I now understand! I am so very sorry not to have ever met your Dennis. Please know that via those strange conveyances the universe provides for such I am sending all my love to you and yours.
Dennis was the only lawyer I'd met who I truly looked up to as a person despite not having been able to spend too much time with him. A rare breed of a role model, I guarantee he wasn't aware of how many people he influenced in a meaningful way. My condolences to his family and friends.
Jennifer and Nerland family, our sincerest condolences. I will dearly miss my friend and mentor, a irreplaceable, amazing man.
My sincerest condolences to the family. It has been sometime since we were in school. Dennis had his future planned and we knew he would succeed. Achieving goals he set for himself. Thanks for the great times we had.
Rick Poulson
My sincerest condolences to the Nerland family and farewell to a most respected man and mentor. I had the immeasurable pleasure of meeting Dennis during a university co-op term and I will never forget the kindness, generosity, and wisdom he imparted. In only a short time of knowing him, Dennis was able to open my mind to endless possibilities and generously became a role model, and mentor that I could always look to for advice. Dennis will forever remain a man deserving of my greatest respects and admiration. May he rest in peace.
To: Jennifer and all Nerland Family:
Our deepest condolences to the family. We are in Arizona and got a call from a mutual friend who gave us the sad news. Dennis was a great friend.
Dennis and Jennifer were there for us to host an art show for our daughter Chantey at their house, when our house got destroyed by the 2013 flood. This is an example of generosity that benefited a lot of us as their friends.
In business, Dennis guided mutual clients with Corporate structuring, Estate and Tax planning through his superb knowledge and vast experience.
We will miss you dearly Dennis. May God grant eternal peace to your kind soul.
Mesh Dayal, Shakeh, Chantey, Sapna and families
Sincerest condolences to the Nerland family. Dennis has contributed so much to so many and I have personally appreciated his support and guidance as a newer board participant at Acceleware. He will be dearly missed as a leader and mentor.
Dennis. Good bye to a dear friend. I was sad to hear that the latest treatment was no longer working. That said, your doggedness and willingness to constantly push ahead throughout your cancer has been incredible, and has been a great standard for anyone I speak with to aspire to. None of that surprised me. You set a standard for almost everything in my life since I met you. I have been fortunate to have several mentors over my career, but none ever like you. You taught me just how much one person can actually accomplish, always balancing family, work and fun, and managing to maximize all 3 at once. It is a standard I have always sought, and never achieved. That you did so while maintaining humility and kindness just completed the package. The greatest regret of my work life was leaving the firm you helped found. I never again felt so welcome, so respected and so challenged. And that was all you. I have tried very hard to pass along to my coworkers and employees the skills and personality that you tried to instill in me. I miss talking hockey, football and law with you. I do not miss trying to drink beer and scotch with you, but do miss the conversations we had while you “caught me up” on consumption. I will never forget the times we shared, and I want you to know that the lessons you gave, without even trying, will stay with me forever as well. I know of few people with the universally positive reputation that you have built. It has been well-earned. You will forever be a part of whatever I become and do. Ken
Please accept our sincerest condolences. Dennis was always exceptionally kind to me, and there isn’t a man my dad speaks more highly about - both professionally and personally. He will be missed by many, and remembered by anyone who had the opportunity to know him.
I had the privilege of knowing Dennis in a professional capacity. Although it was business, it was clear he was a generous and kind man. You will be missed.
So sad to hear of Dennis passing. Many great memories, my favorite being a night spent in Chicago at dinner and a Jazz club. The world is a much better place because of Dennis and it was my honor to know Dennis. Condolences and prayers to Jennifer and the family
Please accept our deepest condolences. Dennis was a true gentleman, something there aren’t many of any more. He always seemed to be there for everyone. We had no idea he came from such humble beginnings, but I guess that was where he learned to be a team player. In the arms of the angels, may he find comfort there. Safe travels.
Slavko, Victoria and family Brozinic
To Jennifer and Family
Our sincere condolences on your loss of Dennis. We have so many Fond memories of our time together.
My sincere condolences go to Dennis' Family, Rozella, Ron and Nairn on Dennis' passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Sad to hear of Dennis passing. Our condolences to Jennifer and family. We had a lot of great adventures with Dennis during university years and after. Fred and Dawn Jedlic - Regina
I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear that Dennis had passed. I had followed his illness since 2018 when he, David, Jim and I had a lovely dinner together. My understanding then was that he was on the mend but that obviously did not happen. I will forever remember our times together and offer my sincere condolences to Jennifer and the family.
Hi Jennifer, we were so sorry to read about your husband's passing. Our thoughts & caring go out to you & your family.
You all have had a very stressful, heartbreaking time this last while so care for one another & remember the good times.
Thinking of you & sending love & prayers,
Vivian Brennen & Ron Seamans
I'm very sorry to hear about Dennis's passing. I know that he is not going to be forgotten for along time.Dennis was a special man. In everything he did he did it for a reason. I know that he was a very caring individual. I just wish that I could have met up with him one last time but that was not to be. I'll remember my first encounter of Dennis from Gleichen and then Dennis and family moved to Standard. Thus finishing his school and on to university. Take care Jennifer and family. I know that Dennis will want you all to continue to be involved in life. Rest in peace, Dennis!
The world lost a truly great man—the epitome of a kind, gentle and generous human being. I will forever be grateful for Dennis’s friendship and mentorship.
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