Obituary of Dennis Richard Dehm

July 3, 1957 – Craik, Saskatchewan

December 27, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

Our Pops, the Fearless Family Guardian, the man with the glorious mustache, animal lover, and turkey dinner dictator Dennis (Denny) Richard Dehm passed away on the morning of Wednesday, December 27, 2023.

Denny grew his larger-than-life wings while surrounded by loved ones and his faithful pups after his morning cup of coffee. His passing was sudden and peaceful, yet it was in the exact place and in the exact way he had hoped for. His luck and our loss.

Born under a prairie sky on July 3, 1957, his many tales of his adventurous upbringing and stories thereafter were worthy of a cowboy film script. It is no surprise his children were named after outlaws, Liberty Dehm and Jessie Dehm; they were his entire purpose. Every goal, every endeavor, and every dollar selflessly were for them. And he endlessly loved his little outlaws; they were his first thought, his glory, and his bragging rights. To see them grow and glow was a ride he took daily. Any person who dared to dim their light would be better off running for the hills. His wrath was something to be feared; his outlaws’ partners Jacquie (Liberty) and Jon (Jessie) could attest to this.

In his later years, he lived part-time with his daughter Jessie in Rockyford, AB, and enjoyed spending his summers growing hers and surrounding neighbours’ gardens. Jessie would always say that it was her house and his yard; he could often be seen napping in the sunshine on the front lawn. A sense of comfort and a sense of pride put him at ease there.

Dennis worked with his son Liberty in the roofing and exterior construction industry. His ability to talk to anyone and his knowledge base made him an asset in Sales. The collaboration between father and son, with the addition of a few other family members and close contractor relationships, was the epitome of a true family-run company.

He took pride in his duties as Opa to his grandchildren, Dallyn, Harlequin, Monroe, and Memphis. He wore his Opa badge of honour in the form of painted toenails, braided hair, and a back fuller than a colouring book. To his grandchildren, time spent with Opa was just as important. We know that eventually the cracks in all their broken hearts will be filled with loving memories, and we are certain that they will carry on his trickster spirit.

A man with false teeth, bad eyes, and a weak heart saw and spoke more of the truth than any other. Blessed with a tongue of the moment and eyes for reality, he could call out a liar in the room and replace the negativity with his infectious laugh and ever-reaching knowledge of all things interesting.

He was adored and admired, and he is now immortalized by many, beginning with his great loves, Deanna Barlow and Jo Bitinsky (Jo Jo or Jay) and his many pups over the years.

We know he will be missed by many friends and by many family members. We can only request that going forward, in his memory, you celebrate each holiday with a ketchup bottle on the table and a toast to a revered man. 

In the upcoming summer months, a Celebration of Life will be held, full of food, laughter, and reminiscing. Date to be announced. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Dennis’ family here.

In living memory of Dennis Dehm, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2A 3V9, Telephone: 403-248-8585.