Denys Lyle Lewis, “Denny”, was born on March 16, 1942 to Roy and Lina Lewis (nee Rusk) at the Lady Grey Hospital in Nipawin, Sask.  He passed away early in the morning of July 9, 2022 at the Melfort Hospital.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Ed, sisters Ellen and Marilyn and stepfathers Clarence Erno and Jake Jackson.  He is survived by sister Tena and brother Wayne, five nieces: (Sherrie, Tena, Pat, Sharon, Donna); five nephews: (Les, Duane, Cary, Murray, Leon), and many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.

Denny began his loving, life partnership in 1979 with Glenda Knight, who he reported always “kept him on the straight and narrow” until he was widowed in October of 2020. He became stepfather to Coburn (Patti) Johnson, Darren (Cheryl) and Forrest Browatzke and Aleitha (Randy) Ward.  He was “Grandpa Denny” to 8 (Shawna, Caylee, Jennalee, Dylan, Jarrod, Micheal, Shane, and Harmony) and great grandfather to 9 more.

Although Denny contracted polio at age 4 and spent 6 months in the Shriner’s Hospital in Winnipeg, Man., no one seemed to identify him as handicapped, especially Denny.  He was resilient in his adversity and never wanted to draw attention to his own special needs. When labelled as  handicapped by a potential employer at one time, Denny proudly walked away from his training and interest in a career in drafting (where he had achieved top of his class).

He grew up in the farming communities of White Fox and Garrick, Sask. where he learned to love the land and work hard. He learned to do chores, shovel grain and coal, haul water and wood, and carried milk cans over the somewhat famous wooden foot bridge of the Rusk family homestead.       Although he often said he had wanted to be a truck driver, opportunities to run farm equipment, going for drives to see the crops, and meeting with    local farmers for coffee over the years helped to satisfy his dreams.

He enjoyed mechanics, a legacy from his father’s garage in Garrick, and he further applied his skills in other garages and jobs from grease monkey to tow truck driver.  His aptitude with tools and tinkering could give MacGyver a run for his money!

From childhood swimming holes in summer to ice and curling rinks in winter, he also learned to play hard. He translated his love of sports into the backyard ice rink he created in Choiceland for his sons to share with their friends and the community.

Denny came from a musical family and continued his love of music and singing throughout his life. His beautiful voice will be remembered as he serenaded and entertained so many:  from his early years in church choir and singing with family to small groups and bands where he sang for countless community events, formal celebrations and special occasions. We fondly remember his contributions to family reunions and campfire singalongs. His good friend and music companion, Fred, confessed to working through his grudge against Denny for how long Denny could carry a note, and instead came to totally appreciate Denny’s gift and how he could delight and leave people feeling better just for having been in his presence.

Denny did culinary training at Saskatchewan Technical Institute in Moose Jaw in the early 70’s. He became a camp cook and served 17 years in several remote bush camps all around Western Canada and the NWT. He and Glenda managed the Highland Pizza restaurant in Brooks, Alberta and later owned and operated The Choice Spot Café in Choiceland, Sask. where his cooking and people skills shone. He is also remembered as night auditor at Wayside Inn, Wetaskwin, AB and The Heritage Inn, Melfort.

Denny was well known to everyone. He is remembered as kind and      caring, steadfast and patient, gracious and humble, loyal and loving, creative and fun, honest and a man of integrity. He was a favourite uncle to many, a loving husband and dedicated father.  He was respected for his selflessness, always ready and willing to help others.  He was known to never pass a    broken-down car on the road, and in offering assistance, never worried about getting his hands dirty. At the end of life, he had offered his body to medical science in final service to others.

In addition to his many friends and extended family, Denny’s family would like to extend their deep appreciation to all who served and cared for Denny: The Kelsey Health Region Staff through Home Care, Melfort Hospital and Occupational Therapy, Melfort Housing Authority and staff at Diefenbaker Place and Shelley Brittain, for her kindness, consistency and nutritional services.

A Service Celebrating Denny’s Life was held from the Fedusiak Funeral Chapel, Melfort, on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at 2:00 pm with Reverend Paul Breiter officiating.  The interment will follow at a later date.

Friends so wishing may make memorial contributions to a Charity of One’s Choice.

To leave condolences for the Family, please visit the online guestbook at www.fedusiakfuneral chapel.com.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Fedusiak Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Melfort. (306) 752-3838

 

• Date : 2022-07-09
• Location : Melfort, SK