DENNIS GUY

It is with sadness that we share the news of the sudden passing of our dad, Dennis Guy on Sunday, January 29, 2023, at 64 years of age.

Dad was born in Poplar Point, Manitoba to Bill & Phyllis Guy. He grew up in a humble home with a large family of 9 siblings. I think for the most part, dad enjoyed small town life… hanging out in a small town, at the Poplar Point rink, skating, playing hockey and baseball, fishing, spending time at St. Ambroise Beach in summer and having big family gatherings as the Guy family expanded.

It was in this small town that he met mom, and they started a family together with the addition of myself, Terri, and several years later Travis. Dad moved to, and lived in Portage la Prairie as well as the surrounding area for many years, raising a family, working hard, and spending time with family and friends who were always close by. Dad was known by many for his hard work and willingness to help out anyone he came across. He almost always had a side project or two on the go. He always wanted us kids to be able to do more and have more than he did. A highlight for him when we were kids was our road trip to BC as this was his first time driving through the mountains. Although they eventually went their separate ways, Dad and Mom remained friends.

Life eventually took Dad to Medicine Hat, Alberta for a new start. These were good years for Dad. He seemed to have a new hope and vision for life. During this time, he was able to enjoy some new adventures, settle down & rebuild a life and home. We loved our time visiting him there and have so many fun memories of our times spent with him during those years. Travis even joined him in Alberta for a while to live and work.

It was also during this stage of life that Dad was promoted to Grandpa, but he made it clear right from the start that he would be “Pa”. Out of everything in dad’s life, his getting to be Pa was the best I think. He loved Avarie, Caleb, Scotland, Hailey, & Charlee with all his heart. He loved watching them grow, getting updates on their activities and adventures, spending time with them, and spoiling them with treats and gifts… so many treats and gifts! He was very proud of them and often said he knew they were going to do good things with their lives. We are so blessed that our kids got to know the best of him, and have so many good memories. Silly, loving, caring, generous Pa.

In 2012 we were all shocked with the news that the man who never seemed to get sick, was suffering from kidney failure. He faced dialysis bravely and hopefully, but with understandable frustration.Then, in 2016 Dad received a kidney transplant. While we were all thankful for this gift and the extra time it gave him, it was hard on Dad having to slow down and face the reality of his health going forward. In 2018 Dad came back to stay in Manitoba. Here he lived with Travis and worked with him when he could. We enjoyed having dad/pa closer to home and having him be part of our everyday lives when he was able to.

Dad worked hard his entire life. From a young age he supported his new family. In his life he worked as a plumber, which he did for the majority of his years. He however was truly a jack of all trades. Other jobs included, leather repair shop, maintenance, machine operator, cook, construction, drywall and painting, yard work, snow clearing, working in the oil fields, and repairs of all kinds. If you knew him for even a short amount of time, there is a good chance he has helped you with a project big or small, repaired or built something for you. Dad did not tell us to work hard, he showed us. Right to the end, even these past years when his health should have stopped him, and he did not need to work, he just kept going and would not quit.

In life dad enjoyed the simple things. He loved to cook (always enough for a crowd). Whether a pot of chili or soup with homemade bread, a big Saturday breakfast or a holiday dinner, he loved having lots of food around. He enjoyed camping, always had cash in his pocket for treats like Oh Henry bars, Old Dutch chips, Pepsi and ice cream. Dad’s Christmas lights were always hung perfectly straight, and his vehicles and yard were meticulously clean. He enjoyed old cars, cruise nights, farmers markets, garage sales, finding deals online or at thrift stores, his smokes, a drink, listening to and singing country music and old gospel songs. He loved a good bonfire, the bigger the better (usually started with some sort of fuel). Most recently he enjoyed watching MMA fights with Travis and finding all the interesting stuff on youtube that he sadly ran out of time to do or experience. Dad was always well dressed, although eventually almost all of his clothes became “work clothes”, and loved comfy pj pants when home for the evening. He was creative and always had some sort of new idea or project on the go. Dad enjoyed going for a drive, even to nowhere in particular, going for breakfast, getting coffee, Grandma's lemon meringue pie and Terri’s homemade cookies.

Dad was preceded in death by his parents - Bill & Phyllis Guy, brother David, nephew Parker, sister Donna, his father-in-law Jerry as well as two great nieces. Left with his memory are his siblings and their spouses, Harold (the late Donna), Larry (Pat), Kim (the late David), Billy (Loni), Robin (Rick), Brenda (Dave), Berleen (Ron), Bradford (Brenda), Vaughn (Delinda), many nephews who were like friends to him and nieces, the many friends he had made along the way as well as Troy (Greg), and the entire extended Gunn family.

Dad also leaves behind us two kids and their families, who know he loved them so very much, know he did his best, are thankful for everything spoken and unspoken, will be holding on to the good memories, and will continue to make him proud until they see him again. Daughter, Terri (Grant) Sawatsky, grandkids Avarie and Caleb. As well as son, Travis (Elisha) Guy, grandkids Scotland, Hailey, Charlee and twins on the way that will know about Pa by stories shared.

Although it now seems too soon, we know God in his mercy had called dad home. He has no more sickness, anger, or sadness. We believe in our hearts that Dad is at peace now. We love him and will miss him terribly. Try to rest now dad, your work is done.

Love you dad,

Terri and Travis

Thank you to those who sent their condolences as our family and extended family processed and mourned this loss as well as the staff at Ethical Death Care for your care and assistance as we navigated this difficult time.

As we believe it would have been Dad’s preference, no public service will be held. His family will be honoring and celebrating his life in a personal way at a later date. Most likely with a bonfire (the bigger the better), some good food and music.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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