On September 16th Dennis (Denny) left his family and friends behind, along with his struggles with cancer and joined his beloved wife Linda.
Denny was born July 22, 1946 to Oliver and Edna (Jacobson) Nummikoski. Living in Nolalu, he attended Hillside School and once completed, went on to two years of high school.
After his short stay in school, Denny began his woodland career, working with his father in the logging business, gaining much experience. He soon began working for various logging companies, in and around the area.
Eventually he became an owner operator, continuing to work for several companies in Northwestern Ontario. Working alongside of him were his sons, while his wife Linda took care of the household duties, along with the small farm. Training his boys to become the skilled operators and mechanics they are today, made him very proud.
Denny was also a talented musician, playing several instruments, with the accordion being his favourite. He played in a number of bands, entertaining at many functions in and around the area. Music was always alive in the family home and most often at gatherings you would find Denny on the accordion and Linda playing the spoons. A good time was had by all. On his 77th birthday this July, despite the toll cancer took on him, Denny played his accordion for the last time. Today his music lives on in his son Derrick and grandson DJ.
When his activities became limited, he spent much of his time sketching, along with mastering his new air fryer. His words “Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside” were heard often.
Despite his struggles in the last few years, Denny embraced life and showed us all how to navigate, no matter what life brings our way.
Denny is survived by his sons: Stephen (Sheena), Derrick (Shelley), Regan (Lisa), Kevin (Kiirsti); grandchildren: Tyler (Kailer), Kylee (Brooke), Megan (Craig), Sarah (Kyle) and Hannah; DJ (Kara), Brianna (Troy), Adam, Sheldon, Nick and Leigh; great grandchildren: Kellar, Autumn, Aubree, Hailey and Jaci; brother Robert (Ann), sisters-in-law Lisa (Michael) Hinsperger, Eva (Al) Ridler, and Lulu Hall. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
Predeceased by: his wife Linda (Guerriere), mother and father Edna and Oliver Nummikoski, sister Dora in infancy, sister and brother-in-law Karen and Art Wark and nephew Brad Wark.
The family sends a huge thank you to Drs Ibrahim and Ramchander and to the Cancer Care Team, along with home care nurses, Rob and Joseph, for their exceptional care. Thanks also to all the friends at Good Shepherd, for the meals, rides and many visits.
A celebration of life for Denny will be held on Friday, October 6 from 2-4pm in Christ Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 47 Walkover Street. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Denny, may be sent to the Northern Cancer Fund or Northern Cardiac Fund.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
