Peter Woodrow Dennis

Peter Woodrow Dennis passed away peacefully on Tuesday January 29, 2019 at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre at the age of 95 with family by his side. 

Peter was born on August 10, 1923 in Fort William to William and Beatrix Dennis. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force at the age of 18 where he trained to be a pilot, eventually flying the Vickers Wellington and the Avro Lancaster bombers in WWII. Peter was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal from his Majesty, King George VI at the young age of 20 for his quick thinking and piloting skills in preventing an imminent crash of the Wellington bomber he was flying in and saving the lives of the other crewmen on board.

While overseas he met and fell in love with a young lady from Church Lawford, England. He married Gladys Thorne on August 11, 1943 in Stratford-upon-Avon. They returned to Canada and spent 54 happy years together until her passing in 1997. Together they raised three children Lesley, Ian and Elizabeth.

When he returned from the war he began his career as a teller at the Bank of Nova Scotia. By the time of his retirement in 1980 he was Chief of Audit for Revenue Canada in Thunder Bay.

Peter was an avid downhill skier winning many championships both locally and out west and spent time as an instructor for the “racing class” level. Together with his brother Terry, he spent countless hours volunteering with the Fort William Ski Club and was instrumental in promoting skiing in the Thunder Bay area.

Most important to Peter was time spent with family at his beloved Silver Islet. He was an integral member of the summer community and he will be missed by many. He could often be seen in his boat “the Evader”, cruising down the channel with Gladys by his side, smiling and waving and loving every minute of it. His generosity and sense of family has left us with a magical place to enjoy for many summers to come.

Following Gladys’ passing, Pete found companionship again with Bea Jones and they were married in July of 2000. They had many happy years together travelling to Australia, Florida, and spending time at her home in upstate New York.

Peter is predeceased by his parents William and Beatrix Dennis, his wife Gladys, and his brother Terry. He is survived by his second wife, Bea, his children: Lesley, Ian (Caryn) and Elizabeth (Jim Given), his 5 grandchildren: Mark Whyte (Tami), Pam Whyte (Dave Jolliffe), Tyler Dennis (Laura), Meghan Dennis and Lindsey Nadon (Bryce Croucher) as well as his 7 great grandchildren: Ben, Sam, Jack and George Whyte, Sophie Jolliffe, and Jack and Sawyer Dennis. Also left to mourn are relatives in Australia and England, including Gladys’ niece Denise with whom they shared a special bond.

We will miss the twinkle in his eyes, his quick wit and his jaunty step when all was well in his world.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life for Peter Dennis will be held at a later date. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Silver Islet Camper’s Association.