It is with great sadness that our family announces the sudden passing of Dennis “Jock” Smith. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 50 years, Ellen; his four children, Elden (Carol), Nadine (David), Vincent, and Gena; and his nine grandchildren, Deana, Riley, Rachelle, Cassidy, Troy, Garnet, Mitchell, Ava, and Andrea. Dennis is also survived by his three sisters; Jeannie (Bob) Banner, Patricia (Fred) Switzer, and Cindy (Danny) Heggelund. Dennis was predeceased by his brother Alan “Bud” Smith (Clare).
Dennis grew up in Sooke, and worked for over 35 years in the local lumber industry working all jobs ranging from turning logs by hand up a ramp by peavey, to working the green-chain, and then finally becoming Superintendent of Forestry Operations. His early training ground helped him succeed in logger sports competitions where for many years he held reigning title as the World Champion Peavey Log Roller. Throughout the years Dennis enjoyed fishing, hunting, and coaching softball teams. Dennis also spent thousands of hours (47 years) as a volunteer firefighter for the community.
In later years Dennis was inspired to design and build a small marina located in the Sooke Harbour. While operating “Jock’s Dock” he enjoyed sitting by the ocean, and he loved passing each day by listening to fishermen tell their big fish stories and watching the eagles soar overhead. All who knew Dennis will remember his sense of humour, his love of family, and his amazing salmon BBQs.
We extend our sincere thanks to all the wonderful health care staff who attended Dennis in the Renal Unit at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society or the Canadian Diabetes Association in Dennis’s memory would be appreciated.
Please join us in a celebration of Jock’s life on Saturday, November 28th between 2:00 and 5:00 pm at the Sooke Community Hall, 2037 Eustace Road.