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Denis Bissonnette
May 29, 1937 - December 13, 2009
Tribute
Denis Robert Joseph Bissonnette passed away peacefully Sunday, December 13, 2009 at the Penticton Regional Hospital with his family by his side. Denis was the youngest of 12 children and was born May 29, 1937 in Assiniboia, SK. He was raised on the family farm in St. Victor, SK and moved to BC in 1958. His wife of 40 years, Carole Bissonnette and his children Laurel Turner (Patrick) and Cameron Bissonnette (Kelsi) survives Denis. His 3 grandchildren Katie, Liam & Sophie also survive him. Denis enjoyed a career with the Department of Transport in the Coast Guard working on weather ships and also at the South Terminal at the Vancouver airport. In 1978 Denis moved his family to Osoyoos to operate the Husky Car & Truck Stop. In 1985 Denis & Carole were awarded the license to operate the Osoyoos and Kingsgate Duty Free Shops. They were among the pioneers in the Canadian Duty Free Industry. Denis was a very active member of the Osoyoos community serving and holding various board positions of the Osoyoos Gyro Club, Osoyoos International Curling Club, and the Osoyoos Golf and Country Club. Denis was involved with a group of partners that developed the first phase of properties at Fairway Hills Estates. “El Capitano” was an avid golfer, poker player, curler, investor, and passionate Canucks and BC Lions fan. He also loved to dance as was exhibited at many bonspiels. Denis was a great family man and loved being around friends and always enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. Denis loved to travel, he and Carole were fortunate to travel to many countries and exotic destinations around the world. Denis’s health declined in the last year and he was suffering from various ailments all the while maintaining a very positive attitude. Denis will be greatly missed by all. Until we see you again “El Capitano”, there is an 8 minute call for you on the 1st tee box.
A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday January 2, 2010 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church with Celebrant Fr. Rex Velmonte. A reception will follow at the Watermark Beach Resort, 15 Park Place, Osoyoos, BC.
No flowers please. Donations gratefully requested to the South Okanagan Medical Foundation for a new CT Scanner. Condolences and fond memories may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
Arrangements entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium, Oliver & Osoyoos, BC.
Condolences
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From: Stan & Darie Turner & Family
Relation: Laurel is our daughter-in-law
We were happy to have our son married into such a happy family. Denis’ absence will be sadly felt. Our hearts go out to Carol and the family.
From: Jack and Phyllis Randle
Relation: old friend
Sorry for your loss. We were both posted to Crescent Valley,Denis with the Weather Stn and I in the RCMP. On our days off we played lots of golf and socialized in the surrounding areas. A great guy and a good friend. We had lots of fun together. Last visited with him at the Husky in Osoyoos years ago. He’ll be missed,I’m sure. Our thoughts are with you. Jack and Phyllis
From: Lucien & Ilaria Bissonnette
Relation: uncle
Dear Aunt Carol, Cam & Kelsi, Laurel & Pat. Our sincerest regrets on the passing of Uncle Den. Many fond memories were shared on how Denis has touched our lives. A man of integrity, class and compassion. As his obit stated, always maintaining his positivity despite hardships. Can’t say enough about the man. He will sorrily be missed. May God grant you strength and courage during this difficult time.
From: Randy Haus
Relation: cousin
Carole; our deepest condolences. Denis was a wonderful person, he always greeted us with warmth and a smile. He will be missed. Be strong, I know your a fighter. Love to you and your family. Randy Bonnie and family.
From: Ron and Carole Courchaine & family
Relation: Relative
Aunty Carole, Laurel & family, Cameron & family
Our sincere condolences to you all. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We will always have fond memories of Uncle Denis.
Love,
Ron, Carole, Kaelee & Taylor
From: Vicki Lodge
Relation: Friend
Carol, I was saddened to read of Denis’ passing. I always enjoyed our ‘visits’ and his upbeat outlook. I am sure there is a huge golf tournament/sing along going on somewhere – with many friends reunited. My thoughts are with you and yours.
From: Denis & Helene Lacasse
Relation: Friend
Dear Carole,Laurel,Cam and families; Our thoughts are with you in your time of sorrow. We always enjoyed Denis’s company
From: Heddy and Pierre Smeets
Relation: Gyro friend
Our thoughts are with you Carol and your fam. at this most difficult time
From: Solveig Vinje, Mary and John Petrelli
Relation: Carol's cousins
Carol, Cam, Laurel, Katie, Liam and Sophie: My heart is breaking for all of you. What a wonderful husband, father and grandfather Denis was. He was kind and patient with a fun-loving twinkle in his eye. I treasure the family gatherings. Denis always ran the boat much to the delight of the kids and adults. My last memory was after Kari’s Memorial last summer. Denis pushed Mary’s wheelchair up a hill for me. (John wasn’t there to do it.) I was touched by his quiet kindness and strength.
From: Richard Ward
Relation: a friend
I first met Denis when he changed his career path and became one of the pioneers in Canada’s duty-free industry.
My first visit to the Okanagan took my breath away and that visual impression made me want to visit the area repeatedly. But the yearning to visit changed for the better when I came to know Denis. He was a rational businessman who listened to all those whom he sought for input before making a decision. He was quiet in his enthusiasm for all the things he did except when he missed a putt. I also remember once, on one of our numerous fishing trips, when he caught a +40 pound salmon, there was a mighty “whoopie” that he let loose.
He was always very generous in the time he spent with me during our get-togethers and we became friends more than business associates. He told me that much of his success was from the love given to him from Carole and his family as it provided a reason to do the best he could. I know he loved them in return.
I will always remember our times together. I will miss my friend.
Richard
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
January 2, 2010
Beginning at 11:00am
Location:
St. Anne''s Catholic Church
7610 - 87th Street
Osoyoos, BC Canada
A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday January 2, 2010 at St. Anne”s Catholic Church, Osoyoos, BC with celebrant Fr. Rex Velmonte. A reception will follow at Walnut Beach Resort, 4200 Lakeshore Dr., Osoyoos, BC.
7610 - 87th Street
Osoyoos, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
Memorial Gifts may be sent directly to:
The South Okanagan Medical Foundation
55 Carmi Avenue
Penticton, BC
V2A 9Z9
“For the purchase of a new CT Scanner”
Thank You Notice
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Flower Fantasy Flowers & Gifts Inc.
6049 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.flowerfantasyoliver.com/
Local: (250) 498-0088 Toll free: (844) 498-0088
Flowers on Main & Reis Boutique
5859 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.oliverflorist.com/
Local: (778) 439-2270 Toll free: (800) 665-9983
Gems and Stems at Eastside
6496 Park Drive, Oliver, BC
https://gemsandstems.com/
(250) 826-0438
Polka Dot Door Floral Design Boutique
8522 Main Street, Osoyoos, BC
https://www.polkadotdoor.net/
(250) 495-2226
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