“Den”, “Denny”, “Tex”, “Dad”, “Grampa Ya Ya”. He had many different names and meant different things to different people, but each of those labels were always synonymous to the kindest soul with character and integrity. He had the most amazing, unique, philosophical & spiritual perspective on life.
Relationships were all that really mattered to Dad. Of course, relationships with his family and friends but anyone from the clerk at the grocery store to the police officer who issued him a speeding ticket. He ALWAYS gave people his time. He loved to know not only where people were from or about their background, but also who they were. He never judged, he never degraded, he was the wind beneath many of our wings. He continued to challenge us all and inspired us to dream big. He was always a teacher, a student, a counselor, and our greatest supporter.
Dad loved deeply so the pain of losing him is equal. He was a grateful man. Even the last few weeks while in the hospital, he made it his home. He repeatedly said, “I’m a happy man”. He was comfortable, but he also knew pain was a part of life and he accepted that. He was very well cared for, and he was a constant example of integrity and grace. He had relationships with everyone he encountered. He was given the gift of TIME, and in that time, it gave him the opportunity to communicate with many. He treasured every interaction and conversation.
Dad always had a great sense of humour; he loved a practical joke and would go to great lengths to have them succeed. With a “Yes!” and an arm pull after completion. He had a story for everyone he knew. He was always our ‘go-to’ guy with a wealth of information and a curiosity that he explored with tenacity. Numbers, patterns & puzzles were his thing and his mind worked at a higher level.
His grandkids were his most treasured assets. He spoke so much about their individuality and reveled in their character and uniqueness. Nothing thrilled him more than those interactions. He loved to watch them as they played sports. Whether it be a ball diamond, a rink, or a gym, he cherished the moments and the opportunity to watch them grow and thrive. He also enjoyed the many quiet (or not so quiet) gatherings shared with family. He was happy to be so close to be able to ‘pop in’ whenever he could.
He was always wanting to know how we were, throughout the years, giving each of us the time we needed. More recently, he would ask every day “How are YOU today?” always encouraging even through tears for you to respond with “Great”, followed with expressing “I’m happy to hear that” …It’s all he wanted for us. To Live. To Love. To be Happy.
Leaving behind in his wake are so many. Some we may never know as he spoke to everyone he encountered with the same respect and dignity that each of us deserve. Young, old, rich, poor, it mattered not your appearance, your lifestyle, your age, or your opinions. He met people where they were in life and accepted you as you were, he didn’t want more or less from anyone, and he welcomed everyone. We’ve learned so much more about Dad in these last several weeks. Dear friendships and acts of kindness from people that he never shared with us. Some people we’ve never met before said they considered him family. He didn’t do things to be recognized. Always treated people the way he wanted to be treated. He taught us all so much. We are all better humans for being touched by his beautiful soul.
He made us all MORE…
MORE Patient
MORE Worthy
MORE Grateful
MORE Forgiving
MORE Respectful
MORE Understanding
And for that we are Grateful.
Dad’s soul will always remain with his children, Jay & Tara (Pat); his grandchildren, Jerica, Justin, Jax, Jacob & Jorgia, Olivia & Cassie, (special family member, Charlotte); siblings, Ed (Jacki), Pam (Les), Gail (Joe), & Cindy (Doug); along with many extended family members & dear friends.
A special thank you to the nurses, doctors & staff on Unit 32 at the Red Deer Regional Hospital, this was Dad’s ‘home’ for the final few weeks of his life. Many compassionate and gracious people that we will forever hold close.
Our hearts will hurt for a long time as we miss your physical presence, your listening ear, your words of wisdom, your candor, and your humor. But we know you are always with us eternally in spirit no matter where we are. Enjoy your next life, Dad. Thank you so much for being part of ours in this one.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Dennis Rae Allin February 3rd 1948 February 16th 2022..
Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services
Death notice for the town of: Red-Deer, Province: Alberta