John Norman Dennis
October 26, 1944 – December 19, 2022
It is with deep sadness we advise that our dad John Norman Dennis passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on Dec 19th. Born October 26th, 1944 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. John was predeceased by his beloved wife Penny (Boot), his older sister Betty, his younger brother Brian, and his parents Frank and Ida. He is survived by his son Frank (Sarah), granddaughter Margaret, his daughter Stephanie (Jes), his sisters Gerry, Bonnie, Dianne, and his brother Frank, and many other loved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
John was always a dreamer, and never one to settle. He first dreamed of sailing around the world after reading about Joshua Slocum and learning to sail with his dad and family in Nova Scotia. John had a varied career living all around the world at various times and spent many years sailing professionally before settling down. He loved to travel and see new places, and ensured we had opportunities to travel as kids.
John fought Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) for nearly a decade and recently fought to get and recover from a left lung transplant. A tireless advocate for IPF awareness and the need for organ donation John was advocating for both until his final breath.
John had always been clear that he wanted to live life on his terms. After a number of serious setbacks and unbearable pain John made the decision to call his family and friends to let them know how seriously his health had declined, and planned for us his children, and our families to come be with him in his final days.
John was conscious of the heartbreak and challenges the family faced with travel restrictions following the passing of his wife Penny during the Covid Pandemic in 2020. John planned his funeral to be a celebration of life with his children and close family members by his side that he would prefer to attend rather than a sad occasion after his passing. No further funeral service will be held.
In the spirit of John’s ongoing fundraising, donations to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (cpff.ca) would be welcome and much appreciated in lieu of flowers.
October 26 1944 December 19 2022
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of John Norman Dennis October 26 1944 December 19 2022 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
Death notice for the town of: Dartmouth, Province: Nova Scotia