Albert Dennis White
24 October 1928 – 17 May 2014
Dennis passed away peacefully at home with family by his side.
Dennis was predeceased by his beloved wife, Marion and will be sadly missed by his children: his daughter Sue (Ron) Diederichs of Courtenay, and sons Antony (Kate) White of London, UK, and David (Karen) White of Taunton, UK; and by his grandchildren: Carl, Matt and Claire Diederichs, Eve, Alice and Tim White, and Brindley, Courtenay and Christie-May White; and by his many friends.
Dennis was born in Macclesfield, Cheshire in 1928. After finishing school, he served in the Royal Navy as a radio officer. Upon demobilisation, he went to work for Hovis-McDougall Ltd, first as a journeyman flour miller and foreman in London and later as a salesman. During this period he met his loving wife, Marie, and they were married in 1954. A few years later they moved to the West Country and Dennis changed from selling flour to distributing ladies’ slacks.
In 1963, Dennis immigrated to Vancouver, British Columbia with his family and worked for seven years in the insurance industry. It was in West Vancouver that he pursued his passion for sailing and the family spent many happy hours sailing the local waters.
In 1970, he returned with his family to England where he purchased Woodhayne Farm, an 80-acre farm on the Blackdown Hills outside Taunton, Somerset. This began one of the happiest periods of his life, managing all aspects of a dairy, beef and sheep farm.
In 1974, he left England and moved back to Vancouver for a short period. However, he and Marie missed the farming lifestyle and moved back to the UK, where they were able to resume farming at Woodhayne. Later, they sold Woodhayne and moved to Kerse Farm near Kingsbridge, Devon.
In 1980, Dennis and Marie returned to Canada, where they made a happy home first on Saltspring Island, and latterly in Qualicum Beach, British Columbia.
Dennis was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He had a great enthusiasm for life and always enjoyed the challenge of new adventures in different places. He and Marie were active square dancers for many years. He was very artistic and enjoyed painting; he created many beautiful pieces of furniture for his family; he loved singing and playing his guitar; he spent many happy hours on the golf course, and many more working in his garden.
Dennis will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
The family will be holding a memorial tea on Saturday 7 June 2014, from 2:00–4:00 pm, at 596 Eaglecrest Drive, Qualicum Beach. 250-338-4034, daughter Sue.