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SHEPHERD ~ DENIS A.

With family at his side, Denis passed peacefully last week in White Rock. Denis was pre-deceased by his devoted wife Dorene and will be lovingly remembered by his family: Stan (brother), Chris (nephew), Mary Anne (niece), Avril (great niece) & husband Bruce, Aaron (great nephew) & family, Ryan (great nephew) all from Surrey, Maureen (niece) & husband from Vancouver, Elsie (sister-in-law), Tom (nephew), Carol (niece) & family from Regina.

Denis joined the RCAF in October 1943 and married Dorene in August 1946. During his career, Denis worked on or received training on 36 different types of aircraft and 6 types of helicopters.  His postings included; Brandon Manitoba, Medicine Hat Alberta, St. Thomas Ontario, Davidson Sask., Yorkton Sask., Winnipeg Manitoba, Churchill Manitoba, Norman Wells NWT., Rivers Manitoba, Bagotville Que., Zweibrucken Germany,  Toronto Ont., Sea Island BC., Edmonton AB., Calgary AB. and Montreal Que.

During his time in the Canadian Forces, Denis rose to the rank of Flight Sgt. In 1963 Denis received his commission to Officer Rank as a Pilot Officer and rose to the rank of Major. Denis’ final posting was as Commanding Officer of Number One Field Maintenance Squadron in Edmonton. When he retired Denis was considered the most knowledgeable helicopter maintenance officer in the Canadian Armed Forces. There are three letters of commendation on his files.

During his last year in the service, Denis spent his evenings designing a 2900 square foot home in Kelowna. Denis had a professional builder complete the upper floor and Denis and Dorene moved into it when Denis retired from the Canadian Air Force in 1975. Together Denis and Dorene enjoyed spectacular views from Black Mountain to Peachland and loved to call Kelowna their home.

Denis’ quick wit, leadership and character will be sadly missed by all those who knew him.



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