May 7, 2021
With heavy hearts, we share that Dennis David Westad died May 7, 2021, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. He passed away in Chilliwack, B.C. with his devoted wife by his side, and his son and best friend, Derrick, nearby.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Sondra, his son, Derrick, his daughter, Kim and her husband, Adrian, and his three grandsons (David's sons), Braedan, Nicholas and Brett. Dennis is also survived by his three sisters, Mabel, Karon and Charlene.
Sadly, Dennis was predeceased by his much-loved first wife, Margaret, and their son, David (twin brother to Derrick). He was also predeceased by his four brothers, Mervin, Ron, Allan and Robert.
Dennis had a long career in logging, a job he loved. He worked for many years in Quesnel before moving to the Lower Mainland in the early 1990s, where Dennis hauled out of Boston Bar and Merritt.
He helped many young drivers during his career, and never met a hairpin road or conditions he couldn't figure out. Dennis even liked the long and early hours, because he was able to see the sun rise every day.
His kids fondly remember standing at Bouchie Lake School, waiting for their dad to go by and blow the air horn for them.
Dennis was extremely hardworking and was proud of the fact that he didn't have a sick day in his logging career. He carried that attitude forward in dealing with cancer over the last two years. "I haven't been sick a day in my life," he would say. "I feel really good."
He loved boating, waterskiing, snowmobiling, motorbikes and exploring backroads.
Dennis loved life, his family, nature and the wind in his face. He was loved and admired by many -- family members and friends alike.
His final resting place will be at Bethel Cemetery in La Glace, Alta. with a small, private ceremony (COVID). He will be very near the Westad family farm that his parents, Edwin and Ingrid, homesteaded in the 1930s. The farm they started is still in the family.
In his memory, please take a moment to enjoy the sun on your face and the beauty around us.