We Remember
ELTON, Dennis Hardinge
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Dennis passed away peacefully on May 5, 2022, at the age of 90 years, surrounded by family at Hospice House in Kelowna.
Dennis was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He lived a very colourful, great life. Music played an important role in his life, beginning with the Kitsilano Boys Band (aged 8 to 18), and resuming trumpet playing upon retirement, from age 60 to 90. Dennis participated in numerous bands such as the Richmond Legion Band, the New Westminster Metro Band, Little Mountain Brass Band, and the Kelowna City Concert Band, just to mention a few.
Dennis’ love of flying led him to pursue an aviation career with the R.C.A.F. and R.A.F. as both pilot and flying instructor, in the 1950s and 1960s. Dennis then joined Air Canada, working as a Customer Service Representative, for over 28 years, until retiring in 1992. Dennis also participated in many community activities over the years, such as scouting, soccer refereeing, playing soccer, becoming President of the B.C.S.P.C.A. (3 years), etc.
Dennis enjoyed engaging with people from all walks of life: whether at work, at church, volunteering, or through entertaining the public with the various bands, making many friends along the way. Most of Dennis’ life was lived in the Lower Mainland, before moving to Missionwood Resort in Kelowna in 2017.
Dennis’ second wife, Chorynn, predeceased him in 2019. He is survived by his daughter Leslie (Drew) and son Douglas (Lori); grandchildren Laura (Rob), Ian, Sara (Brandon), Jacquelyn, and Taylor (Karsten); and great-grandchildren Dominic and Fable. Other surviving relatives include Dennis’ younger brother, Jim, and nephews, Burton (Marilyn) and Leslie.
A Funeral Service will be held on SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2022, at 1:30 PM, at ST. ANDREW’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 4619 Lakeshore Rd., Kelowna, BC, with the Rev. Anne Privett presiding. Interment of the ashes will be at a later date at St. Alban’s Anglican Church, Richmond.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC SPCA or to the Royal Canadian Legion.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2022, at 1:30 PM
Location
ST. ANDREW'S ANGLICAN CHURCH
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Service Details
The service for ELTON, Dennis Hardinge is scheduled for SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2022, at 1:30 PM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Dear family, I met Dear Dennis while staying at Missionwood in 2019 for five months, while awaiting my new home in NZ… I to be built due to an earthquake. During that time I so enjoyed his company and especially with the choir and his love of
music. I so admired his contribution to Remembrance Day when there, and for me ‘special’ as my late husband was ex
RNZAF and like Dennis he served his country well. I will remember him fondly and may he Rest peacefully.
I must admit that seeing this picture, the one that I have seen in display at Missionwood many a Remembrance Day in the past, makes my heart ache. Dennis was truly a kind and gentle man that everyone adored. I used to love seeing him perform in the band at city events and chatted with him as often as possible each day. I have truly missed him since heading over to Northwood. Please accept my sincere condolences.