Welcome to the memorial page for
Dennis Jeffrey Thistlewaite
August 29, 1953 ~ July 5, 2017 (age 63) 63 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from Grand Froks BC
July 20, 2022 12:27 PM
Chef D was an amazing mentor and help me to become the chef I am today. Many great memories and laughs were shared in the culinary class room. It was very sad in 2017 to hear of his passing in 2017. When ever I see a white chef hat, I am reminded of his tiping his hat to the side and making jokes about being the pope.
He is gone but never forgotten and his legacy live on in all his culinary students.
He is gone but never forgotten and his legacy live on in all his culinary students.
Message from Shelina
November 8, 2019 8:58 PM
Denny you shall always reside in my heart. Thank you for teaching me life, love and the art of cooking.
Fly my friend and be free.
Fly my friend and be free.
Message from cousin Marilee
October 13, 2017 7:01 AM
Dear Lynne,
So sorry for your great loss, on losing Denny... He was a very special guy. He walked to a different drummer. He made an impact wherever he went. He cared about the people around him.
We grew up together as cousins. We have pictures of us under the Christmas tree together as infants. We went to school together. Often I was in his class and would speak up on his behalf when the teacher was not understanding him. We spent lots of time together doing family stuff, ski trips, cottage life, church, special family gatherings at Christmas and birthdays. When Dennis travelled to the west, I also went west. We did some west coast adventures together. I visited him at the Port Renfrew logging camp. We camped on Magic Beach, canoetripped on Watchan Lake and both ended up living in Victoria BC for a while. That's when he started his cooking adventure. He affectionately called me his 'manic organic cousin'. We always kept in touch, and after our family moved back to Ontario, we did a road trip to BC, stopped in to visit him and met Lynne. Dennis wasn't the best at keeping up communication, but once in a while he would come through and we seemed to pick up where we left off. Recently ,as he and Lynne were both struggling with health , we had talked on the phone a few times. Dennis... always positive... always hoping for the best... and always happy to hear from me. I will miss Cousin Dennis. Michael and I were hoping to do a road trip to the west and visit them in Summerland... We make our plans... but the final outcome is in God's hands.
Lynne, we continue to pray for you through this difficult time. I'm thankful you can be near your sister and hope you will get situated in your new home.
May God bring you comfort and hope.
'Come unto Me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give your rest.'
Much Love
Cousin Marilee
So sorry for your great loss, on losing Denny... He was a very special guy. He walked to a different drummer. He made an impact wherever he went. He cared about the people around him.
We grew up together as cousins. We have pictures of us under the Christmas tree together as infants. We went to school together. Often I was in his class and would speak up on his behalf when the teacher was not understanding him. We spent lots of time together doing family stuff, ski trips, cottage life, church, special family gatherings at Christmas and birthdays. When Dennis travelled to the west, I also went west. We did some west coast adventures together. I visited him at the Port Renfrew logging camp. We camped on Magic Beach, canoetripped on Watchan Lake and both ended up living in Victoria BC for a while. That's when he started his cooking adventure. He affectionately called me his 'manic organic cousin'. We always kept in touch, and after our family moved back to Ontario, we did a road trip to BC, stopped in to visit him and met Lynne. Dennis wasn't the best at keeping up communication, but once in a while he would come through and we seemed to pick up where we left off. Recently ,as he and Lynne were both struggling with health , we had talked on the phone a few times. Dennis... always positive... always hoping for the best... and always happy to hear from me. I will miss Cousin Dennis. Michael and I were hoping to do a road trip to the west and visit them in Summerland... We make our plans... but the final outcome is in God's hands.
Lynne, we continue to pray for you through this difficult time. I'm thankful you can be near your sister and hope you will get situated in your new home.
May God bring you comfort and hope.
'Come unto Me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give your rest.'
Much Love
Cousin Marilee
Message from From Judy McDonald
August 23, 2017 10:49 AM
I was so saddened to hear of Dennis' passing. My thoughts are with Lynne and his family. I have many special memories of Dennis and our years at Mission Secondary School. He was such an inspiration to his students and to the staff. He will be missed.
Message from Carol Groening
August 20, 2017 9:13 PM
Dear Lynn, I'm so sorry to read of Dennis passing. I had heard from Peter Anderson at MSS Awards night that you both were battling cancer. Dennis was one of the unforgettable people that we have the privilege of working with. His smile would melt ice. I have great memories of his amazing food, fun parties, Rookie Brunches, teaching, encouraging abilities with students of every skill level. The last time I saw him was a few years ago in Mission Superstore. ,I recognized his walk from the back end. I hope you are recovering or totally well again. I'll never forget Trivia nights with you at the Springs - great times, keep,well. We have a couple of friends in Summerland & when we are there next time, will call to meet for coffee or a glass of wine.
Keep well.
Keep well.
Message from Message from Hans-Peter Bucher
August 17, 2017 8:22 AM
Beginning in August of 1996, Dennis mentored me into the new Chef Instructor position at the new Heritage Park Secondary School where he had been instrumental in the planning and the lay-out of the brand new teaching kitchen, which, by the way, was an absolute dream kitchen to teach in. I remember the many laughs we had over equal many things, he was always so much fun to be around. His enthusiasm and love for food, cooking and kids was contagious, and he obviously had an amazing report with the entire district community.
I was shaken by the news of Dennis' sudden passing, as I had planned to visit him and Lynne later this fall during my annual wine tour through their region. My sympathy goes out to Lynne and his family and friends who dearly miss him. Lynne, I am sorry that I wasn't able to make it in time.
I was shaken by the news of Dennis' sudden passing, as I had planned to visit him and Lynne later this fall during my annual wine tour through their region. My sympathy goes out to Lynne and his family and friends who dearly miss him. Lynne, I am sorry that I wasn't able to make it in time.
Message from Message from Hans-Peter Bucher
August 17, 2017 8:22 AM
Beginning in August of 1996, Dennis mentored me into the new Chef Instructor position at the new Heritage Park Secondary School where he had been instrumental in the planning and the lay-out of the brand new teaching kitchen, which, by the way, was an absolute dream kitchen to teach in. I remember the many laughs we had over equal many things, he was always so much fun to be around. His enthusiasm and love for food, cooking and kids was contagious, and he obviously had an amazing report with the entire district community.
I was shaken by the news of Dennis' sudden passing, as I had planned to visit him and Lynne later this fall during my annual wine tour through their region. My sympathy goes out to Lynne and his family and friends who dearly miss him. Lynne, I am sorry that I wasn't able to make it in time.
I was shaken by the news of Dennis' sudden passing, as I had planned to visit him and Lynne later this fall during my annual wine tour through their region. My sympathy goes out to Lynne and his family and friends who dearly miss him. Lynne, I am sorry that I wasn't able to make it in time.
Message from Deborah and Al LaFontaine
August 16, 2017 10:38 AM
We were shocked and so saddened to read of Dennis's passing. We remember him fondly as a passionate teaching colleague. We also remember our vibrant conversations about wine and food. Our sincere condolences to our former colleague Lynne and all of Dennis's other family members.
Message from Thea Carmichael
August 15, 2017 7:55 PM
My deepest condolences to Lynne and family. Chef.T was my teacher at Mission Secondary. I had 8 blocks of cafeteria with him each week throughout the school year. He was inspiring, positive and really showed his passion for food that it taught me the appreciation of finer things. His push for students to strive was appreciated and he made you feel a sense of pride and accomplishment with every task. I always remember when he'd see me walk through the cafeteria he'd come walk beside me and say that I appeared to be walking on a cloud for in his words he'd say to me "your head doesn't bob up and down like everyone else lol" It's been 19 years now since then but he left a great impression. An amazing mentor he was....he will never be forgotten. Last quote, as many of us in his class knew and would say....Chef.T...Yeah, your the Man. My prayers are with you, thank you for everything.
Message from Victoria Chandler
August 15, 2017 2:59 PM
I was saddened by the news of Dennis' passing. I went to high school with Dennis and Robyn was a good friend. Rob and I were 2 years younger so Dennis would shuuush us out of any room he was in as we were sooooo young and bugging him. It was always in good fun and Dennis made us laugh constantly.
My condolences to Lynne, Derek and all the family in B.C. and Ontario.
Dennis will be missed by many many friends who cared about him and called him friend.
My condolences to Lynne, Derek and all the family in B.C. and Ontario.
Dennis will be missed by many many friends who cared about him and called him friend.
A candle was lit by Victoria Chandler
on August 15, 2017 2:51 PM
Message from Paul Welsh - Binghamton NY
August 12, 2017 12:58 PM
Saddened to hear the passing of our high school friend Dennis. Yes many of us knew Dennis as being a really great guy who was friends with everyone. My condolences to his family and friends.
Message from Cindy (Thistlewaite) Graham - baby sister
August 11, 2017 11:15 AM
We were shocked and saddened to hear of my brother Dennis’ passing. Even though distance kept our family apart for many, many years, Dennis was always in our thoughts and the topic of many fond memories. He was born in Ontario, but his love for B.C. never wavered and it became his home. There was something about the west coast that calmed him and he found peace there. It was always a celebration when we received a letter from Dennis. It didn’t come often, but when it did, it was epic! He had many adventures to share and we believe he lived his life to the fullest. He followed his heart in his career and did extremely well. We are saddened that we had not been closer with Dennis in recent years but he will always be a part of our family and our fond memories. Our love and hugs to Lynne and Derek.
Cindy (Thistlewaite) Graham and family
Cindy (Thistlewaite) Graham and family
A candle was lit by Teresa M
on August 8, 2017 11:51 AM
Message from Teresa moore
August 8, 2017 11:38 AM
I'm very saddened to hear of Chef "D" has gone to the spirit world, my condolences to his wife Lynne, his family, I was one of his students in Terrace B.C. For two years, he was quite the jokester with all his students, he went that extra mile to help whom ever needed that extra help, R.I.S.P Chef "D"
Message from Noelle Bulleid
August 4, 2017 2:33 PM
I was saddened to learn that Dennis has passed away. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Dennis and I worked together at NWCC in Terrace BC up until he moved on. I enjoyed his presence as did many others. People knew that Dennis was never far away from making people laugh. Really nice fella to work with and who is dearly missed.
Message from sandra clark
July 31, 2017 8:43 PM
I was your neighbor on Rook Cr..in Mission...I was stunned to see the news of Dennis...It was years ago but I remember he made the best fresh salsa ever!!!! Very sorry for your loss Lynne and extend my sympathy to all his family and friends...
Message from Cheryl Caughey
July 29, 2017 1:10 PM
So saddened to hear of Chef T's passing. As a student of his for a couple years in Mission I fondly remember his passion for the Canucks, and cooking. I will never forget his words to me as they greatly influenced the choices I made. He told me ' 3 things in life are inevitable, people must eat, people must sleep, and people will die. Find something you love to do that supports those needs, and you will be invaluable'. Needless to say I went on to continue cooking for the next 25 yrs, never forgetting him whispering to me, that one day my attitude would get me in trouble. My pursuit of becoming a highschool Cafeteria instructor a direct result of his ability to get thru to anyone.
Greatly missed Chef T, never forgotten
Until we meet again
Cher(yl) C
Greatly missed Chef T, never forgotten
Until we meet again
Cher(yl) C
Message from Heather grimson
July 28, 2017 6:04 PM
My sympathy Lynn and family. "the Chef" will be missed.
Message from Heather grimson
July 28, 2017 6:04 PM
My sympathy Lynn and family. "the Chef" will be missed.
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