On May 3, Dennis Elkins, 87, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at Hilltop House with his family by his side. Dennis had four children and was predeceased by his wife Barbara and eldest daughter Cheryl. Dennis is survived by his remaining children: Christopher, Catherine (Doug), and Craig, grandchildren Matt (Jamiee), Lindsay (Bryce), Christopher, Ashleigh (Joshua), and great-grandchildren Emmett and Lily.
Dennis was born Sept. 28, 1935, in Prince Rupert, to Sidney and Jean Elkins. At a young age, Dennis loved music and playing the guitar, piano and saxophone. Dennis had the option to attend Boston’s Berklee College of Music but instead chose his family business in plumbing and heating, which led to his long career at Woodfibre and BC Rail.
Dennis loved listening to jazz music and the radio; he would often mention how he was always comfortable with his thoughts. He loved the opportunity to play his piano and guitar for others. He loved tinkering with his vehicles and going for long car rides around Squamish and Whistler. He also had a green thumb for his plants and flowers, which flourished under his care. His fondness and respect for Indigenous people led Dennis to expand his knowledge of many cultures, which he loved to pass on to all of us.
Most of all, he knew he was a very fortunate man because of the love and care his children had for him and the complete adoration, love and fondness of his grandchildren, who took incredible care of him. We will forever miss his witty sense of humour and the laughter he brought to both friends and family. Our best memories were spending time with him both listening to jazz music and watching him perform in his home.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Malherbe for his great care and to the wonderful staff at Hilltop House. His wishes were to not hold a service but to celebrate him every day through sharing our memories of him. For anyone who wants to donate to a charity in his name, the two listed are ones he cared to support within the community: Squamish Helping Hands and Canadian Red Cross.
