23 Nov 1956 – 4th Sept 2023 (66)
1 PPCLI
After a valiant and stoic battle with cancer, at age 66, Dennis joined both his beloved mothers in eternity on September 4, 2023.
He was raised with love by his grandparents, Ella and John Royal in Westmount NS, while tenderly loved by his birth mother, Isabel.
Dennis always dressed to impress with perfectly coiffed hair and a love of classic music, always remembering his wonderful early memories like yesterday. He was a hard worker from the age of 12 at Hennigars in the apple orchards of the Annapolis Valley. Joining the military (PPCLI) at 19, then re-mustering at 21 (2 SVC BN) to the trade that inspired him.
A trucker by trade and backyard mechanic by hobby, the neighbors liked to challenge Mr. Fix It. He beamed with pride when he discovered he was deemed “Mr. Grass” by the neighbors, due to his weed free, meticulous lawn. But his true love was classic cars, predominantly muscle cars. He was like an encyclopedia of makes, models and parts. Nothing delighted him more than a car question or a hands-on, under the hood challenge. Always reminiscing, “I should have kept that car…” The evolution of the electric car was incomprehensible to him.
He leaves behind his wife, Jackie; son, Brad; cherished brothers and sisters from the heart, Jack (deceased), Fred (deceased), Max (deceased), Gilbert, Debbie (deceased), Evelyn, Wayne, Glenda, Bruce, Manny (deceased), Kathy, and Dolly.
The roar of the Nova Scotian ocean waves and salt laden air drew him home to his mother, Isabel and his family and childhood friends in the Annapolis Valley and Cape Breton as often as time permitted, but the phone line was his life-line otherwise. His dream to retire home was stalled by the pandemic and then halted by the sudden disbelief of his diagnosis.
The world has lost an honest gentleman with a quick smile who had a hello for everyone in that genuine east coast style.
A graveside service will be held in Holy Rosary Cemetery, Westmount on Tuesday, September 19th at 11 a.m. with Rev. Doug Murphy officiating. Following the interment, a reception will be held at the Westmount Legion. All are welcome.
As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of donations, please consider lending a helping hand to another, just as he happily and freely did during his full, yet too short life.
♫ “When I die and they lay me to rest
Gonna go to the place that’s the best
When I lay me down to die
Goin’ up to the spirit in the sky” ♫
Arrangements entrusted to the Murphy Funeral Home, Pembroke
https://memorials.murphyfuneralhome.ca/dennis-royal/5266125/index.php
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