September 24, 1924 - September 26, 2022
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father Denis William Horwill, 98, of Terrace, BC, who died peacefully in his sleep, September 26th, 2022 at Terraceview Lodge.
Denis was born on September 24, 1924 to William and Florence (nee Dennis) Horwill in Prince Rupert, BC. His boyhood years were spent growing up in Dorreen where his parents purchased and ran the General Store from 1935 to 1960. It functioned not only as a general store but also a post office, mining records office, justice of the peace office and telegraph office, with a residence above. Denis had many wonderful stories of growing up in Dorreen and shared his recollections and photos with the local historical society.
Denis joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) where he served throughout Europe from 1943-1945 with RAF 214 Squadron at Oulton, England and was released with the rank of Cmde. After the war, he went on to study Geology and Mine Engineering at the University of BC.
He worked for many mining companies throughout his career and retired from Cominco Potash Mine near Vanscoy, SK in 1989 as a mining shaft engineer.
Denis spent most of his retirement doing the things he loved. He often headed to the mountains to forage mushrooms for the Asian market and in true form, he was not one to be intimidated by the bears who sometimes thought it a good idea to stop by and say hello. We often wondered if that stubborn, independent streak would get him into more trouble than it did, but he somehow always managed to intimidate the bears instead. He was also an avid gardener as evidenced bythe many flowers, fruits, berries and vegetables he grew and shared with the community every year. He loved a day on the Skeena or at Fiddler Creek fishing for salmon and on his quieter days at home, he was quite a wood working enthusiast and gifted many of his creations to friends and family.
Denis was predeceased by his wife Shirley (nee Hopkins), his daughter Deborah Neudorf (Lane) and also his late in life companion, Bonnie Shaw. He leaves behind his sons Richard (Christina)and Dale (Dorella) along with grandchildren Chrissy, Kevin (Megan), and Alixandria, as well asgreat grandchildren Isaac and Emerson.
By request, no formal service will be held. The family requests no flowers be sent however donations, if so inclined, can be made in his honour to the Terraceview Lodge Comfort Fund.
We would like to thank the many staff members at Terraceview who took such great care of our Dad during his stay with them and for the efforts they made in keeping his family in touch with him, whether across the province, or across the country. You made his time there very welcoming and comfortable and left us feeling like he was in the best hands possible; we are forever gratefulfor your professionalism and kindness.