Denis John Blakeman

A great educator, teacher, tradesman, storyteller, bird hunter, fisherman, father, grandpa, great-grandpa and host to many international students died July 28th, 2024 at the University of Alberta hospital.

Denis was born in Black Diamond September 5th, 1927 and lived life to the fullest until the very end. He resided in the home he built in Belgravia until his passing, just before his 97th birthday.

Throughout his early career Denis was a devoted tradesman and earned five different tickets. He was an electrician, a plumber, a pipefitter, a gas fitter and a welder. He loved to tell the story about how he should have been on Leduc #1 when they hit oil in the late 40’s, but his crew moved on two weeks before. In the late 1950’s, he was the superintendent of the construction of the DEW line in the arctic circle of Canada.

He later graduated with his Bachelor of Education in 1965 with a concentration in vocational education from the University of Alberta. He was devoted to education; creating a sense of belonging for all learners. Throughout his career he taught at many schools and served as assistant or vice-principal at Jasper Place High, M.E. Lazerte High School, and Victoria Composite High School from where he retired. He encouraged, influenced, and supported students, educators, and teachers alike. After retiring from his career in education, Denis hosted more than a dozen international students pursuing graduate degrees at the University of Alberta.

Denis was an avid outdoorsman and loved to take his family and friends to the Berland river to fish, camp and enjoy the vast Alberta evening skies. He also loved to snowmobile; he was a past-present and past-director of the Alberta Snowmobile Association. Some of his favorite places to venture included Hunter’s Range, BC and Valemount, AB. At 96 years old, he was still seeking out ways to get out on the snow for one last ride. However, Denis was best known for his love of bird hunting, a skill that he passed onto his children and grandchildren.

His enthusiasm for travel continued well into his 80s and 90s, where he enjoyed family trips to Cuba, Mexico, China and Japan.

Denis J. Blakeman had four children: Richard Denis Blakeman (Lee), Caroline (Dan Lamb), Laurie Blakeman (Ben Henderson), and Robert Blakeman (Francis MacCallum). Also left to mourn his passing are his grandchildren Jen, William, Danielle (Randy), Nelson (Carly), Jesse (Brea), Bryce (Melissa), Glenn, and Eva (Brendan); and his great grandchildren Emmett, Daniel, Theo Denis, Wyatt, Charlie, Addalyn, Jude, Phoenix, Jasper, and Alexina. He was predeceased by his son Richard and grandson Forest.

A Celebration of Life will be held September 2nd, 2024 from 10am to 1pm at the Royal Glenora Club in Edmonton, 11160 River Valley Road. Please rsvp if possible through danielle.lamb@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ducks Unlimited Canada–Conserving Canada’s Wetlands.

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” Mae West