Denis Charlebois
Denis was born on April 4th, 1954 in Windsor, Ontario and grew up in Oakville, Ontario. In the 70’s, he took off West in a beat-up Volkswagen and fell in love with the mountains. As with many locals, Denis came to the Rockies for a season and never left. Denis spent some time in Banff and Lake Louise before settling in Jasper. His beautiful house in Cabin Creek was lovingly hand built with no detail overlooked, creating a warm, inviting home to raise his three daughters in. He loved hosting his friends and family for meals in his home, with wine and stories flowing. He often said “good food takes time”. Denis was an avid gardener and loved providing fresh vegetables to family, friends, and neighbours - especially his carrots were renowned in the neighbourhood. As a long time resident, Denis had many careers; CN Rail, National Car Rental and working for many resorts and privately as a carpenter.
Many will remember Denis for his exceptional sense of humour, his passion for the Rockies and his love for his three daughters. Denis expressed his love for nature and the mountains to all in his life; friends, family, and visitors. He could talk about the trails and outdoor activities for hours. He was happiest exploring the backcountry, trail running around Lac Beauvert, fishing on Maligne Lake, skiing at Marmot Basin with his daughters and enjoying a salmon dinner with his homemade red wine.
Denis passed away suddenly, of undiagnosed heart disease on January 23, 2020 at the age of 65. Denis will live on through his girls; Carly, Kristen (Marcus), and Sabrina. He will also be dearly missed by his mother, Dorothy Charlebois, and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. Long-term residents of Jasper, who have become family over the years, will also miss him greatly.
Memorial Service
12:00PM Saturday February 8th, 2020
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
300 Bonhomme Street Jasper, AB
Celebration of Life
2:00PM Saturday February 8th, 2020
Royal Canadian Legion
400 Geikie Street Jasper, AB
Please wear colour as Denis lived a vibrant life and come prepared with your favourite stories of him.
Memorial Donations
Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada in Denis' name.
Denis was my nephew but felt like a brother. We didn’t talk enough and when we did, he didn’t want to stop. He had so much going on with his family and his life. I was envious of his energy and the love he devoted to his girls. I know he was so proud of them. Denis will tackle the next part of his journey with the same zest he had on earth. Watch over us.
Eternal love.
Hope, Tim and Families
Dear Carly,Kristen and Sabrina,
Your dad and I go back many years, shared many good times and treasured moments.
He had an infectious laugh, keen sense of humour, and loved nature even back then. It was only fitting that he would follow his heart and find his place in Jasper surrounded by God’s beauty.
May the memories of your dad replace the tears and heavy hearts with smiles and laughter.
My prayers are with you all.
Olga from Oakville
XXX
Dear Carly, Kristen, and Sabrina,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad . He was a lovely soul , with a warm heart and laughing eyes ! He will be missed in Jasper , for certain. We pray God would keep you close and give you peace during this difficult time .
Blessed Be….
Rich , Sandy , Danielle, Noah and Kiki
My Heart goes out to all who met and embraced Denis’ joi de verve. His spiritual side was revealed to me on riskier ski touring days, andur fitness in 2011 was amazing having logged 5600M vertical Alpine skiing in one Day at Revy!
Godspeed friend as I will shout out an echo to the Mountain firmament in your honor. Hugs to his 3 wonderful loving Daughters.
Hailing from Streetsville, Ontario, I met Denis while working at Jasper Lodge back in 1976. As the years passed he married my dear friend Candy, and had 3 beautiful daughters who became “cousins” to my children with regular visits to Vancouver. Meeting up with Carly in Viet Nam and spending some travel days together was very special. Carly, Kristen & Sabrina certainly inherited his lust for life and travels. Denis, his mischievous smile, his love for his daughters and for the great outdoors, hiking & skiing. Always hospitable and welcoming towards his friends, it came as such a shock that he has been taken away far too young. A gentle reminder that every day is a Gift. May good memories linger in your hearts forever. Never to be forgotten, rest in peace dear Denis. Sincere condolences from Judy, Captain Rick, James & Kathleen
Kim & I met Denis in the early 80’s when we ventured west from Windsor Ontario through mutual friends Viki Panos and the Wilson’s as well as others. Many many great memories too many to mention here. What stands out to me was his smile,his friendliness and hospitality. His generosity helping me learn how to ski the bumps off the Knob chair. Forever remembered forever in our hearts. RIP my good friend from the Hudson family: Tom Kim Liam & Tori.
Very sad that DJ and I will miss His celebration of life Jasper has lost a unique man. I will dear,y miss chatting with him ❤️
I am heart broken by this terribly sad news. I loved Denis very much and cherished our friendship. I am overflowing with beautiful memories of our time together. Denis filled my life with love, help, kindness and adventure. I will miss him dearly. My love and condolences to Carly, Kristen and Sabrina.
To Denis’ family and friends.
I had the absolute pleasure of meeting and working with Denis while working at Sunwapta Falls Resort in Jasper National Park. He was always helping make it a better place, through his hard work and dedication to getting things done. He will be missed by all Sunwapta staff.
I am very sad to see that Denis has passed away. We stayed in his beautiful house both in 2008 and 2014 on our visits from Norway. We had also wished to reserve a stay in the future when Covid is over.
I worked with Dennis at CNRail. We were friends, I couldn’t find him tonight on FB as I wanted to know how he was fairing.. I am shocked to see he is gone. He was a nice man. May he be with the Lord and may our father watch over his children. 🙏🏻