Charles Joseph Dennis
Born In: Sydney
Born: March 29th, 1949
Passed in: Eskasoni
Passed on: April 23rd, 2015
It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of a dear husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend, Charlie Joe Dennis, 66, of Eskasoni, on April 23, 2015, at the Dartmouth General Hospital, due to complications stemming from cardiac arrest.
Born in Sydney on March 29, 1949, he was the son of the late Noel and Mary (Francis) Dennis.
A lover of nature, Charlie enjoyed fishing, bird-watching, travelling, St. Anne De Beaupre, and camping, especially in Malikewe’j. His love for “Mala” was evident in his dedication to preserving the community, its history, and recognition of its spiritual and cultural significance. Charlie was a talented hockey player.
Charlie was one of the co-founders for the Unama’ki Oyster Farm that sparked his passion for research and shellfish farming. Charlie had an unique and genuine appreciation and understanding of nature and what we needed to do to maintain our relationship to Mother Earth. His strong belief in conservation, preserving the environment and helping people, was instrumental in creating community organizations, such as the Eskasoni Fish and Wildlife Commission, The Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources, and Crane Cove Seafoods.
Charlie oversaw the growth that has led to the current prosperity in the community fishery and infrastructure such as the Sarah Denny Memorial Cultural Centre, The Processing Plant, Fishery Building and Lab, are only part of his legacy.
A visionary, he was instrumental in creating a number of initiatives and boards that promoted the well-being of the Bras d’Or Lakes and Unama’ki. He was a believer in creating and maintaining relationships with other agencies, organizations, and individuals who shared his passions. The Moose Management initiative, the Bras d’Or Lakes Collaborative Environment Planning Initiative, Collaborative Salmon Initiative, are only a few examples. He was a strong advocate of education, and encouraged youth to stay in school by creating scholarships through collaboration. A true ambassador and a genuine Mi’kmaq leader who not only promoted the welfare of the environment, but showed us how it was done through example. He was honored by many organizations, and was respected for his wisdom, appreciation, and passion.
Charlie was a treasured leader, quietly guiding and inspiring those around him with his determination, humility, and dedication. As Chief of Eskasoni, he was a true believer in his people. Charlie’s contributions to the community of Eskasoni and the Mi’kmaq nation cannot be overstated. He served Eskasoni proudly with his gentle and kind nature, great integrity, and honesty. Charlie was a passionate defender of Mi’kmaq rights and responsibilities realizing the need to work together. Wherever a helping hand was required, Charlie would be there. An advocate, leader, naturalist, visionary, and friend, he was a true champion.
He is survived by his loving wife, the former Helen Theresa Johnson; children, Christina, Carol (Blair), Rhonda (Kyle), Travis (Annie), Jillian (Joe), and mother of children, Patricia Dennis; stepchildren, Danny, Vincent Jr. (Lenora), Jeremy (Helen), Eric (Cassandra), Lorraine (Thomas), and Andrea; brothers and sisters, Jean Doris (Frank), Gerald, Cora (Brian), George (Ginger), Cecilia, Stephen (Florence), James (Debbie), Veronica, Noel Jr. (Cathy), Annette (Bertram), Lawrence, Gail Theresa (Darren), Vernon (Norma), Iris (Keith); aunts, Mary Julia Francis and Delena Francis; stepfather Abraham Doucette and foster parents, Janie and Roddie Gould. Also by 29 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, 31 step-grandchildren, eight step-great-grandchildren and godchildren, Pat Simon, Fabian Francis, Chastity Jedore, Vincent Stevens, Sasheen Gould, Sheena Johnson, Eli Johnson, Dorianna Marshall, Dante Dennis and by numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by three sisters, Marlene, Francis and Pamela, and three brothers, John Duncan, Keith and Norman, and one godchild, Jessica Dennis.
Visitation for the late Charlie Dennis will take place after 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 28 at the Crane Cove Seafood building in the Eugene “Eagle” Denny boardroom. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Thursday in Holy Family Church, Eskasoni, Rev. Martin MacDougall officiating.
Online condolences may be sent to twcurry.com.
