April 30, 1938 - February 27, 2017
Dennis sprang from one of the poorest neighborhoods in Liverpool on the eve of WW2. He left school at 16 to make his way in the world without an education. A true entrepreneur, Dennis never did the same job twice and worked for himself since age 25. His career path began with ship's cook/baker, franchise coordinator for Texaco, restauranteur and tree surgery. He left Cape Town on 38' sailboat, bilges packed with Johnny Walker scotch and gold Krugerrands for trading in Brazil.
He met soulmate Paula in the Caribbean and their adventurous life began. Several transatlantic hops later, they settled in Gibsons, BC in 1989 to build the Westport Apartments. They stayed and raised their sons Jake and Ben here. A constant self-taught student, he devoured books on business, never let not knowing how to do something stop him from starting something.
In 1993 Dennis and John Dearden built 42' aluminum sailboat Sandingo. In 1998, Dennis and three pals sailed to San Diego. The family packed up the schoolbooks and spent the next two winters having a grand family sailing adventure in Mexico.
In 2000, Dennis started Kidzsmart, growing to 20+ employees. Kidzsmart provided "real city jobs" right here on the coast. He was proud of his great staff, many plucked from ordinary jobs and trained into fine sales people and graphic artists. His gift was helping others find greatness within themselves.
In 2012, Dennis handed Kidzsmart to new owners and returned to his first love - drawing. Always the best artist in school, the margins of his childhood notebooks danced with tiny detailed little drawings as there was definitely no art paper. What a concept of extravagance! Dennis found great joy and satisfaction in fine line drawings of cafes, people and interesting architecture. He never sold his work but offered it as a gift to grateful admirers.
Dennis was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in February 2016. He took the news of this in stride and carried on making plans for sketching and travel while he still felt up to it, enjoying art adventures in Alert Bay and Tacoma. He was well enough to enjoy September feasting on "medicinal" steak and Guinness pies in England, exploring new places and making one last pilgrimage back to visit his oldest friends in Liverpool.
Dennis passed away peacefully, supported by friends and family, his Liverpool humour with him until the end. Dennis leaves behind his loving wife of 39 years Paula O'Brien (Seifred), sons Jake and Ben O'Brien, son Ryan Buda (Claire, Tom, Jaime, Sam) and many friends. Dennis has been laid to rest in Seaview Cemetery so please go along from time to time. Tell him your saltiest stories, he'll enjoy them.
A celebration of Dennis's life will be held at the Gibsons Legion on Saturday, March 18 from 1pm-4pm; all are welcome.
The family is very grateful to the wonderful team of health supporters and family and friends, near and far. His travel, friend and love passport has been well stamped.
And, yes, he'd rather be sailing...