Wendall Chester Denis Obituary (1934 - 2006)

Waterville, Maine Wendell Chester Denis 71 died Monday August 21, 2006 after a courageous battle with cancer with his wife and children by his side. He was born in Waterville, Maine on December 3, 1934 the son of William and Hazel Simpson Denis. He was educated in Waterville schools and was a graduate of Waterville High School. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving with the 211th Artillary 1st Division Battery B in Germany and later was recalled to duty in 1962 during the Berlin Crisis. After his military discharge, he was employed for several years for the C.F. Hathaway Shirt Company and he was chief steward for 20 years for Local Union 486 He was also employed as the business agent for the state AFL-CIO and New England Vice-President of AFL-CIO. He was a member of the Bourque-Lanigan Post American Legion and the Waterville Lodge of Elks. Wendell married his high school sweetheart, Carmen LaBrie. They have been married for 49 years, in that time, together they bowled, golfed, played cards, attended Hathaway and Elks functions with friends. He fondly recalled his early years when he coached Pop Warner Football and Youth basketball at the old Boys and Girls Club. Wendell was very sports minded and an avid Red Sox fan. He spent a good part of his free time at the local Elks lodge playing cards and cribbage and spoke highly of the relationships developed there especially in the last few years of his life. All who knew Wendell, will remember him for his senses of humor and display of integrity. He thought everyone deserved to be treated with respect. His children will remember him for his fun loving parenting style and continuous show of moral strength, character and leadership. The Denis family would like to thank the MaineGeneral - Thayer Campus oncology department for the wonderful care he received the last years. In addition, his family appeciates all the support and care received from HealthReach Hospice. He is survived by his wife Carmen LaBrie Denis 2 sons: Dale Denis of Winslow and Dean Denis and wife Linda of Benton. 1 daughter : Ann Marie Caron and husband Scott of Belgrade. 1 sister: Gloria Bernard and husband Walter of Waterville. also by 8 grandchildren: Matthew, Andrew, Ben, Christopher, Dion, Nicholas, Zachary and Emily. All of which adjusted in life in their unique ways. ''Papa'' appreciated each one of his little ones. He was predeceased by his parents, 3 brothers: Reggie, Roger and Franklin Denis and 3 sisters: Gerry LaFlamme, Virginia Shank and Shirley O'Neil. There will be no public visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 A.M. Friday August 25, 2006 at Notre Dame Church 112 Silver Street Waterville. Military honors and Committal prayers will follow in St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Waterville. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his name to the Alfond Youth Center 126 North Street Waterville, Maine 04901 Arrangements are with Gallant Funeral Home 10 Elm Street Waterville, Maine. Condolences may be expressed at gallantfh.com.