DENNIS HARRY FURNISH

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DENNIS HARRY FURNISH Dennis Harry Furnish passed away on February 29, 2012 at Deer Lodge Centre, Winnipeg, MB. He is survived by his sons Michael (Cathy) and David and daughter Susan. Also his grandchildren Sandra (Hasitha), Barbara Jade and Robert (Robyn). He was predeceased by his former wife and friend Barbara. Born September 29, 1925 in Darlington, Co. Durham, England, Dennis first came to Canada as a child evacuee during the Second World War, but after lying about his age, returned to England on a Norwegian convoy ship. Once old enough he joined the British Royal Marines, working in their clerical department after being injured during training. Following the war, he travelled extensively, ending up in South Africa where he met and married Barbara Lawley. Over the next 10 years while living in Southern Rhodesia and South Africa, they had three children before moving to England and then Canada in the early 1960s. Dennis spent his entire working life in the travel industry, employed by steamship companies and airlines before opening Concorde Travel in Winnipeg in the early 1970s. He made a lot of acquaintances through his work, becoming lifelong friends with some of them. He was an avid reader with strong interests in geography, war, history, politics, shipping, aircraft and trains. Blessed with a sharp mind, excellent memory and vast library of books, Dennis was often able to provide exact details if someone asked for him information regarding a topic. In his time he witnessed many changes in the state of the world and especially transportation. He talked of seeing an airship over England in his childhood and flew on everything from biplanes to modern jetliners. The road trips Dennis took his grandchildren on around Manitoba and North Dakota, along with the vintage aircraft flight he sent them on will be fondly remembered by them. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff of Deer Lodge Tower 6 for the care and friendship they provided to Dennis during his five years there. A very special thank you also goes to Kathy, Aggie and Tony for the companionship they provided. A private family service will take place.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 03, 2012