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DENNIS MILLAR ALVESTAD
Born: Sep 12, 1942
Date of Passing: Sep 26, 2013
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDENNIS MILLAR ALVESTAD On September 26, 2013 at St. Boniface Hospital, two weeks after his 71st birthday, we unexpectedly said goodbye to Dennis Millar Alvestad, loving husband, father, brother, uncle and grandpa, cousin and friend to so many. Dennis was born in Winnipeg on September 12, 1942. He graduated from Glenlawn Collegiate and continued on to receive a Teaching Certificate as well as a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Manitoba. Dennis was born, worked and lived in St. Vital his entire life. As a young student, he commented that he couldn't wait to get out of school. The joke was on him as he worked as a school teacher for 37 years beginning at Norberry Junior High finishing his career at Dakota Collegiate. Dennis was a sports enthusiast, a gifted athlete who excelled at whatever sport he tried. An accomplished pitcher, his team made it to within one game of appearing in the little league World Series. A basketball legend at Glenlawn, many remember his ability to make the pressure shot from anywhere. After making his mark as a player, Dennis moved on to become an accomplished coach. His achievements included multiple Manitoba Provincial women's high school basketball championships highlighted by his induction into the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007. Dennis held dear the close relationships he had with all his players and was especially proud that so many remained in touch years after they graduated. Coach Dennis moved on to be an avid fan of all Winnipeg's major sporting teams, the Goldeyes, the Moose and Jets and most of all, the Bombers who he supported as a season ticket holder for almost 40 years. Sports were important to Dennis but family is what he cherished most. Whether it was the annual Father's Day fishing trip with his sons, the Christmas open house at his sister's, the many trips he and Betty took to see the Rutherfords or being a fixture at the kids or grandkids events, he loved "being there" for his family. Dennis loved telling all who would listen about the latest accomplishments of his children, grandchildren and nieces. Sitting at his computer or glancing at his laptop screensaver would allow you to see the latest photo of those "special" people in his life. Dennis and Betty maintained many close friendships over the years and Dennis valued each and every one. He looked forward to hosting the annual Grey Cup Party, movie nights and meeting the guys for Friday breakfast. Predeceased by father Pete (1994) and mother Addie (2008). He leaves wife Betty, sons both of Kenora, Dennis (Linda, Joel, Leah), Michael (Dawn, Emily, Anders), daughter Anne (Terry Macyk), sister Sharon (Harry Van Den Broeck, Amber, Kira (Eric Kjear)), Betty's siblings, children and grandchildren, mother of his children Pat Alvestad and their Uncle Ian, dear cousins Jim (Sheila), Bud (Arlene), Lynne, Patsy, Paul (Theresa), Cliff and their families. Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. at the Eastview Community Church, 3500 De Vries Avenue, East St. Paul, MB. Glen Eden Funeral Home & Cemetery 338-7111
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 01, 2013
Condolences & Memories (19 entries)
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From my earliest memories Dennis and I were (for me at least) best friends during our early childhood. Our parents lived two houses apart on Pilgrim Avenue, in St. Vital. He was four months older than I. I have many fond and happy memories of Dennis during that time. We lost touch with each other when my parents built a tourist camp on Star lake in the Whiteshell area when we were both seven. Good memories of Dennis have passed through my mind often. I an sorry to hear of his passing. David Ealing - Posted by: David Ealing (Childhood friend) on: Feb 06, 2014
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Even though Dennis and I were not together at the time of his passing, we shared much of our lives together. We had 3 children and many happy times during the early years. During the last ten years, we had reached a good place in our relationship. He was the father of my children, my dearest friend and I will miss him always. He has left all of us who loved him, far too soon. Till we meet again..........Pat - Posted by: Pat Alvestad (ex-wife, mother of his children and life-long friend) on: Oct 13, 2013
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I am sorry to learn of this sudden loss, Sharon, Harry and family......Mum told me so many times how much she liked the care and concern shown by Dennis to her over the years. I remember being coached, cajoled and respected as a member of one of the teams at Dakota. My prayers........ - Posted by: Marni Ammons; Shirley Angood (student athlete; friend) on: Oct 07, 2013
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Dennis coached many of us to provincial basketball championships, therefore being inducted into Manitoba's Basketball Hall of Fame! One of the most intense and brilliant coaches I ever had! You will be missed Dennis! Thanks for the hundreds of hours you put into kids! - Posted by: Lori Howarth (nee Turner) (Basketball player of Dennis') on: Oct 03, 2013
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Mr. Alvestad was a wonderful coach who pushed me to be the best I could be on and off the basketball court. He was hard but always fair. Some of my best memories to this day were playing for him as he had great passion. When I would see him around sporting events well after graduating he always would take the time to find out how my family and I was doing. My deepest condolences to the family and all who were close to him. He will be missed. - Posted by: Janice Schmidt () on: Oct 03, 2013
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Many memories. Started our story at norberry and continued it onto Dakota, then got to enjoy our family visits, and our happy hours in Florida! Condolences to Betty & family! So sad guys! Thinking of you! RIP Mr A! - Posted by: Wendy Gobert (Former student/friend) on: Oct 02, 2013
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I will always remember Dennis for his kindness and willingness to help you improve. I remember many Dakota staff pick up games. I will never forget his sharp elbows when clearing space and knocking shot after shot. He was an amazing person and the Nowrang family will miss him dearly. - Posted by: M. Nowrang (Colleague) on: Oct 02, 2013
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In 1968, I was in Grade 4, when the Norberry teachers challenged the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to a basketball game. The Norberry Gym was packed. Mr. Alvestad lit the place up. The man had the softest shot, something you just can’t teach. But fundamentals you can, and he did. Since the late 1960s, Coach Alvestad had such a huge impact on the game, and the athletes under his wing. I was fortunate to be among the many who benefited from his coaching and mentoring and to have stayed in touch over the last 45 years. It was Mr. Alvestad who had the biggest impact on me, on and off the court, and I will always be grateful to have had him in my life. Mr. Alvestad, you will be missed. – Bruce Shaw - Posted by: Bruce Shaw (player, long-time friend) on: Oct 02, 2013
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Dennis was the kindest man and had the best laugh ever. Anytime we had the pleasure of seeing him he always made us feel like we had never spent any time apart. Thinking of you all at this time. Love the Tubbs-Way family. - Posted by: Norine Tubbs (Cousin) on: Oct 02, 2013
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Dennis was my first 'real' coach back in the Norberry days. Inspired all of us to work at getting better, especially as people. Great coach and a good friend. Our thoughts are with Dennis' family and friends. - Posted by: Doug Freeth and family (Friend) on: Oct 02, 2013
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I will never forget the passion Mr. Alvestad had for the game of basketball. He was an intense coach and he knew how to get the absolute best from his athletes. He was so well respected and I remember thinking that if only I had Mr. Alvestad as a coach he could help me become a better player because he was the best coach around! In recent years Mr. Alvestad connected with my father and together they shared about their common fight against cancer. My dad thoroughly enjoyed their visits together at the 'Wheel'. Mr. Alvestad you will be missed. - Posted by: Jill Mathez (Friend) on: Oct 02, 2013
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Mr. Alvestad as I always called him (even after high school), had a huge heart and was always there to guide with helpful advice and a way with words. This is one man who will always be admired for his way with people. RIP Alvy you will missed by many..... - Posted by: Mike Nazar (former student, refereeing colleague,friend) on: Oct 01, 2013
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Uncle Dennis will be missed dearly. He was one of our greatest cheerleaders in life. Was there for every school event, dance recital, graduation, you name it he was there! He gave some of the most logical and insightful advice. I can see why he touched so many of his students' lives. I am sad that he will not be at my graduation in the spring, he would have been so excited and proud. I am sure he will be looking down and cheering me on as he always did :) - Posted by: Kira Kjear (Niece) on: Oct 01, 2013
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Dennis was an incredible teacher, coach, and person who will always be remembered by many students and colleagues. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time of his passing. - Posted by: Terry Borys, retired Superintendent St. Vital & LRSD (Colleague) on: Oct 01, 2013
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Dennis and I have been friends for 46 years. We have enjoyed many special times together, and We are so very sorry that we cannot be with Dennis's family and friends at this time. We will be grieving with you all and celebrating Dennis' memories while we are away. I will miss him very very much. Till we meet again!, Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Ron & Bonnie - Posted by: Ron & Bonnie Guarino (Friends) on: Oct 01, 2013
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It is with great sadness that I heard of Dennis' passing. We shared experiences teaching, coaching and refereeing together, all of which bring rich memories. My Condolences to his family and friends. - Posted by: Bill Anthony, Didsbury, AB (Friend) on: Oct 01, 2013
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Dennis was a mentor to me well before he even knew it. I was a beginning coach watching his Dakota programs while developing as a graduate coach out of university. I saw first hand how he was able to influence his athletes and the relationship he had with them. It was my goal to use many of his distinctive approaches as I entered into the coaching ranks. I was fortunate enough to then be able to work alongside with Dennis at Dakota for ten years. Dennis would do all he could to help me in those years. Having him as a resource for both the academic and athletic questions made me feel right at home. Dennis was always willing to share and compare ideas and he will be missed greatly by all. It is my prayer that God's grace can comfort Dennis's family at this difficult time. Karl Loewen Pearland, Texas - Posted by: Karl Loewen (Dakota Colleague) on: Oct 01, 2013
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I've known Dennis for a long time especially refereeing with him in the SCAA Conference in St. Boniface and playing darts at the old St. Vital legion. Not only was he a good friend but also a mentor to all that knew him. Rest in peace my old friend we will meet again one day. - Posted by: Leo Carriere (Close friend) on: Oct 01, 2013
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Mr. Alvestad took me under his wing when I entered gr. 10 at Dakota. I remember him letting me shoot around every Sunday in the small gym while he had a game with friends. Eight years ago, I got the chance to coach with him at Dakota and really enjoyed my time with him. I wish I could give him one last great, big hug....xo My thoughts are with his family. - Posted by: Kyla (Bremner) Shead (friend) on: Oct 01, 2013
