SIMMS
Dennis
September 17, 1950 - March 3, 2021
It is with great sadness that the family of the late Dennis Simms announce his passing at the James Paton Memorial; Health Care Centre on Wednesday March 3, 2021 at the age of 70 years. He was predeceased by his parents Waldo & Annie Simms; brothers: Ford Simms, Dave Simms, Wilson Simms (Annie); brothers-in-law: Reg Langdon, William Snow; sister-in-law Madeline Crocker and beloved father-in-law Gordon Crocker.
Leaving to mourn with fond and loving memories his wife of 52 years, Vera Simms. Dennis, "Our Love is Right as Rain."
Dennis also leaves to mourn Son, Terry (Deanna) of Victoria, BC.; grandchildren: Rebecca Simms, Brandon Simms; brothers: Leslie (Mavis) of Gander, Eugene (Maude) of Deer Lake, Randy (Florence) of Mount Pearl; sisters: May Snow of Lewisporte, Ruth Fergusson (Terry Ratcliffe) of Vancouver; sisters-in-law: Rita Simms, Shirley Simms and also a very large circle family and friends. In keeping with Dennis's wishes, cremation has taken place, with services to take place at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, donations in Dennis's memory may be made to the Gander and Area S.P.C.A, 36 McCurdy Drive, Gander, NL., A1V 1A2. To leave a message of condolence please visit our website at www.staceysfuneralhome.ca.
I want to tell you about my father Dennis Simms. Not how he died, but how he lived. Born in Gander, NL. Grew up like most boys in the 50's and 60's by following around his father to all the great fishing holes. Just like I followed him when I was a boy. Even now I'm in awe of his skills he's honed all his life. He was an excellent angler and loved to show off the Gander River to anyone who had the privilege of being in a riverboat handled by him. He loved Gander River most. So much so that he made it one of his life's goals to protect it for future generations. He accomplished this by convincing his fellow council member to take a chance on installing a revolutionary natural solution for treating wastewater entering the river. This initiative has won multiple awards over the years for habitat preservation and made the waters of Gander River pristine again. He served on the Appleton town council for 30 years. He had a passion for the outdoors that he carried with him all his life. Still a young man when he became a father in 1968, he never turned away from what he knew was his obligation now to myself and my mother Vera Simms. They were married for 52 years and always so much in love. A great example to a young man. The only thing that now changed for him was he had 2 more to go fishing with him or to the cabin. I have given that lesson to my own children...his grandchildren. He loved to golf and looked forward to the annual golf tourney in Florida with his brothers, myself and other relatives. Everything he worked at in his life was honed to an excellent state. His job as a machinist, a firefighter, a sports guide.. just better every year. He was also a great lover of music, learned the guitar, learned to write songs, and was front man for multiple music bands in the 70's. I watched his band "The Good Life" perform on stage or practicing in our basement as much as I could as a boy. I can still see him singing and dancing across the stage. Again I followed him and passed that love on to my children, his grandchildren. He taught me to enjoy this life, it's a gift and we don't know how long we have to open it every day. I know we will all miss his physical presence every day, but for me I will still see him every day, sitting in the riverbank watching for signs of Salmon in the eddy and currents of the Gander River. I love you Dad.