In Memory Of

Dennis Roy Mohle

Aug 2, 1930 - Nov 9, 2024

Obituary

Dennis Roy Mohle
August 02, 1930 – November 09, 2024

Dennis was the youngest child of Henry Ernest Mohle and Sybilla Johanna Mohle (Wantink). He was born in Eshowe, Zululand, Natal, South Africa. His childhood home was in the small town of Gingindhlovu, where his father owned and operated a Chevrolet/Dodge dealership complete with an automotive garage and gas station. Bordering the homestead boundary was a large expanse of African bush, grassland and small streams, which provided an irresistible “playground” for Dennis and his brothers, Ralph and Edwin. Here, their life long passion for camping, hunting and fishing was sparked. As long as the brothers were able, they enjoyed sharing their passion with friends and family, whether it was in the wilderness or by the sea. While growing up, Dennis learned to repurpose, refurbish, improvise and build from scratch whatever he needed, using whatever he had available to him. He applied these traits and skills throughout his life.

Dennis’s first job was as a mechanic in the family-owned garage. It was during this time that Dennis met, and fell in love with, a young farm girl schoolteacher, Dorothy Margaret Martin. Dennis and Dorothy (Doffy) married in Oct. 1954, and in Oct. 1955 their son, Nigel, was born. The family moved to Mandini where Dennis worked as a Millwright Shift Engineer at the local pulp mill, S.A Pulp and Paper Industry. In Oct. 1959, their daughter, Jennifer, was born. In 1966, Dennis visited friends in British Columbia. He was so impressed that, after much consideration and family discussions, the family of 4 left Mandini in 1968 and moved to Canada. They settled in Powell River, BC, where Dennis worked as a Millwright in the local pulp mill, MacMillan Bloedel.

Dennis’s strong family bond with his mother and his brothers soon pulled him back to South Africa in 1970. The family settled in Brakpan, Transvaal where Dennis could be closer to his brothers. He worked as a millwright at the district branch of SAPPI. Dennis’s love for Canada, coupled with the rising political unrest in South Africa, resulted in the family of 4 making the difficult decision to, once again, leave family and friends and immigrate to Canada in 1977. They settled in Kamloops, B.C where Dennis worked as a Millwright at Weyerhaeuser Pulp Mill. He worked there until his retirement in 1995. Dennis and Doffy later relocated to Salmon Arm to be closer to Nigel and his family. When Doffy passed away in April 2022, ending their 67 years of marriage, Dennis made the decision to move to Sylvan Lake, AB, to be closer to Jennifer and her family. In Aug. 2022, he moved into the Sylvan Lake Seniors Lodge. Sadly, his time there was short, and, after a 9-month battle with multiple health issues, Dennis passed away peacefully on Nov 9, 2024, in the Rimbey Hospital, with family by his side.

Dennis lived a full and adventurous life. He accomplished many things. He was an active member of the Rod and Gun Club. He was awarded a life membership in the North American Hunting Club, and he spent a number years as a member of the Masons. Most importantly, Dennis was a trusted, loyal friend and a devoted, loving family man. He had a kind, welcoming and generous personality, which won the hearts of many. Wherever he lived, Dennis established life-long friendships. He enjoyed puttering in his workshop, woodworking, gatherings with family and friends, and playing his guitar and harmonica. He had many endearing features, such as, his warm, infectious smile, his impish, fun-loving personality and his signature whistling which could be heard whenever he was busy doing things he enjoyed. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

Dennis was predeceased by his parents – Ernest and Sybilla Mohle, his siblings - Ralph, Ethne and Edwin Mohle, his wife – Dorothy (Doffy) Margaret Mohle (Martin), 3 nephews, all of his in-laws and many close friends.

Dennis is survived by his children - Nigel (Leahann) Mohle of Salmon Arm B.C and Jennifer (Bill) McLean of Sylvan Lake AB, his grandchildren - Jordan Mohle (Alex Fantetti) of Kamloops B.C, Taegan Mohle (Dane Watson) of Burnaby B.C, Ashley McLean (Tanner Spendiff) of Lethbridge AB and Brent McLean (Samira Rowland) of Edmonton AB, his great-granddaughter - Kate Mohle of Kamloops B.C, and all his South African nieces and nephews.

A small, informal service in memory of Dennis will be held in Kamloops, BC in July of 2025.

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