Chris Dennett
December 6, 1942 - March 13, 2024
It is with great sadness but full gratitude for a wonderful life, that we share our sad news that Christopher “Chris” Dennett unexpectedly passed away at home on March 13, 2024.
In his unique and humble style, Chris would have wanted to write his own obituary. True to being a writer, he wanted to ensure he had the last word.
Chris was born in Enfield, England in 1942 to Constance Maud and John Colton Dennett. Beloved husband of Rena Princis. Loving father of Julie, Mark (predeceased) and Lara. Adored grandfather of Abbey, Grayson, Brigus, and Lucy. Dear brother to Ann (predeceased), Michael and Jill.
Chris immigrated to Canada in early 1964 choosing to follow his passion for journalism. He worked and wrote for numerous papers across Canada. He worked for The Toronto Star in many locations such as in Toronto, Calgary, and Halifax. Chris settled down in London, Ontario, and writing for the London Free Press. He covered various beats including automotive, education, and was more notably known for his election campaign coverage over the years travelling with Lester B Pearson, Joe Clark, John Turner, and Pierre Elliott Trudeau.
He developed a passion for the culinary and service side writing the “At the Plate” column for years dining and reviewing restaurants in London and surrounding destinations before starting Chris Dennett Communications. His journalist background followed him as he honed his corporate communication skills working with various organizations including G.M. Diesel, Kubota, The Bermuda School System and the Thames Valley District School Board. His final project was writing “Bricks and Mortar” for the Sifton Family commemorating the life of Mowbray Sifton.
Chris and Rena had a loving marriage. He absolutely adored her. They enjoyed travelling and spending time with family. They were part of a close-knit group of friends who gathered for gourmet meals and theatre. Their best times were spent on Skeleton Lake, swimming and watching sunsets with their dogs Odie and Webster. Chris and Rena had a unique and rare ability to perfectly balance each other through life and never took for granted how lucky they were to have found one another.
Chris was an avid gardener, reader, and collector of antique still banks. He had great enjoyment in building one of the best “London Toy” collections. Although he had a love/hate relationship with golf, he enjoyed the friendships developed through the game.
Chris deeply valued the relationships he had with his children. He would speak so highly of Julie and her career accomplishments – but it was clear he was most proud of her character, independence, and strength. He could see these values were instilled in her two children Abbey and Grayson and credited her integrity to the adults they were becoming. Chris was very proud of his son Mark and how he chose his own path in life. They had a mutual respect, softness, and love for each other. Chris and Lara were close and had a coffee over Facetime almost every morning. He embraced and encouraged her artistic spirit and believed she was capable of achieving anything in her life. He admired her ability to adapt to life’s challenges and she valued his advice above all else. Every morning Chris and his sister Jill played Wordle and Queen Bee and the New York Times Puzzles and boasted about each other’s scores. Chris enjoyed his time with Eric, Michelle, Sylvia, and Craig. He would always talk about his Aussie relatives and regarded them as family.
Chris was a man of integrity, wisdom, words, and kindness. He had an uncanny ability to make every person in his life feel important. He was so present. He cared about everyone. He listened. Remembered the details. He just did life well. The sweep of his interests was huge. The capacity of his heart seemingly unlimited. His gentle spirit will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Chris’s life will be held in May (date to be announced).
Chris’s granddaughter Lucy has a rare Genetic Syndrome called KBG Syndrome. In Chris’s honor you may choose to donate to https://sites.google.com/ualberta.ca/voronova-lab-web-site/home/supporting-our-research
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I never had the pleasure of meeting Chris, but as a friend of his daughter Julie I can say that he helped shape an incredible woman who spoke nothing but praise for her father, always with so much love in her voice. It’s a relief and comforting that they were so close. My heart goes out to Julie and to Chris’ family and friends who have now lost this man in your lives.
I’m so sorry to read of Chris’ passing Rena. My thoughts are with you & the family & friends who have lost such a wonderful man. May he rest in peace.
Rena. It came as such a shock to learn of Chris' passing. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Chris was a model of calmness. He communicated sage advice and was always available for consultation. Chris obviously has had a huge, positive impact on our community and left an amazing legacy for his family. He will be missed.
Rena- The rock on Skeleton Lake in front of Point Cottage will just not be the same without long, lanky Chris reading his newspaper each morning while a wet dog (or two) relaxes beside him. Hugs to all his family.
So sorry to hear the news about Chris. I worked with him at the London Free Press as a reporter back in the late 1970s and then reconnected with him in the 90s to help do some writing on the Bricks and Mortar book. I enjoyed his humour and working with him. My condolences to the family.
Bruce and I have enjoyed many wonderful conversations with Chris and Rena over the past fourteen years. As neighbours who share a great love for dogs, we had frequent and memorable visits with Chris, as he worked on his lawn, or walked with Odie or Webster. Chris and Bruce often shared golf stories and discussed all manner of interesting topics. We enjoyed these meetings and the exchange of little snippets of our lives. Though we were not part of his inner circle, it was a gift to share many visits with such an interesting and kind man. We enjoyed his dry wit and his wonderful laugh. We are extremely saddened by his passing, and send our deepest condolences to Rena, his family and his friends.
Bruce and I have enjoyed many wonderful conversations with Chris and Rena over the past fourteen years. As neighbours who share a great love for dogs, we had frequent and memorable visits with Chris as he worked on his lawn, or walked with Odie or Webster. Chris and Bruce often shared golf stories and discussed all manner of interesting topics. We enjoyed these meetings and the exchanged of little snippets of our lives. Though we were not part of his inner circle, it was a gift to share many visits with such an interesting and kind man. We enjoyed his dry wit and his wonderful laugh. We are extremely saddened by his passing, and send our deepest condolences to Rena, his family and his friends. Lori and Bruce Drury
Oh Rena, I am so saddened to hear this news. My deepest sympathies to you and to the family. Chris played such a pivotal role in my career, standing steadfast as a mentor and colleague. It was such a pleasure to also have you both as neighbours later in life. He was a superb communicator and the ultimate gentleman while still cracking a joke and grimace during the daily grind. He will be missed and his memory will last on. So very sorry for your loss.
Rena and family we are so sorry to hear of Chris passing and want to send our condolences to you and your family! May you cherish the memories you have shared for many years 🙏
We are very sorry for your loss. Chris was a wonderful person and neighbour. We got the pleasure of meeting Chris in the ESA where he would go for daily walks with Webster (famous Webbie). You could almost set your clock as every morning you would see the two of them following the same path. Some days it would be a short hello, other days an observation about the weather, and other days a conversation about this and that. Everyone adored Webster and was always thrilled to see the two of them on their walk. Chris had a great sense of humour and even on freezing days, he would make a funny observation, that would get everyone smiling. Chris will be greatly missed by the community of walkers, and dog walkers in the neighbourhood. Our most sincere condolences to the family and to our dear neighbour Rena.
Rena - my thoughts are with you and your family on your loss of Chris. I had the honour and pleasure of working with Chris in multiple roles from the Free Press to TVDSB to a private communication consultant - but he was always the same - a true gentlemen who was thoughtful and caring. He was interested in everything and a brief 5 minute chat could turn into an hour on the state of the world. He had great insights on people and institutions. I learned a lot from him. He will be missed but left his mark in many ways.
It was such a pleasure to know and work with Chris at the TVDSB. His integrity and caring spirit was evidenced in all he did. Chris will be missed. His legacy of kindness, truth and generosity to others will live on. Our thoughts are with Rena and his family.
Dear Rena: Gary and I are so sorry to hear of Chris’s passing. I’m sure it has been very difficult for you and the whole family. Please know that we are thinking of you and hope that your memories will bring much comfort. Gary often talks about his trip with Chris to Gettysburg and how much suchi they consumed whenever they went out for lunch. They always had a great time! If you ever need anything or would just like to chat please don’t hesitate to contact me. With much fondness- Sue Pullam
I’m so sorry to hear of the unexpected passing of Chris. My sincerest condolences to Rena and family. May he rest in peace.
Chris Dennett was a good good man. Incredible journalist, raconteur, renaissance man and good friend. He will be missed by all who were lucky enough to encounter Chris in their travels. Our sincere condolences to Rena and family David and Susan Hamilton
My deepest condolences to Julie and her family. Your dad was a lovely man and father and I am so sorry for your loss.
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Rena, my condolences to you and your family at this sad time. I always enjoyed hearing about your adventures with Chris and it was so clear how lucky you two were to have each other. Thinking of you and wishing you peace and comfort.
~ Jenny Couse