Skip to content

Dennis Gordon (Denny) Ostman

November 23, 1949 - July 6, 2017
Dennis Gordon (Denny) Ostman

Dennis Gordon (Denny) Ostman

Until the last fish was caught, the tomatoes and sunflowers were planted and the crib game was played, he raged against the dying of the light. After a long and hard-fought battle with multiple myeloma, always with a smile and never a complaint, Denny passed away on July 6.

Born November 23, 1949, to Pat and Ernie Ostman, Denny lived a full and charmed life. He retired from his career as captain of Burnaby Fire Department in 2001 and fulfilled his dream of moving to Powell River to enjoy life beside the ocean. Though he never meant to work after retiring, he somehow acquired part-time jobs as wharfinger and bus driver for City of Powell River.

Denny pursued his passions, including baseball, golf, curling, cycling and especially fishing. If you were fortunate enough to have played a round of golf with him, you will never forget that crazy and amazing drive from the tee box. He treasured his time spent in the sun of the Arizona desert and was an avid sports fan, a wily card player, and an accomplished cook and gardener.

Denny is survived by and will be so deeply missed by his wife Marilyn, stepchildren Jamie (Amy) Goodheart and Caleigh Goodheart, precious grandchildren Grayson and Mikayla, beloved sister Heather (Willy) Moore, nephews Bob (Angie) and Kevin (Alisa) and their families. Also missing Denny are his four brothers-in-law (and their families), who enjoyed annual fishing trips that included the odd rum and coke and crib tournament. Denny will also be missed by many dear friends and relatives.

We wish to thank those who have helped us through this challenging time by offering incredible support and love. You know who you are.

The family would also like to thank the staff of Powell River General Hospital, especially Janet in oncology, the nurses on fourth floor and emergency, Sheena, Dennis, Diane, doctor DuToit, Lola, and doctors Hoffert, Takhar, Uhlmann, Burns, Krowitz and May. And in Vancouver, thank you to doctors Song, Parsons and Sehn.

No service by request. A celebration of life will be planned for a later date.

In the words of six-year-old Grayson, “I wish there was no cancer.”