Denis Thomas Ouellet

    It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Denis Thomas Ouellet of Blairmore, AB who passed away surrounded by his loving family in long term care on January 22, 2026 at the age of 77 years.
    Denis was born on March 1, 1948 in Mont Joli, Quebec to Camille and Florence Ouellet. As a young man is where his passion for hockey grew and he was an avid hockey fan of the Montreal Canadiens. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus where he received Knight of the Year twice and a devoted Catholic who was very active and involved in his church. 
    He met the love of his life, Marjorie Willey through her brother Harold who was working with Denis and his brother Maurice at the time. They would move to Alberta around 1973 to join his brother Maurice and Marjorie's sister Audrey to start work at Coleman Collieries underground mine. He would later go on to drive haul truck for a bit there then went to Westar Mine where he continued to drive haul truck. There were tough times when he got laid off but being the resourceful man he was, did what he had to so he could continue providing for his family until his luck changed and was able to get a job at Coal Mountain as a haul truck driver and stayed there until he retired in 2009. He even drove the BIG haul truck that is on display in Sparwood, BC. 
    Denis and Marjorie were married and blessed with three boys-Danny, Norm, and Steven. They made the Crowsnest Pass their home and together they built a wonderful life and raised a happy family. They made lifelong connections in the community that remained dear to them throughout their life. It is quite an interesting story of how two sisters married two brothers who left everything and everyone they knew back in Ontario to start a brand-new life in the Crowsnest Pass. This was probably the reason why their family was closer than what their official titles of aunt/uncle and cousins meant because they were more like a second mom/dad and brother/sister.  
    Denis enjoyed spending time with his family, watching movies, listening to music, watching hockey-especially his Montreal Canadiens, wood working, walking his dog Jackson and camping at Wasa Lake and Chinook Lake when the boys were young. He loved family gatherings with card games like UNO and Millbornes would be played where some heated competition would take place. It was good times, just had to remember at the Christmas gathering not to play "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas or All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth because you would for sure hear about it, the two songs he did not like at all. Family meant so much to him and he looked forward to spending time with them. When the boys were young, he would play road hockey with them and in the winter, he would even turn the backyard into a skating rink so the boys could play hockey, and all the neighborhood kids would also come over to play. Wonderful memories that will be with them always.   
    Just when Denis thought life could not get any better, he was blessed with two precious grandsons, Austin and Ethan. They definitely kept him on his toes with Austin telling his stories and Ethan getting on his last nerve. But even with all that, you could tell he was so proud and loved them so much.  Austin and Ethan will remember the time they spent with their grandpa, the things he taught them as well as his special sayings of, I'll be frank with you, and I see which they got such a kick out of. He was a wonderful grandpa, and the boys loved him very much.
    Life was not always easy, as it rarely is but Denis did whatever he needed to provide for his family. Even when his oldest son Danny passed away suddenly and then 18 days later his wife Marjorie would also pass away unexpectedly, all while his second grandson Ethan was being born, Denis carried on the best he could with the help and support from the rest of his loving family. He was a hardworking and devoted family man. Known for being loud, saying whatever was on his mind, and of course swearing, all with that French accent, made for some interesting situations both for him and his family. But that was how Denis was, all that got to know him, loved him and were just blessed to know him to call him friend or family. He was tough fought a long hard battle but now can finally rest and be free. So even though we are heartbroken you are gone and will miss you so much, we take comfort in knowing you are no longer suffering, are at peace and reunited with all our loved ones who have passed before. Just know you will be deeply missed, fondly remembered by all who knew you and will remain forever in our hearts.  
    Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life are his sons Norm (Cheryl) Ouellet of Coleman, AB and Steven Ouellet of Lethbridge, AB; his grandchildren, Austin and Ethan Ouellet; his niece, who he thought of as a daughter, Audrey Ouellet of Coleman, AB; his nephew Nelson Ouellet of Hillcrest, AB; his great-nephew Garett Ouellet of Coleman, AB; his beloved dog Jackson; lifelong friends Stella Dypolt and family,  and Bonnie Castellarin and family; extended family in Ontario;  as well as the many friends he made throughout his lifetime.
    He was predeceased by his wife Marjorie Ouellet; his oldest son Danny Ouellet; his parents Camille and Florence Ouellet; brother Maurice Ouellet; sister-in-law Audrey Susan Ouellet; niece Tammy Ouellet; brother-in-law Harold Willey; and the many canine family members through the years.
    Denis' family is grateful to Dr. Maritz for all he did for him during his health journey, giving him more time to be with his family. He was more than just a doctor; he was his buddy as Denis called him. They would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the home care aides, the nurses at the Crowsnest Health Care Center and in Continuing Care for the exceptional care he received. Words cannot express our gratitude for the compassionate care you provided to Denis especially during his final days and the support extended to the whole family. Your kindness and gentle touch made an unbearable time peaceful for him and us. Also, would like to give special thank you to a few people that were his support system and were such a big help not only to Denis but the family as well. To his niece Audrey Ouellet who he thought of as a daughter was one of his main supports that not only helped him with whatever he needed but was there when Norm could not be. She was there even though it was difficult with all that was going on in her own life, passing of her beloved twin sister Tammy only 2 months before and her mother and boyfriend just the year before but she was strong, did what had to be done for the family and was there for her uncle through it all, no matter what. She has been so supportive, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts and appreciate so much what you did and continue to do. To his special friend Sydney Haslam who became the granddaughter he never had, for all you did and the impact you had on him, you guys truly had a special bond. We will forever be grateful for the love, kindness and support you gave him. To Mandie Snow thank you so much for taking in and looking after his beloved dog Jackson. He was at peace knowing he was going to you and will be well taken care of.  He and the family will always be grateful to you, and we appreciate you doing this more than words can say. And to his son Norm one of his main supports who did everything he could, whatever was needed to help and support his dad. He went above and beyond to make sure all was taken care of. Just know your dad loved you, was proud of you and you were a great son who looked after him until the very end. There was no more you could have done and both he and the family know that, and we are just grateful and blessed to have you and just know you are never alone and we are all here for you whatever you need. And the most special thank you with heartfelt gratitude is to you Denis, the sweetest, loveable, kindest father-in-law a girl could ever have. You welcomed me into the family over 30 years ago and it has been such an honor being a part of your family. Thank you for your love and support through the years. Also, a huge thank you for raising such an amazing son, he made you so proud, and I promise to take very good care of him and your precious grandsons, Austin and Ethan. Rest in peace… Love your daughter-in-law Cheryl
    A Visitation will be held from 3:30pm until 5:00pm on Sunday February 1, 2026 at Fantin's Funeral Chapel (13461 – 20 Ave. Blairmore, AB).  A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00pm on Monday February 2, 2026 at the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Parish (13126 – 21 Ave. Blairmore, AB) with Fr. Joseph Nagothu as Celebrant. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by the Crowsnest Pass SPCA (PO Box 725 Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0).  Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements. (403) 562-8555

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