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DUNLOP (DENNY) KELLS
Generous, loving, kind, loyal and respected, Dunlop (Denny) Kells passed away on October 27, 2023, at the age of 76 years.
Denny leaves to mourn his passing his wife of 55 years, Eryl, his son Sean, grandchildren, Liam and Emma Kells, his sister Noni (David), sister-in-law Elvi Molsberry (Brian), his devoted cousins, nieces and nephews and many close friends. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Nancy Watson.
Denny was born to Irene and Denny Kells on September 8, 1947, in Dauphin, MB where he spent his childhood. After graduating high school, Denny attended Brandon University where he was elected Student President in his final year. After working at Great West Life as a time management expert, Denny went back to university to obtain his degree in education and, upon graduating, taught Grades 2 and 3 in what was then the St. Vital School Division. He loved his students and delighted in their learning but he realized the classroom would not be forever. In 1976, he went back to university again, this time to obtain his law degree. He then joined the firm of Thompson, Dorfman, Sweatman where he practiced for nearly 30 years, making many dear friends and becoming a well-regarded labour and employment lawyer. In his retirement, Denny devoted himself to writing a labour relations manual called Illness and Absenteeism in the Workplace.
However, Denny was not defined by his academic or professional achievements. What defined Denny was his incredible devotion to his family and friends. Denny adored and doted on his grandchildren and was known for his generous spirit and his commitment to those around him. Denny possessed an innate ability to know what people needed and how to help them. He gladly counselled and mentored countless people.
He was a problem solver and a home handyman. He could jerry-rig most anything. He loved parties and music, although he couldn’t sing a note or beat out a rhythm. He was the ultimate host. He always made sure everyone had a good time and had a drink in their hand and would always indulge Eryl’s love to dance.
Denny was the person who packed a bag lunch for you if you were going on a trip. He would be the person who would drop everything and be at your side when you needed help. He was an eternal optimist and a supporter. He loved travel, folk art, good food and wine.
He is so greatly missed.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Actionmarguerite for their incredible care and compassion and Judy Kidd who stood tirelessly with Denny and Eryl through these difficult times.
If desired, donations can be made in Denny’s name to Bruce Oak Recovery Centre, 255 Hamilton Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2Y 2C3 or a charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 4 at the Masonic Memorial Centre, 420 Corydon Ave, Winnipeg. Doors will open at 11:00 a.m. with service to begin at 11:30 a.m. Arrangements are in the care of Thomson Funeral Home.
Publish Date: Nov 1, 2023
DUNLOP (DENNY) KELLS
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dunlop "Denny" Kells. Born in Dauphin, Manitoba on September 8, 1947, Denny passed away peacefully in Winnipeg on October 27, 2023.
A full obituary will follow.
Publish Date: Oct 28, 2023
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 28, 2023, Nov 01, 2023
Condolences & Memories (20 entries)
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Very sorry to hear of Denny’s passing. We were best friends from kindergarten through to high school. I have fond memories of our time in Air Cadets where his father was commanding officer and of fishing in the Vermilion River and elsewhere. We certainly did get into considerable mischief over those years especially after he got that old green 1950 Metropolitan convertible. RIP old friend Gerry Fox Edmonton - Posted by: Gerry Fox (Longtime boyhood friend) on: Nov 07, 2023
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Eryl, Sean and Family, I’m so terribly sorry to hear of Denny’s passing. Unfortunately due to the great distance between us I never really had the opportunity to spend time with you and get to know Denny. He sounds like a wonderful, husband, father, grandfather, and friend and it makes me comfortable to know you had such a great person at your side for all those years to leave good memories to help you through the difficult days ahead. Love, hugs and deepest condolences, your cousin Carole - Posted by: Carole Allen (Cousin) on: Nov 06, 2023
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I was so sorry to hear of Denny's passing. My sincere condolences to the family. - Posted by: Felix Adolphe (friend) on: Nov 05, 2023
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My sincere condolences to the family. I have known and worked with Denny over the years, starting from the early 80’s. Whether it was at the negotiations or Arbitration, Denny was a consummate professional, no matter what side of the table you were sitting. Denny’s continuing work on Accommodation, Illness and Absenteeism was second to none. A loss to the LR community I will truly miss our chats… George - Posted by: George Coupland (Work associate) on: Nov 04, 2023
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My deepest sympathies go out to Eryl, Sean, and family. I am saddened for all of you. I wish I could have been with you today but I am out of town. Eryl and Denny were wonderful individuals and I valued their friendship very much. Thankfully, we will be left with joyful memories! - Posted by: Ron Guarino (Friend) on: Nov 04, 2023
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My mom, The Kellses, and the Kidds were all close as were us kids. As I grew up into my latter teens I had a tendency to get into some trouble. Denny Kells was always my first call. He always answered (even at 4:00AM). He never questioned me, never judged me and never got mad. Just helped me and tried to teach me a life lesson in his way. What this did was make me a man that became a husband, a father, and successful. Because I had a great role model to pattern my life after. Denny Kells. Truly one of the most unique human beings I’ve ever met. And I’m so grateful that I did. Eryl and Sean you’re in my thoughts always, but especially now. - Posted by: Shawn Sage (Friend) on: Nov 03, 2023
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Denny did our law school class proud; a distinguished gentleman and a scholar, who also knew how to have a good time. He treated all of us kindly and with respect, even though some of us still had some growing up to do, back in those law school days. I’m proud to have known Denny and Eryl for over 40 years. Still, I wish I had spent more time with Denny, but I’ll always treasure the many good times we did share. I will miss him. Our sympathies to Eryl, Sean and family. - Posted by: Randal T Smith (Law School Classmate ) on: Nov 03, 2023
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Sending lots of love to Eryl and the family during this very sad time. I was lucky to know Denny, through my professional relationship and my friendship with Eryl. I had the great privilege of becoming his friend. He was so, so intelligent, but never felt the need to make others feel small because of it. He had exactly the sense of humour we all love: wry and brilliant. He was deeply kind and giving to others, and was generous enough to officiate at our wedding. I hope he and Sam find each other, along with Mark and Don, and raise a glass to the rather fabulous dames they married. This is an incredible loss, and I wish Eryl peace after this storm passes. - Posted by: Theresa Oswald (Fortunate Friend) on: Nov 03, 2023
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Dianne and I are sorry to hear of Denny’s passing. Some of my fondest memories are from Brandon University when Denny was rollerblading in the hallway of residence and then jumped into bed when the Dean came to see what was making all the racket. Denny was the leader of the group and responsible for many fun activities. Rest in peace. - Posted by: John O’Rourke (Dauphin and Brandon University friend ) on: Nov 03, 2023
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I was so sorry to hear about Denny’s passing. He was a terrific guy. Although we sat on opposite sides of the bargaining table I always knew that Denny was working with me to come to a reasonable conclusion to whatever issue or problem we were working on. We became close during the time we worked together and I was proud to call him friend. The world has lost a really good person. He will be missed by everyone whose lives he touched. - Posted by: Eugene Gerbasi (Friend) on: Nov 02, 2023
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A friend from Winnipeg just sent me Denny’s obituary. Having been one of the many people who benefited from Denny’s kindness and generosity, and having had Eryl in my life, I am finding that words cannot convey how very sorry I am for your loss. - Posted by: Heather McDougall (Biblow) (Friend) on: Nov 02, 2023
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My heart goes out to Eryl and family. Denny was an incredible kind and generous person to all he knew. He was a care taker. And yes, he is greatly missed. Denny was a gentleman and a scholar. His family and friends will each carry part of his legacy in their hearts. Maria, Ian and family - Posted by: Maria McIntyre (Friend) on: Nov 02, 2023
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Condolences to Mrs. Kells and the family at this difficult time 🙏 - Posted by: Marc Berard (Student ) on: Nov 01, 2023
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Denny had so many wonderful qualities. I so sorry I never got to meet him and Eryl. Diane Mang (obit reader) - Posted by: Diane Mang (OBIT READER) on: Nov 01, 2023
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Eryl, I cannot appropriately express how sorry I was to hear of Denny’s passing. Denny was one of the finest lawyers I ever worked with……and he was an even better person. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. - Posted by: Dale Powell (Friend) on: Nov 01, 2023
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I was saddened to hear of Denny's passing. Our sincere condolences to the Kells' family. Dunlop Whitby Kells was better known to Gerry Fox and me as 'Bozo' and later as "Ointis". We were close friends growing up in Dauphin. I have fond memories of Denny including our Air Cadet training and at summer camps. Denny was a fun loving guy and loved to pull off practical jokes. Although we lost contact after school days, I knew he had a family and a successful career as a labour lawyer in Winnipeg. May he R.I.P. Trevor & Eileen Wilson - Posted by: Trevor N Wilson (Boyhood Friend) on: Nov 01, 2023
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I’m sorry to read about Denny’s passing. He was the life of our classroom, his laugh was contagious! I lost track of our classmates, so was very interested in learning about his accomplishments. My thoughts are with you at this time. - Posted by: Linda (Ross) Rudd (High school classmate) on: Nov 01, 2023
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Our most sincere condolences! - Posted by: Dave & Joan Mollins (friendmolmac@shaw.ca) on: Nov 01, 2023
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Denny touched the lives of all he met. He was a caretaker of all he knew. There are too many occasions of how he expressed his generosity to single any one out. He was a true gentleman and a scholar. And yes, he is so greatly missed. Maria, and family - Posted by: Maria McIntyre (Friend) on: Nov 01, 2023
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So sorry to hear of Denny's death. I considered both him and Eryl to be great friends even though we haven't seen much of one another in a while. Two quality people! - Posted by: John Matthews (friend) on: Oct 28, 2023