Obituary of Dennis James George Alley

Dennis James George Alley

St. David’s, NL

August 30, 1963 – March 26, 2024

It is with broken and heavy hearts that the family of Dennis Alley announce his passing on March 26^th, 2024 at this home in St. David’s surrounded by his wife and his loved ones.  His battle with cancer came to an end, he is now free of pain and suffering – and gone home to be in God’s garden.

He was predeceased by his mother Phoebe Alley (Strickland): grandparents William and Maude Strickland, Courtney and Giulia Alley-Father-In-law Ronald French.

He leaves to mourn his wife of 26 years Jenny; children:  Colleen  and Gregory-who he loved dearly and was very proud of both;  Also his buddy Finn; his father George Alley; brother Floyd Alley (Alana); nephews; Christopher Alley and Travis Compton; mother-in-law Maureen French; sisters-in-law Jamie French (Billy), Christine French; brothers-in-law: Paul French (Trudy), Allan French (Nicole); 2 special nephews who he was very close to and held a special place in his heart and a wonderful relationship with: Brian French and uncle’s little man Christopher Rose.  Also nephews-Carter, Mason, Jordan Bennett, Brandan (Amanda), Tanner and Douglas; great-nephew Joshua; nieces: Kaylee Lynn, (also his god-daughter) Rhianna, Paula and Samantha; great niece Maisie and Annabella; god-daughter MacKenzie.

Dennis was a tractor trailer driver by trade, he loved being behind the wheel,  He worked in the industry for 10 years hauling wood, milk and commercial freight.  In 2007 Dennis entered the mining world, not sure if it was for him but he soon had the mining bug.  After 4 mines and 17 years he continued to work at his last mine Bruce Jack until he became sick in October 2023 when his cancer journey began.

Dennis was a member of the Bay St. George South Fire Department for 9 years, receiving his 9 year pin in February 2024, and Fireman of the Year Award.  To say he was appreciative and surprised is an understatement.  It meant the world to him.  Dennis was honored to be a part of the Fire Department.  He took it very seriously, helping people was in his heart.  He respected each and every member and always has their backs, he was proud to be associated with the Fire Department. He was a motorcycle rider, owning a Honda 05 V-Star classic.  He looked forward every year to get his bike out and go on that first ride of the year, and go where ever the road took him.  Dennis wasn’t a mechanic by trade but he could pick a motor apart and put it back together.  Doing things like that was where he was most content. He also worked with the Department of Transportation in Robinson’s, Rocky Harbour and Burgeo Road.  He met his wife in 1998 and in 2001 they were married. They were truly soul mates.  As his illness progressed he accepted it more and more, but he had a very very hard time accepting that he would be leaving Jenny behind.  She cared for him from the beginning to the very end.

Dennis’ wish to make sure it was expressed how much his life long friendships meant to him.  His appreciation to all those who were there for him and Jenny during his illness, especially Judy and Cliff French, Jamie French and the guys on the Fire Department.  The help will never be forgotten by Jenny, and Kent Hulan for fixing his bike so he could hear it run.  To his Bruce Jack mining friends and colleagues, especially his buddy Wayne Parsons.  He enjoyed working with you all, it made his job easier and his time away from home better.  He enjoyed and looked forward to each call he got and keeping him updated on what was happening at work.

We the family of Dennis would like to express our gratitude to Deanne Madore R.N. at Jeffrey’s Clinic and the whole Palliative Care Team who was there in Dennis’ final days to make him comfortable and be able to stay at home. To Sherri Quilty at Jeffrey’s Clinic for all her help, you are wonderful!!  Thank you for your compassion.  A thank you to Dr. Oliver Holmes at the Cancer Centre. This doctor is to be commended for his help, dedication and bed side manner.  He went above and beyond for Dennis before, during and after Dennis’ radiation.  We wish we had more doctors like him on our Island.

To everyone who called, sent messages, cards, helped out in any way, did fundraisers and gave us support we thank you from the bottom of our hearts, it will never be forgotten.  Also thank you to TLC Home Care and Angela Madore who spent time with Dennis and helped care for him.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Fillatre’s Funeral Home, Stephenville Crossing, NL.

It was Dennis’ wish that flowers not be sent, instead please make a donation to the Bay St. George South Volunteer Fire Department c/o Shane Hulan Fire Chief, McKay’s, NL  A0N 1G0 or envelopes in church  or  if one chooses a donation can also be made to St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church, St. David’s, NL  A0N 1X0  c/o Eleanor Quilty (Treasurer) or envelopes available in church.

Visitation on Wednesday, March 27^th, 2024 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at St. Michael and All Angels Church (Anglican) in St. David’s, NL.

Funeral Service on Thursday, March 28^th, 2024 @ 2 p.m., St. Michael and All Angels Church (Anglican) in St. David’s, NL with Rev. Norman Cutler and Rev. Bill Matchem officiating. Interment to follow in the Anglican Cemetery, Beach Road.

A reception and Celebration of Life in Dennis’ honor will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 60 In Jeffrey’s, NL following the Service. Time 4 p.m.

His Journey Has Just Begun

Don’t think of him as gone away

His journey has just begun

Life holds so many facets

The earth is only one

Just think of him as resting

From pain, the sorrows and the tears

In a place of warmth, beauty and comfort

Where there are no days or years

Think of how he must be wishing

That we could know today,

How nothing but our sadness

Can really pass away

And think of him as living

In the hearts of those he loved

For nothing loved is ever lost,

And he was loved so very much