Obituary of Dennis (Denny) Edward Males

MALES, Dennis (Denny) Edward February 4, 1944 – July 14, 2013 At St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital with his wife and daughter by his side on Sunday, July 14, 2013. Predeceased by his father Albert and mother Connie. Survived by wife Gail (White); daughter Kerrie; son Jason (Kristy); grandchildren: Danielle (Joe), Mathieu (Lindsay) and Kaitlyn; sister Heather (Doug); brother Lee (Debra); brother-in-law Alan (Rowene) and by several nieces, nephews and cousins. A Sheet Metal Worker International Association member for 39 years, Dennis attended Victoria Public School and H.B. Beal Secondary School. He apprenticed at J.A. Brownlee Sheet Metal in 1960, elected recording secretary of Local 473 and later Business Manager in 1978. In 1980, he was appointed International Organizer through Washington, D.C. He served in this capacity in both Western and Eastern Canada until his promotion to International Representative in 1992. He was a Founding member of the Board of Directors of Working Ventures Canadian Fund Inc. and a member of the Advisory Board of the Canadian Diabetes Association. He served as Chairman for the Governor General of Canada during the Governor General’s Study Conference of Canada – 1987. He initiated the use of computers in all local unions after completing extensive computer courses. Dennis somehow found time to earn his Queen Scout Badge, coach hockey and be elected president of a golf course. He is also a Founding member of the S.M.W.I.A. Education Department Instructor Staff and conducted education courses at the George Meany Center for Labor Studies in Silver Springs, Maryland, U.S.A. He was appointed Director of Education for S.M.W.I.A., North America, in 1996 and continued in that capacity until May 1998. To complete a very accomplished career, Dennis was appointed Regional Coordinator for the International Training Institute (ITI). He has laid the groundwork for Ontario to join. He has also worked together with the Canadian Welding Bureau for recognition of S.M.W.I.A. qualifications. Dennis (Denny) enjoyed many years (1999 and on) in retirement: boating and relaxing in his park trailer with his grandchildren and later helping them with their school projects. A role model for Danielle and Mathieu. Special thanks go out to the EMS of St. Thomas, the nurses and doctors of the I.C.U. and 5th floor at St. Thomas hospital. Also many thanks to the VON nurses who visited our home. A memorial will be held at St. Paul’s Cathedral, 472 Richmond Street, London on Thursday, August 8, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. Dennis loved animals and found great comfort in the family pitbull terrier, “Honey buns”, and “Sissy”, the cat. In lieu of flowers, donations to your local animal rescue or humane society in Dennis’ name would be greatly appreciated. Private condolence messages may be sent to: memories4dennis@hotmail.ca