In memory of Denis Creighton
Denis W. H Creighton (June 21, 1930 - December 28, 2015)
Denis William Harvie Creighton was born on June 21, 1930 and died on December 28, 2015, following a long illness. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Joan, as well as by his parents, John Harvie Creighton and Sally (Murphy) Creighton.
Denis received his LLB from UBC in 1955 (Beta Theta Pi fraternity member) and was a partner with the firm of Campney, Owen and Murphy until he retired in the mid-nineties.
Denis Creighton was truly one of a kind. He had a way, in answer to a perhaps trite question, of becoming still, casting focused eyes upon you, lowering his chin and delivering a line that combined an intelligent wit, political savvy, gregarious nature and love of fun. In those moments, you knew he delighted in the "gladly" with which we "suffer fools".
Denis loved. He knew from the moment he met Joan Bruce Ritchie that he would always want her by his side. Their courtship took place between BC and San Francisco and within the year they married and settled in West Vancouver. Joan was the love of his life, and that never changed. They shared an enjoyment of theater, music and travel. They were a delightful couple and it was a pleasure spending time in their company.
Denis treasured his friends. Not having siblings or children, he considered his friends his family. If a friend were in need, Denis reached out, with heart and that wry humor. Denis and Joan were members of the Capilano Golf Club for over 50 years. One just had to observe the repartee with friends at the Golf Club to realize how much he enjoyed those relationships.
When Joan's illness went into remission, she participated as the oldest member in the "Abreast in a Boat" dragon boat race recovery program. Denis, of course, was the manager for the team. He put his heart into the job and it made us all smile when the group bestowed upon him the moniker "chick magnet". The team went all the way to the Australian races. Within the challenges of illness, Denis and Joan enjoyed new friends as well as new experiences.
Denis and Joan loved nature and wildlife. Each morning in their beautiful hillside garden, Steller's Jays, Towhees and squirrels knew to expect their nuts and seeds. Several bears wandered close enough to be fodder for many humorous post-encounter tales. Watching his treatment of his pair of basset hounds and his Siamese cats, you would smile and might just become envious of their status.
Denis believed in public service and philanthropy. He served on the board of the West Van Police Commission 2003-5. Most recently, he generously donated to the Paul Sugar Palliative Support Foundation, in memory of Joan.
Denis' unique sense of humour, joie de vivre, and personality will be missed by all who knew him.
A Celebration of Denis' Life will be held at Capilano Golf Club in April.
Denis William Harvie Creighton was born on June 21, 1930 and died on December 28, 2015, following a long illness. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Joan, as well as by his parents, John Harvie Creighton and Sally (Murphy) Creighton.
Denis received his LLB from UBC in 1955 (Beta Theta Pi fraternity member) and was a partner with the firm of Campney, Owen and Murphy until he retired in the mid-nineties.
Denis Creighton was truly one of a kind. He had a way, in answer to a perhaps trite question, of becoming still, casting focused eyes upon you, lowering his chin and delivering a line that combined an intelligent wit, political savvy, gregarious nature and love of fun. In those moments, you knew he delighted in the "gladly" with which we "suffer fools".
Denis loved. He knew from the moment he met Joan Bruce Ritchie that he would always want her by his side. Their courtship took place between BC and San Francisco and within the year they married and settled in West Vancouver. Joan was the love of his life, and that never changed. They shared an enjoyment of theater, music and travel. They were a delightful couple and it was a pleasure spending time in their company.
Denis treasured his friends. Not having siblings or children, he considered his friends his family. If a friend were in need, Denis reached out, with heart and that wry humor. Denis and Joan were members of the Capilano Golf Club for over 50 years. One just had to observe the repartee with friends at the Golf Club to realize how much he enjoyed those relationships.
When Joan's illness went into remission, she participated as the oldest member in the "Abreast in a Boat" dragon boat race recovery program. Denis, of course, was the manager for the team. He put his heart into the job and it made us all smile when the group bestowed upon him the moniker "chick magnet". The team went all the way to the Australian races. Within the challenges of illness, Denis and Joan enjoyed new friends as well as new experiences.
Denis and Joan loved nature and wildlife. Each morning in their beautiful hillside garden, Steller's Jays, Towhees and squirrels knew to expect their nuts and seeds. Several bears wandered close enough to be fodder for many humorous post-encounter tales. Watching his treatment of his pair of basset hounds and his Siamese cats, you would smile and might just become envious of their status.
Denis believed in public service and philanthropy. He served on the board of the West Van Police Commission 2003-5. Most recently, he generously donated to the Paul Sugar Palliative Support Foundation, in memory of Joan.
Denis' unique sense of humour, joie de vivre, and personality will be missed by all who knew him.
A Celebration of Denis' Life will be held at Capilano Golf Club in April.
