Obituary of Denice Georgina McTavish

Denice was born on November 25, 1935 and raised in a large family on a farm near Ponoka, Alberta. Denice shared a love of horses with her dad and later with her husband, Glenn. Johnston, Denice's dad, often had Denice help him with the breaking of wild horses. She loved to ride her pinto horse to school and race against the boys - often she won! Denice was the driver in the winter to take her sisters to school in a beautiful red cutter that had velvet seats. Denice graduated from Ponoka High School and worked as a telephone operator. She also worked part-time at the Royal Hotel Restaurant where she met Laurel Dickens, who was working on a highway road crew in the area. When Laurel finished university in Edmonton they were married and had two children, Candace and Laurie. At the age of 35, Laurel had a brain aneurism and passed away. Denice took in boarders and went for further training at Grant McEwen College, managing to mother her daughters through all this. Denice worked for Liberty Mutual for years until she moved north to Dawson Creek and married Glenn McTavish. When Denice and her daughters first joined forces with the McTavish Clan in the early 80's, Glenn and Denice decided to retire on the acreage on the Alaska Highway. And Denice, the farm girl, came full circle, left the city and began working at their farm with the vigour she was known for. Though Denice and Glenn were retired, they never quit working away on their place. She was knowledgeable about animals and plants and her pride in these things shined through on the beautiful and busy acreage. That "farm" would become a place of happy times for all. As a woman, Denice set a good example for the young women in her life, showing independence and strength. She encouraged education, professionalism, and stressed the importance of a good work ethic. Denice always looked her best and could whip-up a classy outfit at the drop of a hat. She strived to always improve herself, reading many books and travelling to various destinations throughout her life. As a clever career-woman, Denice supported herself and her daughters in their endeavours and had a firm understanding of finances. Denice Georgina McTavish was predeceased by her father and mother, Johnston and Edna McKibbon,sister, Stella McKibbon, and first husband Laurel Dickens. She is fondly remembered by her husband, Glenn McTavish, daughter Candace Davidson and husband John, daughter Laurie Budde and partner Darryl. Her Grandson, Devon Budde. Her Brother Melvil, sister Dorothy, sister Clare Erga and husband Alan. Her nieces and nephews and the McTavish step-children and grandchildren. A Memorial Service was held on Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at 2:00 pm from Reynars Funeral Chapel. Rev. Marilyn Carroll officiated. Interment was held in the Dawson Creek City Cemetery. Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium Dawson Creek, B.C.