Dennis Sikko SMID

Dennis Sikko Smid, of Sask Landing, SK, passed away peacefully at home on April 23, 2024 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on July 18, 1944, to Nona Winje and Sikko Smid, he grew up on a farm near White Bear, SK with sister Arlene (Kleutsch) and brother Barry.

Dennis married Madelon Thrasher on September 28, 1968. They began to build their family in Swift Current, SK, in 1971 with the birth of their beloved son, late Ryan Denis, followed in 1973 by their cherished daughter, René Addean, in Saskatoon, their home for 20 years. In 2000 Dennis and Madelon moved to Sask Landing, where they have enjoyed many lovely moments together with unparalleled views of prairie skies over ancient hills.

After securing his life partner, Dennis pursued his second love, aviation. Born with flying in his blood he obtained his pilot’s license and was promoted to Captain on a commuter airline. He continued flying in the corporate field for 31 years amassing just under 12,000 hours as pilot in command.

Doubling down on his passion he joined Transport Canada in 1971 as an Air Traffic Controller working in Saskatoon, then Winnipeg until his retirement in 2002. His outstanding service and experience gained as an Air Traffic Controller led him from instructor in the Regional Training School in Winnipeg to the National Training School in Cornwall, ON, then Dubai, UAE, and Prague, Czech Republic. Accolades received from students over the years praise and credit him as the reason they have a career and are a testament to his intelligence, instinct, and ability as a teacher. Dennis claims he has never worked a day in his life due to the fulfilment he achieved from flying, controlling, and instructing.

Always an adventurer, Dennis added many more accomplishments through his life and exceeded the limits of what one might expect of an almost 80-year-old. In fact, he was on downhill skis Christmas 2023! He rode motorcycles and enjoyed attending rallies with friends he made over the years. He took pleasure in sailing his 28’ Catalina with Madelon on Diefenbaker Lake. A gifted musician, he could pick up almost any instrument and make it sing. He took joy as a teen playing with the band The Road Runners.

Dennis embodied the best qualities of a team player, provider, and caregiver with strength of spirit and an unending generosity that could be seen in his care for his mother, wife, and brother.

Dennis is survived by wife Madelon (Thrasher), daughter René (Thiele), son-in-law Ron Thiele, daughter-in-law Lisa (Cheeseman), granddaughters Piper, Tatyana, Natalya and Sarah, his sister Arlene (Kleutsch) and brother Barry Smid.

Dennis’ departure is felt as a deep well gone dry by his entire family and countless others in an extensive network who loved him. His quick wit and unique perspective are painful losses. No one could make you laugh like Dennis, and no one ever will again.

The family appreciates your support during this difficult time and asks that you make a contribution to The LCol (ret) Ryan Smid Scholarship Fund, Robert Land Academy, ON, in lieu of flowers or trees at the following link:  https://robertlandacademy.com/donate-to-rla/.  When you click the DONATE NOW box, simply write LCol Ryan Smid Scholarship Fund in the "private message" box. We will treasure the memories of Dennis you share on his memorial website.

A graveside service will be held for Dennis on Saturday, May 11, 2024, 1:00 p.m. at the White Bear cemetery. A Celebration of Den’s Life follows with a light luncheon at 2:30 p.m. at the Sask Landing Golf Club and a short program. Please contact Madelon if you wish to honour Den with a few words. All are welcome. **Please note change of time**