Dennis Paul Jarema

            Dennis Paul Jarema of Sidney, passed away with his wife Arlene by his side on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at the Carberry Health Centre at the age of 67. He was born on June 29, 1952 in Shoal Lake, MB.

            Dennis was the third son to Paul & Jean Jarema near Strathclair, Manitoba area where he grew up on the family farm with brothers Rudy, Alex & John.  This is where Dennis, along with his brothers, learned strong work ethics, responsibility, and maybe had a little fun along the way….

            After school in Rivers, Dennis worked at the local Taylor’s Hardware then moved on to become Assistant Manager at the Woolco Hardware Department in Brandon. Through his brother and his wife, he met Arlene Heather Lintott in July 1973 after what Arlene refers to as a “God-wink” situation.

            Dennis married Arlene on August 10, 1974 in the Austin United Church on a beautiful harvest day.

            Soon after their wedding, they moved to an acreage 4 miles west of Brandon. At the time, Dennis became the Assistant Manager at the Revelstoke Store on 18th Street, a position he excelled at. They welcomed their first daughter, Tammy Sharlene in January of 1978. Wanting to raise their family in a rural setting, they moved to Arlene’s home area of Forestville (Sidney) on May 1, 1978; where they still reside today.

            On November 11, 1980 Dennis and Arlene were blessed with their second daughter, Michelle Christine; their family was complete. Dennis had his little “Donya’s” (‘Darlings’ in Ukrainian slang).

            Dennis and Arlene started farming with the help of his in-laws, George & Ethel Lintott; later taking over the operation and expanding it. Their final crop, after 40 years of farming, was enjoyed in 2018.

            Dennis was active on many boards over the years, most notably 21 years as Councilor of Ward 5 in the RM of North Norfolk; a responsibility he took very seriously and enjoyed very much.

            The years passed by; raising girls, raising crops and always travelling.

            They flew, drove, cruised and bussed on different travels to Scotland, Disney World & Land and Hawaii.  They took the train on the Rocky Mountaineer for his 65th birthday plus visited too many states and provinces to mention. The family spent summers on camping trips around Canada and in the USA. Dennis and Arlene later became snowbirds and enjoyed staying the winter in Arizona for many years.  

            Another project that became near and dear to them was their cottage that they built at Pelican Lake, Manitoba in 2003. This is where they enjoyed their summers with their lake friends around a bonfire or potluck supper gatherings.

            To Dennis – getting a good deal was his favorite sport. Whether it was on gas, equipment, vehicles, hotels or the price of fruit – Dennis was always looking for a bargain.  It was a quality that helped make him so successful.

            Dennis enjoyed family time revolving around food and celebrations. The annual steak & shrimp BBQ celebrating his birthday, traditional Ukrainian Christmas Eve suppers or any excuse to gather around the table to feast were times he looked forward to most.

            Dennis was first diagnosed with kidney cancer in March 2005. He underwent 4 major operations, 3 radiation treatments, and countless bouts of chemo from 2005 until 2020. He fought as hard as anyone could and made everyone close to him so proud. Through everything he always kept a positive attitude and a smile on his face.

            Dennis did not let the cancer hold him back him from doing what he wanted. In 2019 alone, Dennis and Arlene went to Las Vegas, Niagara Falls and in August of 2019 they celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary with friends and family at the Sidney Hall.

            Dennis was a loved husband, father, brother and grandpa that made an impact on everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him.  A hardworking man that always got the job done…

            Dennis was predeceased by his parents Paul & Jean Jarema; and his in-laws, George & Ethel Lintott. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Arlene Heather Jarema; daughters Tammy (Brad Crammond) and Michelle (Brad Ryz); grandchildren: Payton (19), Tristen (18), Cohen (13) and Devin (7); brothers:  Rudolph (Isobel) Jarema (of Neepawa) and their children Dean (Wendy) Jarema and Tannis (Dave) McDow, Alex (Val) Jarema (of Neepawa) and their children Preston (Jill), Brad (Bihn), Craig (Tamara), Lindsay (Tobin) Verbeke and brother John Jarema (of Neepawa) plus several great nieces and nephews.

            In Dennis’ coined phrase to all that met or knew him – he would say:

“Don’t Work Too Hard…But Steady. Take ‘er Easy.”

Now is your time Dennis to rest and ‘take ‘er easy’. Thank you for all the laughs and memories.

Love, Your Family

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