Obituary of Bill Denike

Charles William (Bill) Denike

February 12, 1939 – September 9, 2024

The family of Bill Denike sadly share his passing at the age of 85. 

Bill was preceded by his parents Robert and Erma (Reynolds) Denike, his beloved wife Lee Ann (2020) and his granddaughter Sydney. 

Bill leaves his children Terry (Corinne), David (Anne), Margaret, Kane (Kelly) and his step kids Peter Earley (Kristen) and Beth Earley. 

Bill was extremely proud of his grandchildren Jaime, Madeline, Abby, Sarah, Coltrane and Beckett. 

He delighted in recently meeting his first great grandchild Basil. Bill’s best friend was his nephew “West Coast Dave” (Catherine) and he was grateful for the support of his dear friend Marie Schram during his long stay in hospital.

Bill grew up in Amherstburg and spent much of his childhood in and on the Detroit River. He was an incredibly strong swimmer and lifelong sportsman thanks to his time in its current. He
moved to Chatham at the age of 16 and attended CCI. Although he enjoyed Cougar basketball, he left CCI diploma-free in Grade 11 to apprentice as an electrician. Bill was a big guy and known around town as a tough hombre. In 1962, he was caught jaywalking on King Street. He was offered a ticket or a job application. Because there wasn’t a lot of work for Apprentice electricians, he reluctantly began his 30-year career as a Chatham Police Officer. 

Bill received a Governor General’s award and national commendations for bravery during his career. He moved up the ranks, enjoying roles as a detective and motorcycle
cop finally retiring as Deputy Chief (Acting). Bill loved police work. His belief in his officers made him a natural leader. His humanity made him a strong proponent of “serving first then protecting” to the officers he mentored as an instructor at Ontario Police College. Although known for his courage, Bill readily admitted his fear of the “Ghost of The Capital Theatre” while walking the beat at night and of the banana spiders that lurked in the deliveries at the National Grocer’s Warehouse where he moonlighted in his early years… he was known to bring a shotgun on nights he worked alone. Bill was a great “All Arounder” who was passionate about fishing and contract bridge. He loved to cook, read, build things, watch football and stay active. He even enjoyed poetry, but mostly the manly stuff like Service and Wilson. He was a great friend, neighbour and naturalist who loved Rondeau Park. He will be missed by his family and many friends as they celebrate a life well-lived. 

At Bill’s request, there will be no service. Despite Bill’s request, there will be a Celebration of Life next summer when the Large Mouthed Bass leave their nests… stay tuned.

Our breath is brief and being so
Let’s make our heaven here below
And lavish kindness as we go
-Robert Service

Those wishing to remember Bill are asked to consider: being at peace in nature, telling a joke so filthy it makes someone wince, being a good neighbour, cheering for the Packers, or dropping off supplies at your local animal shelter.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. 

McKinlay Funeral Home
76 Main Street East
Ridgetown
519 674 3141