On March 1, 2020, Dennis John Rice, Sr., loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away following a brave, but too-short, battle with cancer, aged 67 years old. He spent his final moments surrounded by loved ones in his childhood home in Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland.

Dennis was born on February 2, 1953 in Grand Falls, Newfoundland, and grew up across the tracks in Windsor. He was the second of ten children, and as a boy he could often be found helping in his grandfather's store on King Street, or playing hockey on his neighbours' backyard rink. Out of high school, he started working at Sobeys, where he met Dianne Patten, who became his wife in 1978, and with whom he had two children. He stayed there for just over 25 years before deciding to move on to a new challenge, going to college to study business administration. Over the next several years, he would own and operate businesses in Traytown and Glovertown. Recently, he lived a more low-key life, working part-time in semi-retirement.

Dennis loved hunting and fishing, and relished trips to the cabin or out around the bay. Though not a particularly skilled outdoorsman, he was fond of outings with friends who ensured he never came home empty-handed. In recent years, he enjoyed a weekly card game with buddies who gladly accepted his "donations".

Most of all, Dennis loved his family. He was grateful for his devoted wife of 41 years, proud of his two children, and overjoyed at being Poppy to his two grandchildren. He was very close to his parents, siblings, and in-laws. He made clear to all, in his quiet way, how much he loved them. His generosity was well-known; there was no such thing as making banana bread, pizza, soup, etc. without making extra for loved ones.

Dennis leaves to mourn his wife Dianne (Patten); children Dennis (Erin) and Darlene; grandchildren Preston and Emma; siblings Ron (Diane), Linda (Clyde) Vincent, Ewen (Rob), Shirley (Roy) Snow, June, Audrey (Rob) Goslin, Gerrard (Amanda), and Bonnie (Dennis) Ivany, and a wide circle of family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Ron and Jean, and his sister, Gwen.

The public visitation will take place on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm, at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, 10 Bayley Street, Grand Falls-Windsor, NL.

The funeral service will take place on Thursday, March 5, 2020, 1:00 pm at The Salvation Army Park Street Citadel, 27 Park Street, Grand Falls-Windsor, NL, with Majors Larry and Judy Goudie officiating.

Interested parties should note that, due to a severe chemical sensitivity in the family, attendees to both the visitation and the service must be completely scent/fragrance-free (clothes, body).

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, 10 Bayley Street, Grand Falls-Windsor, NL.