Ian Denness

May 26, 1946 – South Shields, England

October 1, 2026 – Calgary, Alberta

Ian Denness, beloved husband of Freda Denness of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at the age of 80 years.

Heartbreakingly, Craig, Ian’s son, predeceased him a few weeks ago.

Ian was born in South Shields, England, UK, on May 26, 1946. He was a marine engineer but stopped his seagoing ways when his family started. With his wife and children, Laura and Craig, they immigrated to Calgary, AB, in 1982. Laura and her husband, Josh left Calgary for the lovely East Coast where they live with their two dogs. His daughter-in-law, Kayla, and his grandsons, Callum and Robbie live in Midnapore where the Denness family began their Canadian adventure.

His two brothers, Alistair (Pam) and Neil, are still living in the UK, along with Freda’s sister, Gail, and her husband, Brian. He was a favourite uncle to Glen (Dinah), Stuart, Malcolm, and Kirsty (Scott).

Ian’s work in Canada as a safety systems engineer took him and his family to different provinces to live, but he always felt Calgary was home.

He was a proud Scot and was very active in the Burns Club of Calgary and the Carnie group. Because he was so fascinated by the wars, he volunteered in the Navy section of the Military Museum in Calgary.

Ian was a family man and very interested in all Laura and Craig did, with their sports and different hobbies. That interest continued with his favourite boys, Callum and Robbie.

He loved to travel, and we did lots of that. He was an ardent supporter of Newcastle and Liverpool football teams, loved the 49ers, an American football team, and always watched the Kansas City Chiefs, as they were Craig’s favourite. He loved a whole spectrum of music, a wee dram, and being with his friends, and was a happy, contented guy with his own sense of humour.

The family would like to thank the many doctors involved in caring for Ian.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Ian’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be available for 30 days.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Ian’s family here.

In living memory of Ian Denness, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes. Additional memorial trees will be planted through Canadian conservation and reforestation initiatives, as a result of memorial contributions. McInnis & Holloway, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

Click Here to Join the Live Stream of Ian Denness's Funeral Service.

Family and friends are encouraged to join the service live. For those who are unable to attend at that time, a recording of the service will be available until Sunday, November 8, 2026. You may also sign the Video Guest Book through this link.