September 28, 1926 - June 6, 2018
SCRIVEN, Denis Reil (Denny) passed away peacefully in his Nanaimo home on June 6, 2018. He will be lovingly remembered by his family and many close friends. His family in Toronto include his son, Alan; his granddaughter, Christina; and, his daughter-in-law, Gwen and her family, Geoff, Natalie and Josie. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Audrey.
Denny was a close friend to almost everyone he met. He had a friendly smile, an infectious laugh and a wonderful sense of humour!
Born in Folkestone, England on September 28, 1926, he left us at a very young 91, cruising almost daily on one of his motorcycles right to his last days. He liked the freedom and power of a motorbike, the feel of the wind in his face and he loved to go FAST!
Denny had many interests over his life but flying, motorcycling and tinkering were his favorites. He was also a major "techie" and an avid reader.
As a teenager, he loved to watch the gliders on the cliffs of Dover and soon he was an Air Cadet and flying them himself.
WWII had started when he was just 13. Denny enlisted in the British Fleet Air Arm and travelled to Trenton, Canada to train with the RCAF. As the War ended he got his wings and fell in love with Canada.
Returning from Canada on the Queen Elizabeth, he became a London "Bobbie". Soon after he was a motorcycle policeman.
Denis met Audrey at a policeman's New Years Eve party in 1948. It was love at first sight and they were married soon after. A year later, Alan was born.
Denny's 64 year marriage to Audrey was full of love, compassion and adventure. They were always in sync and loved being together.
Denny's adventurous spirit and his love of Canada led them to immigrate to Canada in 1957. He arrived in Toronto with just $200 dollars in his pocket and very ambitious dreams!
Denny quickly got a job repairing comptometers and soon became Friden's Service Manager. His real desire was to open a garage so he and his buddy bought a derelic Cities Service station. D&D Service was up and running and soon became a going concern due to his long hours and strong work ethic. Denny completed a night school Diploma in Business Administration at the University of Toronto. His next business adventure was buying an auto parts jobber in 1967.
During that time, Denny had gone for a test flight at Buttonville airport and was encouraged by Audrey to fly again. After many months of training, he had his wings back and was soon hired by Toronto Airways as a full time flight instructor. He then was promoted to Chief Flying Instructor.
Denis and Audrey had a marvellous retirement together in Nanaimo. They developed many close friends and loved their time together here.
Denny got back into flying at Qualicum Beach Flying Club. He was Club Treasurer from 1999 to 2002. His last flight was on his 80th birthday.
Denny also got back on a motorcycle. He converted a Burgman scooter to a three wheeled "Trike" so that he and Audrey could cruise the beautiful highways in the area. Denny and Audrey also discovered Tim Hortons as a place to meet new friends and socialize.
Their lives changed significantly in 2010 when Audrey developed shingles which resulted severe chronic pain. Her last years were extremely difficult for both of them. Denny lost the love of his life in March 2013!
In 2016 Denny moved into a mobile home. It provided him with equity, low maintenance and a large workshop to tinker and rebuild motorcycles.
Denny's last few years were very happy. He had a regular routine of talking to his son, working out at the gym, coffee and lunch meetings, bingo, motorcycle club meetings, reading on his tablet, cruising on his motorbike and tinkering in his workshop.
Denny's Life was Well Lived
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.