Obituary for Dennis Lee Pouliot

Born February 11,1950. Died April 7, 2020.

Dennis was born into a large family being the youngest of 9. His parents Lucille and Lawrence and his siblings Audrey, Avis, Alfred “Butch”, David, and Allen have all preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife Donna and daughter Deanna (Michael). He is also survived by his sisters Arlene (Dale Porter), Annette (Reid Clark), Nancy (Dupont) sisters-in-law Joanne “Dodi” (Allen Pouliot), Sandra (Gary) Paulson, Rebecca(Melvin) Lindholm, Dorothy (Werner) and his brother Bill (Siford) (technically brother in law but they were so close he never said anything but brother). There are many nephews and nieces along with even more great and great-great nephews and nieces that will miss their Uncle Dennis.

Dennis touched so many lives in so many ways, he was an amazing husband and father, but even people who just met him enjoyed his humor, his willingness to help and sense of fairness. He was always there for everyone. He would put everyone else’s need first no matter how hard he had already worked that day. He took great care of anyone he considered his. He was a handyman, mechanic and all around fixer, even if it was only kicking the tire on a non-working car and telling you to start it again- which it almost always did.

Anyone who was lucky enough to know Dennis has the pleasure of hearing probably at least 2 stories or more. He was a great story teller and actively told stories with many hand flourishes included. Many of his stories included his work life and friends from work. He was a hard worker and worked for 43 years on the Canadian Pacific Railroad (originally Soo Line Railroad). He did everything from laborer, assistant foreman, foreman, CPR instructor, first-aid and safety trainer, to finally track inspector. He also had many of his growing up years helping out on the railroad when he went to work with his Dad (So it was really more like 50+ years unofficially). He also had the honor of traveling to Washington D.C. in the corporate jet as a representative for The Canadian Pacific in his role as Division Track Inspector for the Harriman Award presentation ceremony.

He was drafted in 1969 to the military (Army) and went to Viet Nam during the war, during this time he was in the infantry and walked point. After Viet Nam he returned to the United States to serve out his remaining military time. He was stationed in Fort Benning, Georgia. He served in the honor guard where he participated in parades and helped conduct military funerals. He was a popular choice for representing his unit at events that required military dress uniform. He always passed on tricks to his unit for looking their best- shiniest boots, best cleaners etc. He was part of the military squad guarding the stockades where Sgt. Kelly was being kept under guard. He attained the rank of Specialist 4 before his honorable discharge in August 1971.

On Feb 20, 1971 he married Donna and they moved into military housing off base. Dennis and Donna lived in Georgia until the end of Dennis’s military career in August 1971.Fate showed that Dennis and Donna were meant to be, though due to a misunderstanding they almost weren’t. Dennis had asked Donna to go on a date for his birthday, which would have been their 2^nd date. She said she couldn’t because that was her mom and sister’s birthday also. He thought she was trying to let him down easy. Who knew February 11^th had so many birthdays for both sides! Once that was cleared up they started toward the fairytale that was their marriage.

They worked hard to keep it a fairytale but everyone who saw them together knew they fit perfectly. They spent time making their family because family was everything to Dennis. Friends and neighbors became family but they waited to have a child until they were well settled. They were blessed with a baby girl named Deanna, who Dennis nick-named his mini-me and his little munchkin.

Dennis was a very involved dad. He taught patiently and encouraged learning. He made it fun to learn and encouraged a wide variety of interests even if they were not his. He scared away monsters and took care of boo boos. He was there to be whatever was needed and many of Deanna’s friends also called him dad. He took the role of “Dad” seriously and claimed Deanna’s friend Steve as a son, which got him grand kids! He would join in and be just as silly as the kids playing with us and showing us the right ways to do things. He loved looking at the world through children’s eyes and having an excuse to act like a kid again but mostly just being a part of their lives.

Dennis was a strong man with a big heart, who never met a stranger. He was always there to help and support, whether it was helping someone move, working on a car, driving for them or just being there, he would always find a way to make it work.

In 2008 he was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This blow didn’t stop him from loving life and always saying “It’s hard looking THIS good”. Even when struggling to breathe he wanted to focus on living. He retired and was able to enjoy almost 10 years of retirement with Donna. They took trips with Deanna and Mike to Vegas and Florida, visiting relatives and working on projects. Many of these required shopping and many people came to know Dennis’s sense of humor or his daughter’s saying “grumpy old man rants” and became friends that they would see at stores every time they were in. Often Donna would be asked how Dennis is doing and given advice on how to help take care of Dennis.

Dennis will be greatly missed by so many people but those of us who had him in our lives know how lucky we truly were. He will be watching over us from his place in heaven, spreading love and kindness. And maybe just a slight touch of mischief when he sees the opportunity.

Dennis (Dad) we love you and wait to see you when it’s our time. Thank you so much for being in our lives.

A celebration of life will be held for Dennis on September 18, 2021 from 2-6PM with a military honor squad ceremony at 2:30PM at Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Road, Maple Grove, MN 55369.