Dennis Brave Rock passed away at the age of 65 on December 20, 2021. He was born at the Indian Hospital Blood Reserve, Alberta on May 28, 1956 to the late Florence and Wilfred Brave Rock. Dennis is survived by his children Brad, Trevor, Twins; Michelle, Michael (Mikey) Healy, Deanette Little Leaf, Jessy, twin boys; Willard & Riley, Dennis Jr. Wells and Tyrad. Grandchildren and great grandchildren, and his siblings Wanda, Mark and Faron Brave Rock. He was pre-deceased by his grandparents Molly and Jim Wells Senior, brothers Gino, Ernest James, Galina, Gary and John Heavy Runner.

Dennis was a big brother to Carla & Bruce, Deloris & Les “Foot” Big Swallow, Veronica & Travis Plaited Hair, Molly & Rex Davis, Kim & Gary Scout, Laura & Joe Black Water and the late Ben, Curtiss, Avis, Hugh “Yankee” Calf Robe.

     As a child, Dennis grew up in Moses Lake, but he had the adventure of living in many places such as the States, Vancouver and this contributed to the man he became. Moving back as a teenager and attending Cardston and St. Mary’s Dennis always excelled in any sport attempted. This includes canoeing, track and field, (he was unbeatable in Shotput, Discus and Javelin) fastball, volleyball, football and basketball, which took him to Dublin Ireland with the St. Mary’s Warriors in 1974. There are many adventure stories still being shared about the teams travels and achievement as well as the crazy stories and pranks they’d play on one another. He was very proud of his years playing Fastball with the Blood Sr’s., Moses Lake Hawks and others. Memories shared and storytelling included playing with the Standoff Bucks and Blood Reserve Golden Eagles in addition to the St. Mary’s Warriors.

Extremely talented in all sports he was particularly proud when older brother Gino and him, won the Native Provincial Canoeing Championship’s. Brother Mark reminds of the true story of the canoe race as they were gifted a huge canoe bigger than all other opponents. Their Cree friends and opponents gave then the oversize canoe in hopes to slow the pair down but in the end Dennis and Gino ended up winning the race, two years in row.

     Dennis joined the work force by deciding to be a Wildland Fire Fighter after, picking apples in the Yakima orchards, at age 17.

     As a proud dad to his kids, he had uniquely different relationships with each of his children. With eldest son Brad Healy, he enjoyed training him. As a kid Brad remembers begging his dad to shoot the puck on him in net, which eventually broke jib rock from the walls over time. In recent years Dennis would accompany Brad every now and then, to his hockey games or softball games. This carried on to watching his grandson, Slugger’s baseball, and hockey games too. Like his training to Brad, “Papa Dennis” always told his grandkids Charaya, Slugger and Carter how to stay in shape. He’d often be heard saying “the ball/volleyball/puck is your best friend, just keep… and work hard.”

     Son Trevor shares that his dad was his best friend. Together they were always outdoors fishing, hunting, and canoeing. Dennis taught Trevor so much while sharing story’s and just thoroughly enjoying the fresh air and each other’s company.

     Dennis was especially proud of the birth of his twins; daughter Michelle and son Mikey (Michael) he learned quickly that he needed the help of his sisters and family. As babies the twins were active and a huge part in making Dennis the man he has become. He was a hard worker and always did the best he knew at that time, as a young man learning to be a father.

 

     Dennis proudly embraced becoming a great grandpa. He was fortunate to spent lots of time with granddaughters Katie and great grandchild Koko and beamed his “Dennis Smile” while holding his great granddaughter KoKo for pictures! He had a great love for all his grandchildren, Kaydance, Kiana, Megan and Lexi.

     Dennis at a very young age took on the role as protector and father figure to all his siblings. Dennis shared a special bond with his sister Wanda who he would talk to daily. Growing up as the eldest siblings Dennis and Wanda shared in understanding their responsibilities after the passing of their mother Florence. Dennis was very important and looked up to by all his nieces and nephews. He was a force to be reconned with if anyone gave any of them a difficult time.

     Dennis raised his younger children Jessy, twin boys; Willard & Riley, Dennis Jr. Wells and Tyrad. He also helped raise nieces Kenzie & Chloe. Dennis was always with Riley and especially proud of Riley’s talent for drawing.

     At the time of his passing, Dennis was a retired Heavy Equipment Operator. Over the years he taught his skills and talent of his work to many. He was well known for his contribution to many projects on and off the reserve. It is recalled that his late Uncle Eric Buckskin was his early teacher. Eric gave him a crash course once and he had to figure his way when Eric left him to make it back with the scraper alone. It took him hours, but he managed to make it back to Eric. He took pride in his work as a heavy equipment operator as he was further trained by the Mobil Oil.

     Dennis was also one of the first to promote mining for ammonite and took pride in gifting his precious finds and selling to collectors. Eldest son Brad remembers a secret mining trip area, which proved to be a honey hole of a find. That was Dennis’s talent of knowing when and where good mining locations were.

     In recent years Dennis with his handsome face as brother Mark describes him, took up acting. He was cast in many movies as a stunt man, extra and bigger roles in Dream Keeper and Billy the Kid and was currently working on roles that kept him busy that are yet to be released. He proudly talked about his “Van” being an extra in the Ghost Busters movie.

     Dennis spent his time by enjoying his visits with many friends in and around Lethbridge. He enjoyed seeing his brother Mark and his friends (The Sage Clan) doing the important work with our members living in the city, who needed extra care and support. He was always encouraging Mark and others in a positive way. Along with the entire Brave Rock/Wells family and extended family, Dennis was very proud of Mark and his dedication to overcoming challenges and being selfless in helping others. Throughout his life Dennis made numerous friends who will deeply miss his kindness, gentle nature always accompanied by his “Giant Dennis smile.”

Brad & Trevor wish to thank all the aunts, uncles, nephews and to the nieces for all their support during this time!

     A Wake Service will be held at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at WHITE CALF HALL, Standoff, Alberta.

     A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS, 950 Main Street, Cardston, Alberta.

     Please be advised that Covid 19 protocols will in place and strictly followed.