Obituary of Charles Dennis O'Shaughnessy

Charles Dennis O’Shaughnessy
1941 - 2019
 
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Charles Dennis O’Shaughnessy, husband, father, grandpa and friend.
 
Dennis was pre-deceased by his father Gerald and mother Vera and is survived by his wife and partner of 32 years Cynthia Carr, sons Bryn (Lisa) and Ryan (Victoria) and their mother, Judith, grandchildren Owen, Clare and Emma and older brother Dale (Lol) and sister Nita.
 
Dennis was born and grew up in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan excelling at both academics and athletics.  Leaving Moose Jaw to pursue a career in academia, Dennis graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Arts (1962) and Honours Degree in Mathematics (1963), from the University of Chicago with a Master of Science (1965) and ultimately a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Saskatchewan (1968).  Dennis accepted a position within the University of Saskatchewan Math Department and pursued his teaching passion at the UofS for over 40 years.  During his time at the UofS Dennis also served a three-year term as Assistant Dean in the College of Arts and Science.  Dennis loved his job, particularly the teaching and student interactions and always had an open door to assist and mentor his students.  One of his students posted the following review, “He was a great teacher. Learnt a lot from his class.  Too bad he retired.  He is a legend.”  Den would have loved that!
 
Dennis and Cynthia loved the country life and enjoyed their years together at the “DenCyn” Farm.   Den loved walking the trails with his ever-present dogs and occasionally one of the many Dencyn Farm cats.  The Dencyn Farm will always hold fond memories for all family and friends – exploring the property, the always present “jobs list”, riding the tractors, Thanksgiving and special occasion dinners, card games, Elvis on the stereo, love and laughter and the occasional glass of fine single malt.
 
When Cynthia was able to pull Dennis away from the farm, time was spent and enjoyed travelling – preferably cruises, and spending time with his boys and their families in Calgary, Palm Springs, London and Emma Lake.
 
It would be remiss not to mention hockey.  Hockey was ever present in Dennis’s life.  He coached the boys from an early age and spent countless hours in hockey rinks supporting the boys and the grandchildren through the years.  “Gump” played hockey for as many years as his body allowed, not hanging up the skates until this past Spring.
 
Dennis was a terrific husband, father, grandpa and friend.  He is gone but will never be forgotten.
 
The family would like to thank the staff of St. Paul’s Hospital – Fifth Floor for their attentive and compassionate care. A come and go Celebration of Dennis’ life will be held at the University Club, 101 Administration Place, UofS Campus, on Saturday, November 23, 2019 from 1-4 pm.