Dennis Tiplady
October 26, 2020
March 30, 1939 – October 26, 2020
It is with profound sadness that his family writes the last chapter of this amazing life and love story. It began in Sault Ste. Marie, then to Toronto, Orillia, Brampton, eventually settling in London to raise their family. Dennis passed in the arms of his loving wife Karen, of 59 years, and with his devoted daughters, Debbie and Kristen, by his side and holding his hands. He fought his last courageous battle – a terrible fall that was to be the mountain he could not climb. Together and working side by side, Dennis and Karen started their retail career with three Radio Shack stores, that lead them to building a small empire of 17 stores that lasted 37 years. Their establishments, some of which included: The Brandy Tree, Pippins bath shop, Baker Street kitchen store, and three Hallmark stores, achieved many retail awards, including Retailer of the Year for Canada. Dennis and Karen travelled extensively from coast to coast in Canada, to the Yukon and Arctic, and then the Antarctic, touching all but one continent during their travels. Dennis was always the life of the party – he had a big, booming voice and distinctive laugh that could be heard long before he entered the room. He will be missed by many dear friends and family, especially John Lauridsen, who spent many hours by his bed comforting Karen during his struggle. His brother-in-law Ken Hewett and his family, too. Dennis is survived by his wife Karen; daughters Debbie Tiplady and Kristen Tiplady-Berlemont (Derek); grandchildren: Trista Brintnell (Andrew), Brittany Berlemont and Brennan Berlemont; as well as four great-grandchildren: Brayden, Corbin, Lincoln Brintnell and Saphvira Berlemont. Predeceased by his mother, Arvilla Erkkila, father, Fred Tiplady, his brother Ronnie and sister Carole Hewett. Heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses of LHSC – University Hospital, who showed incredible compassion and care while looking after Dennis. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be conducted at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at 3:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior. Registration is required to attend the service.
To register, please click here: >Dennis’ memorial service registration
The family welcomes friends to view the service via livestream.
To watch the livestream of the service, please click here: >Remembering Dennis Tiplady Livestream
Please note: as per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, attendance numbers will be restricted. Please be aware that COVID-19 protocols are in place which may preclude some from being able to attend and masks are mandatory. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Dennis are asked to consider the London Health Sciences Foundation or the Breast Cancer Society of Canada.
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(Donated to Breast Cancer Society of Canada)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation)
(Donated to Breast Cancer Society of Canada)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation)
(Donated to Breast Cancer Society of Canada)
(Donated to Breast Cancer Society of Canada)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation)
Karen, Debbie & Kristen We were saddened to read of Dennis's passing. Our acquaintance started when we both live on Millbank Dr. - we still recall the happy memories from then. Our deepest sympathy to all the family. Dennis love life and shared it with all he met - he will be missed. Wishing you peace and strength. Our sincerest regards, Keith & Lois
Our deepest sympathies go out to Karen and family. Dennis was such a fun loving person and it was a pleasure to know both Dennis & Karen through working at White Oaks Mall. His laugh and sense of humour were well known and will be greatly missed. Our sincere condolences, Lois & Gary Patterson
Our deepest sympathies go out to Karen and family. Dennis had a big personality and found him to be a real gentlemen.
Our deepest sympathies go out to Karen and family. Dennis had a big personality and found him to be a real gentlemen.
I read the notice with a very heavy heart. I believe I was the first employee Dennis hired to work along side him and Karen at the Radio Shack in London Mall. I was a high school student at that time. Dennis treated me like family as did Karen. I still have the STA 65D receiver they sold me after my second pay cheque!
I was so sorry to hear about Dennis. I have great memories of our days at the Brandy Tree. Love Joe
Our deepest sympathies go out to Karen , Kristen Debbie and families. We have shared many, many years working and socializing with Karen and Dennis, and watching Kristen and Debbie grow up. So many adventures and laughs over the thirty years of The Brandy Tree stores. Dennis was someone you never forget. He and Karen were inseparable. May he rest in peace. Sincerely, Lynn & Bill
So sorry to hear of Mr. Tiplady's passing. He was a joyous friendly man. My sincere condolences to the entire family.
Karen &Family, We were very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you & your family at this sad time. Brenda & Bill Rothwell (Fred Ward's sister-in-law)
I was so saddened to hear of Dennis' passing. My thoughts & prayers are with you Karen, Debbie, Kristen, Derek and all of the family. You always knew when Dennis was on the way into the store at White Oaks - his voice and laugh could be heard well before his entrance. It was a pleasure to work for so many years at Baker Street and Pippins for Dennis & Karen-they created a family for those who worked in their stores...I am so very sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace with all of your memories, and strength. Thinking of you. - Leslie & Judy Warner xo
With loving memories from Mykonos we send our condolences to the family
Dear Karen and family, thinking of you in thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. May you all enjoy treasured memories of times well spent together with Dennis, and may he Rest In Peace. Karen, although my time spent with you and Dennis, through Diane, and the late Carl Smith, we're brief, you both made a very big and lasting impression. I remember discussions about your wonderful travels, and where to next! Enjoyed the laughter, always uplifting and a fun time. Wishing you peace, joy and strength. Sincerest regards, Lynda Jenkins, Ottawa
words can not express my thoughts as this was such a shock to me as we just had a very long telephone conversation just a few months ago. A stalwart of the giftware and housewares industry where he led by showing respect for all. I feel I was one of the lucky one's to know him and no one could be more fun at the appropriate time. So sorry for Karen's loss and I send my condolences to Kristen, Debbie and families. Bruce Moore
We were so saddened to learn of Dennis's passing. I had worked for the Tiplady's for many years. Dennis was a respected, wonderful and a fun loving boss and friend. He loved life and could make me laugh at any given time. He will be greatly missed by all. Our family sends our warmest condolences to his family and all that knew him 💖
Dear Karen and family. My deepest sympathy to you. Dennis and Jim go back many years when they were on the road in sales and our many great times together with Dennis and Jim trying to out talk one another with neither listening to the other. Karen I will never forget what you wrote in our 50th wedding anniversary card "Stand by your man and we both sure did". Rest in Peace Dennis and will never forget your laugh. Hugs Marion
Karen- sending our condolences to you and the family at this difficult time. We are so happy that you and Dennis were able to join us at our wedding in 2010.
Karen, Kristen, Debbie and family. I was so happy to see Dennis 3 weeks ago and make him more handsome one last time. We had great conversation and got to hear his big laugh.I thought he looked so good when he walked in the door.And Karen you looked so proud walking with him. You could really see the love you have for him. Dennis will be truly missed. Our deepest sympathy.
Karen,and family Im very sorry to hear of your loss he was a great man funny, i could tell every time he came in the back door of the St Thomas Brandy Tree store. Enjoy your memories . Pat Munroe
It is with a heavy heart I send my deepest condolences out to all of you. I'm am so sorry for you loss.
Sorry for your loss and I am thinking of you and your family at this time. With love, Ingrid and Roomet
Kristen ... Randy and I send you and your family strength at this sad time ... your Dad was a beautiful soul .... may you all feel him around you forever â¤ï¸ Randy and Maria
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I am so sorry Karen , I just heard about Denis, you are right our boys are back together again. You and Denis were always a team and you must be devastated as I am too. Let's get together when we can . We had a family only gathering for Tom due to Covid but it was wonderful, full of love and remembrance , I wish that for you too. Love Maureen
~ Maureen Lowery