Dennis Emmanuel De Cambra
elevated 4mZys December 12, 1940 ~ May 7, 2025
elevated 4mZys Visitation
Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
elevated 4mZys Funeral Mass
Friday, May 23, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.
Chapel of St. Joseph – Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
elevated 4mZys Interment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
8361 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON, L3T 2C7
elevated 4mZys Obituary
It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Dennis from Alzheimer’s disease. Beloved husband of Zarina (née Dupley) and Maureen (née Chan-A-Sue, deceased). Loving father to Maria (Stephen) and beloved stepfather to Khaled (Maita), Omita, and Ayesha (Halsey). Extremely proud grandfather to Aliyah and James. Fun-loving uncle to Chris (deceased), Paul (Darlene), Mark, Jeff (Debbie) and Carolyn (Andy). Uncle Bushy was also a much-loved uncle to his many Chan-A-Sue nephews and nieces, and special uncle to Donna Soares and Monika Schurmann.
Dennis was the ninth and last child born to parents Joseph De Cambra and Mary Albina Fernandes in New Amsterdam, Berbice, Guyana. He attended St. Stanislaus College in Georgetown, Guyana in the 1950s and was an active member of the Saints alumni society in Toronto for many years. Dennis and Maureen immigrated to Canada in 1970, sponsored by his brother, Hilary. From 1970 to the early 1980s he was employed at AM International, as a technician servicing and repairing offset printing presses. After AM International, Dennis worked in the City Clerks Department at Toronto City Hall, where “Big D” remained until his retirement at 65 in 2005.
Dennis was an active, athletic man, playing cricket and football (soccer) in his youth. However, we suspect his membership at GFC (Georgetown Football Club) was more about liming and less about sport! The 1980s saw Dennis playing racquetball and competing in tournaments. Racquetball eventually gave way to tennis, which Dennis played regularly into his 70s. Dennis and Maureen’s apartment was frequently filled with family and friends; music on the stereo, drinks flowing, and Maureen’s cook up rice and chow mein on the menu. Dennis and Zarina’s home was also a gathering place for friends, family, and international students; hanging out on the back porch in good weather, while Dennis tended to his beloved garden, and Christmas Eve dinners where all and sundry were welcomed to partake in turkey and curry. Their backyard was also host to the weddings or wedding celebrations of all four of their children.
The family wishes to thank Tammy Adams, her family and her staff at Silver Lights for caring for Dennis with love, respect and good humour, and creating an environment where our family could spend quality time and make happy memories. We also wish to thank Dr. Gordon, palliative care doctors Dr. Delaney and Dr. Abulhussein and the nurses at Centenary Hospital for caring for Dennis with dignity and respect in his final days. Dennis was a kind, warm, and fun-loving man who touched more lives than he realized.
He was an incredible husband, father, family man, and friend. Most of all, we will miss his bear hugs and sense of humour and will carry the memory of Dennis forever in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada
Our condolences go out to the family. Dennis was a lovely person. May he rest peacefully.
Rest in Peace uncle Bushy! Condolences to all of the family 🙏🕊️
Sincere condolenes in your loss. Pat and Peggy Graham
We were saddened to hear of Dennis’ passing. May all the wonderful memories you have provide comfort during this sad time. Dennis was a true gentleman. May he rest & be at peace.
We are saddened of the passing of Dennis.
Our deepest sympathies to all the families.
May his soul RIP
My heart is with Maria and family. I remember Dennis’s kind and gentle presence when I visited their home while attending high school with Maria. Dennis, ever smiling and welcoming, passed his kind heart on to Maria. I hope peace finds Dennis and his family.
Dear Zarina & Maria,
My heartfelt condolences to you and your families. We go back since Monika and Maria were five years old.
Dennis look out for your old buddy Heiri.
Our heartfelt condolences to Aunty Zarina, Maria, Omita, Aleyah, Ayesha, Khaled and Hal. The little that I saw of him
Denis was a kind and loving gentleman and you don’t get to meet these type of people too often. He will surely be missed by all. Big hugs and kisses to all in the family. Rest in peace Denis ❤️
Thinking of Maria Stephen and James Zarina and all the Family You’ll Never Walk Alone Big D
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Maria, Stephen, James, Zarina, Khalid, Omita, Ayesha and Aliyah. Big D is remembered as a true gentleman who was always smiling and laughing. He will be sorely missed. Rest in peace Big D
Our condolences and deepest sympathies to the family. Will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
we are so sorry for your loss Maria and zalina.
Dennis was a super friend and caring person.
We spent good times together with your buddy Frank and our families in Guyana / Canada.
May you rip until we meet again.
Paul and I send our deepest condolences to all the members of Dennis’ family. We were always welcome with open arms when we visited and I, Hazel, shall always remember his welcoming smile, kindness, and camaraderie. Fly free, Dennis.
Denis or Bushy goes back a very long way with us from Guyana. In the 70’s our lives parted with Dennis to Canada and my family to Australia. Gail saw him just once again at Frank & Patsy
We shared many happy memorises of growing up in Georgetown and then British Guiana. Our love is extended to all who knew this wonderful man & great friend,
Tim & Gail and family in OZ.
GOD FADDA !!! 💕
Dear Uncle Bushy, my heart is broken because you are no longer with us.
But I take comfort in my belief that you are in a peaceful loving place, no doubt reunited with your best buddy.
May God bless and keep you. 🙏
Maria & Zarina we are deeply sad to hear of Dennis (Bushy) passing.
Please accept our sincere condolences as he was a close friend having spent many happy occasions both in Guyana and Canada. May he rest in peace until we meet again.
Deepest condolences to Ayesha and her family. I remember Dennis tending to his beautiful flowers. May your happy memories carry you through this sad time.
Zarina and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Sharon and Alain Aeschelmann
Our deepest condolences to you, Maria, and all your family on the loss of your wonderful Dad. Remember the happy times. He will live on in your memories.
May our condolences reach Maria & Zarina and all other members of this lovely family during this time of sorrow. Denis was a great friend always kind to our family.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Maria, Zee and all the family.
I have known Bushy since I was about 14, and my memories of our times with family and friends over the years have been wonderful. It makes me feel happy that Dennis will be joining his buddies Dicky & Frankie in peaceful rest.
Sad to hear the news of Dennis passing. I have great memories, spending morning with Dennis at the house. My thoughts and love are with Zerina and family at this time. ❤️