Major (Retired) Dennis Secord Clement

Major (Retired) Dennis Secord Clement passed away peacefully on March 19^th, 2021 at the age of 73.  Dennis leaves behind his loving wife of 47 years, Sylvia Smith, his daughter Sarah (Ron) and son Ian (Sacha).  He will be dearly remembered by his siblings; Brad, Brett (Linda Douglas-Clement), Cheryl Stevenson and numerous nieces/nephews and in-laws .  He was predeceased by his parents Herbert and Betty, along with sisters Sandy and Kim.  At Den’s request, no memorial service will be held.  A private interment will take place in the National Military Cemetery of  Canada later.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Ottawa Humane Society, Wounded Warriors Canada or the Ottawa/Renfrew Dementia Society

Dennis was about service.  He joined the military as Naval Reservist while in university and had many callouts supporting the Canadian Forces (CF).  In Halifax, NS, he met his wife and decided to join the Regular Force, switching from Navy to Army to become an Armour Officer.  He loved his Petawawa regimental service with the 8^th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise’s) as well as other adventures and travels.   When he was posted to National Defence Headquarters Ottawa, he began his operational support duty.  He helped plan Canada’s peacekeeping efforts, (Bosnia, Rwanda, Haiti, Afghanistan etc) plus many more critical disaster operations at home and abroad.  After his release, he continued his mission in much the same way as a public servant.  

Personal highlights of Den’s military service included the Worthington Sword award during training, a peacekeeping tour with his regiment in Cyprus, reconnoiter trips to many locations to assess the upcoming contribution needs of the CF, direct assistance to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as the military liaison for the CF support of drug interdictions, the awarding of the Queen’s Jubilee medal and travelling as the CF Military Liaison  Officer during the Canada wide tour of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip in 2002.

Dennis loved his family deeply devoting much time to their inclusion in his life.  Concern for their welfare was paramount.  Camping trips, support for his children’s school and community activities extensive horseback riding lessons/shows and numerous other shared family experiences are valuable memories of a life well lived.

In 2012, Den was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.  As his illness progressed, it was evident that he was still with the CF as he defended his fellow residents/friends from “threats” and addressed their “security” concerns.  Physically and mentally, he suffered many challenges and losses for ten years but subsequently passed peacefully to continue his mission in the afterlife.

There are so many “thanks” that must be acknowledged as Den and his family travelled the Alzheimer journey together.  From the diagnostic medical staff at the Queensway Carleton Hospital, the Carp Medical Centre and the Bruyère Memory Program, we moved to Day Away Programs held at the Carefor Health and Community Services and the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre and then to the OMNI long term care home of Garden Terrace.  Subsequently, this was followed by admittance to The Ottawa Hospital (Civic Campus), the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre and the Special Behaviour Support Unit at the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre for the most effective treatment of confrontational Alzheimer’s symptoms.  The Ottawa Police Service had helped with several of these manifestations in the past.  Finally, there was a return to Garden Terrace until Dennis needed the Regional Palliative Consultation Team who ensured that he passed without pain or anxiety at the Queensway Carleton Hospital.  The care provided by all these professionals was excellent, enduring and patient/family centered despite shortage of resources, staffing issues and pandemic conditions. 

Bravo Zulu is a Navy nautical statement often used to convey that a task has been “well done”.  This expression applies to all our friends, family, and professional staff we encountered on our journey.  You ensured that our entire family was cared for in a resilient, loving, supportive and compassionate manner.  There is no way we can sufficiently thank you but please note, you have our heartfelt gratitude, forever.