Family and friends of Dennis Steven Rattee were deeply saddened following his sudden passing on Tuesday, December 4th, 2018 from heart related complications. Dennis is predeceased by his sister, Cheryl Rattee in 2004 and his grandparents Stephia & Herman Madson and Barbara & Charlie Rattee. He is survived by his best friend and the love of his life, his wife of 19 years, Christie Rattee and his daughter, Jill (12) and son Scott (9), his parents Jeanette & Garth Rattee, his siblings Leslie & her husband Rick Deans, Jeff & his wife Laurie Rattee and Brad & his wife Robin Rattee and Christie’s family: her mother Terry Sooley (Larry Pasemko) and her father Ron (Ann) Sooley, her brothers’ Greg Sooley and Mike (Lisa) Sooley.
Den was loved and respected by his nieces and nephews: Dustin (Kelly), Dylan, Chad (Courtney), Jason (Colby), Josh, Ali, Ben, Jordan, Alex, Mikeala, Cas and Mikenna.
Dennis was born on 1971 and raised in Moose Jaw, SK. He grew up playing sports with many close friends. Den graduated with honours and a deep love for mathematics from AE Peacock Collegiate but that did not take him directly to a post-secondary education. Den was a restaurant server and manager, a barista and a manager for Starbucks. After their marriage in 1999, Christie completed her degree then Den went on to complete degrees in both Mathematics and Education with distinction from the University of Calgary. Dennis was a highly respected math teacher and learning leader, specialist and math coach for the Calgary Board of Education. Dennis completed his Master of Mathematics for Teachers from the University of Waterloo and received his diploma in the mail the day he passed away.
During Den’s years living in Abbotsford and while fighting Hodgkin’s disease, he became very passionate about all things cycling. He was ever a good sportsman and spent hours teaching his own children the finer points of the etiquette of sportsmanship. He inspired children young and old with his exuberance for music, mathematics and life in general. This was evident in 2017 when he completed the 620 km Cancervive Cycle Tour with Rick.
Dennis was a juggler, he rode a unicycle and loved to ski and coach his son’s baseball team. He was also a hell of a dancer, as he proved to so many at Dustin and Kelly’s wedding this past August.
Of late, Dennis was increasingly becoming more and more interested in the political situations of Canada and the world. He could not help but have a strong social conscience.
If there is any fairness in this world, we can only hope that he is with his big sister Cheryl looking down upon us as we celebrate his life and accomplishments the best of which was his family.
Celebration of Life will take place at the COUNTRY HILLS CREMATORIUM, 11995 16th St NE, Calgary.
Den’s family requests that you wear your brightest or funniest outfits. Jerseys of all kinds welcome. Vancouver Canucks, Saskatchewan Roughriders or Cancervive cycling jerseys preferred.
15 Comments
Jeff to you and your family, denn and I send our sincere condolences at this time of grief
Garth and Jeannette we are so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts.
So Sorry I can not make it but sending loves from all the Ralph Family . RIP Buddy
What a great Obit. I remember playing baseball with Den and “socializing” with him on the weekends high school times.
My husband Gary & I are close ON. friends of the Sooley/Pasemko Family – have known Christie for many years & were delighted to be invited, & attend her & Den’s wedding 19 years ago. And with them residing out West, we were always delighted when Christie proudly posted her family photos on fb, usually with Den front & Centre, proudly surrounded by his beautiful wife & family. Thinking of you ALL with love at this sad time!
Christie, Terry and all the family.
We are saddened by your loss. I will see you on Saturday. God bless you.
Jeanette, Garth and family,
So sorry to hear the sad news about your son and brother.
Sincerely, Marlyce
All out prayers go out to all the Rattee families. It is not right to take a son,brother,husband and father so early in live. Barb and I send all our love and am sorry we can not be there for u all.
Dear Jeanette, Garth and family. We are so saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love. Linda Madson and family.
We are very saddened to hear of the loss of your dear son/brother. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. May you find comfort in his memory in the years to come. Cheryl now has her little brother by her side.
Garth & Jeanette and Family,
With our deepest Sympathy on the loss of your son/brother. May Dennis rest in Peace.
It is said grief is often a cost for love. Share the love around you today and forever and look forward to being with Den again.
Den will be in our hearts on all future Cancervive Rides. We are so sorry for your loss of such a wonderful person.
Mr Rattee was my junior high math teacher. He made a class that I once hated, one that I looked forward to every day. I can remember his infectious smile and happy personality everyday in class. Mr Rattee always showed off with his perfect circles drawn on the white board along with his juggling and unicycle riding. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
Dear Christy, Jilly Bean and Scotty and Terry. I’m so saddened to hear Dennis passing. What a Loss. He was one of a Kind and a Gem. I wished I could make it better for you. So glad you have your wonderful Mother with you. Love Irmi