Celebrating the Life of Dennis McDonald
On August 11, 2026, Dennis McDonald, 75, took his final ride.
Born on December 25, 1950, Dennis lived a life filled with hard work, laughter, adventure, and a deep love for family and friends. He treasured having people around him, and his home along the St. Clair River was a place where everyone could gather, share stories, laugh, and make memories. Dennis was a loving husband of 41 years, as well as a father, Papa, uncle, family man, businessman, mechanic, storyteller, and friend. His circle was wide, and the love and memories shared with his family and friends will continue to live on. For more than 35 years, Dennis proudly owned and operated Precision Transmission. He had a natural talent for working with his hands and a lifelong passion for fast cars, fast boats, and anything with an engine. The St. Clair River was his playground, and he loved nothing more than being out on the water, ripping up and down the river with family and friends. Dennis lived with dementia for the past 15 years. While the journey brought many difficult days, it never defined the man he was or erased the love, laughter, and memories that surrounded him. A special thank you goes to the staff at Bear Creek Terrace for their exceptional care, compassion, and kindness toward Dennis and his family over the past two years. Their dedication meant more than words can express. Today, we choose to celebrate Dennis and the life he lived—the people he loved, the memories he made, the cars he worked on, the boats he drove, and all the good times shared along the river. And now, Dennis is free. Free from dementia. Free from the struggles that had slowly taken pieces of him away. Free to do what he loved. Free to get behind the wheel again. So, Dennis…Fire up that boat. Open up the throttle. And rip up and down the St. Clair River one more time. We hope you found your way back to the water—the place where you were happiest, surrounded by the people you loved and doing what you loved most. Maybe somewhere out there, the sun is shining on the river, the engine is roaring, and you’re smiling that familiar smile as you push the throttle down just a little farther. The river won’t be quite the same without you. Your stories, your laughter, your stubbornness, your generosity, your love, and all the memories you gave us will stay with us. You may have taken your final ride, but you will never be forgotten. Until we meet again, Dennis, Keep the throttle down. Please join us as we celebrate his wonderful life at the Corunna Legion, 350 Albert St. Corunna on Saturday August 22, 2026 from 1-4 p.m. with words of remembrance being offered at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers sympathy may be expressed through memorial donations to the St. Clair River Trail or to the Alzheimer Society. Arrangements entrusted to Knight Funeral Home, 588 St. Clair Parkway, Corunna. Messages and condolences may be left online at www.knightfuneralhome.ca Knight 519-862-2845
34 thoughts on “Dennis McDonald”
Janice,kelsey and family so sorry for your loss. I remember Dennis as always smiling, happy and so willing to share a story. Treasure your precious memories of Him.
My condolences to you all he will be missed
So sorry to hear, a loss of a good man with many stories…We also will look at the river and think of him…Hugs to you and the family…
Janice and Family.
I will miss seeing the smile on Dennis’s face as he came into my husband
John’s room also at Bear Creek. They would smile at each other. No words were necessary.
My sincere condolences to you and the family. I know it has been a struggle for Dennis but he is at peace.
Cherish the memories
Jeanne Pretty
Kelsey and family
Sorry for your loss, I remember you talking about your dad. Take time to remember all the fun times you had together. Sending hugs.
Jan & Ken Burr
Kelsey and Family, so sorry for your loss.
Hugs ! ❤️🥰
It was sad to read of Dennis’s passing, especially since he had struggled with dementia for the past several years. I hadn’t seen Dennis driving the Dodge Cordoba around Corunna in quite a while, now I know why. First met Dennis in the late 60’s when we were part of a bigger than life crowd that loved to own and race performance cars from the “Big Three”. Remember a warm summer night on the old Lakeshore Rd when there was a gathering for some friendly competition. The good old days, rest in peace my friend.
Dave Lamourea
Dear Janice, Kelsey, Jude, and Hendrix,
Our hearts are breaking for all of you. He was such a wonderful man, and we know how deeply he will be missed by each of you. Please know that our family is holding your entire family close in our thoughts during this painful time.
With all our love,
Leanne, Shawn and Mitchell
Janice and Family
So sorry to read about the passing of Dennis. He was a GREAT guy and will be sadly missed by all that knew him. Hold those fond memories close to your heart. Rest in Peace Dennis
Sincerely Dave & Monique
Janice and family. Very sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of my time with you and Dennis at the river house when Deb would bring me down for sister visits. Keeping you all in my prayers.
Jan, Kelsey, and kids,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. If he’s not on a boat right now he is racing cars with my dad or playing jokes on my mom. He used to tell me he knew me before I got here. Lol.
One of the good guys. 🥰
Jan, Kelsey and Family, I have such fond memories of Dennis. Wrapping you in all the love and light during this difficult time. xo
So sorry to hear about Dennis,
he was a good friend.
Charlie muxlow.
Sincere condolences Janice and family. Cherish the memories. ❤️
Janice and Family
So sorry for your loss our condolences
Janice, Kelcey and family. So very sorry for your loss, but he is at peace now. You were the best neighbors we could have ever asked for……thinking of you and him and all the good times.
Janice and family:
Jeff and I are so very sorry for your loss and send our deepest sympathies. May the memories you share bring comfort in the days ahead. Memories are forever ❤️
so sorry for you’re loss Janice.
Janice and Family – Dave and I were sorry to hear of Dennis’s passing Our Sincere Condolences
Jan, Kelsey and family….Bruce and I thinking are of you all. Your words of love are beautiful and a wonderful tribute to a ‘one of a kind’ guy. He is always with you. Wishing you all peace. ❤️
Jan, may your beloved Dennis rest in peace. Don and I are thinking of you and sending sympathy and hugs!
We have known Denis over 50 yrs. He was always a happy go lucky guy. Loved to tell jokes and always a smile. He will be deeply be missed.
Sorry for your loss, may he rest in peace with his dad.
Janice and Family,
My deepest sympathy. Hold onto the memories.
Janice & family, such an incredible loss for your family. He seemed so well loved! Will miss his sparkling blue eyes and beautiful smile at Bear Creek. Hoping all your great memories will sustain you through this tough time.
Janice, sorry for your loss
I’m so sorry for the loss of a wonderful man. I didn’t know him personally but he helped me out several years ago with my car. Dennis knew I was trying to come up with the payment for the work he was doing. When I picked up my vehicle after a couple days he had it running like new. I asked how much and he said it didn’t cost anything “just a little work”. I knew he had put over 8 hours into it. He said thank you was enough. The man had such a good heart. I always remembered his kindness and compassion. I’m truly sorry for your loss.
Cheryl
I started working for Dennis and Greg over thirty years ago. I was just a kid, working part-time through school. I ended up working there for a decade and loved working there. They raised me. On Saturday mornings Dennis and I would always work at the shop together – although it never felt like work at all. Ah, the things I learned, the fun, the laughs, the friendships. You will be forever missed, my friend.
So very sorry to hear of Dennis ‘s passing. Hold on to the memories 💕
Janice, Kelsey and family,
We are sorry for your loss. Reading the condolences online, we realized what a good person Dennis must have been.
Janice, Kelsey and family. Our deepest condolences for your loss, happy for Dennis to be free and on his next journey. Cherish all your great memories. Tim and Penny
Janice & family; So sorry to hear of Dennis’s passing. He was always smiling, cherish your memories 💕
Our most sincere condolences. Dennis will be truly missed. Al & Irene Goodall
Memories from many years ago. Dennis in his 390 Falcon and Mitch in his hemi powered 62 altered Plymouth on Indian Road between the Imperial Oil tank farm. Contest was initiated at the Happy Valley bar, but it was time to see who had the fastest car on the road that night.
Mitch (Jim Mitchell) won that race, but not by very much.
Memories, memories. So long ago.
I have memories of you at St. Clair high school in the 60’s. Taking my wonderful father to your shop on Exmouth Street and chatting with you and Greg. Enjoying a beer with you and Janice. We all will miss you Dennis. Thinking of you Janice. Thanks for the memories.