Dennis Paul Markland
The smiles and joy that happened in heaven on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, while the hearts were breaking down here. Mom finally has her baby boy with her.  After a courageous battle, such a strong fighter our Den Den said goodbye to us, he spent time with his boys Britain, Kade, Jonathon and his Dad on Monday at the Picton Hospital, Monday evening, and all through the night Jacks, Kimmie and Edgar were with him as well as emotionally and mentally all his other family, Community Living Family and friends were with him. He asked if we could sing Happy Birthday for Jacks and Edgar, he watched ALL the wonderful video hugs that everyone sent in, listened to all the wonderful Facebook messages, and text messages that we read to him, he felt the LOVE!  Tuesday, he went to Prince Edward Hospice at 2:30 and left us at 3:30, he wanted to go, it was his time to go be with his mom and be the Angel we know he is. He left Hospice as Jealous of the Angels was playing, song choice of his and Jacks.  Den Den leaves behind a huge whole in the hearts of his 3 wonderful boys Kade,  Britain, and Jonathon, who he loved more than all the stars in the galaxy, his partner Edgar of 3 ½ years, his Dad Ron Markland, his siblings Ron (Mary) their boys  Darcie and Ashley, Dorothy Vandenburg (Dennis) their boys Jamie and Jeff, Pork (Brenda) their daughter Tammy, Rick (Nila), Jacks, Kimmie, Cheryl, Buck (Barb), Tim (Laurie) and their children Justin and Marissa. Den will always be remembered by his nieces and nephews Rick & Nila’s boys Norman and Tyler, and Cheryl’s girls Bobby-Jo and Nicole, Den loved all his nieces and nephews but he held a special place in his heart for Bobby-Jo, Nik, Ty and Norm and they did him, a bond well cherished.  His extended family, special friend Danita, and Community Living Prince Edward which was such a big part of his life for so many years, will have a void that will never be filled. Predeceased by his Mom (Joan) his biggest FAN in life, and his sister Judy who loved an adored him. I’m sure when he was greeted by them Mom had him choosing and outfit for her, and Judes had him tying her shoes or getting her a drink.  Den was a “people person” with a huge circle of friends, Den loved to travel and wanted to ensure his boys experienced life to its fullest.  His friends admired him for his fearless spirit, his loyalty, devotion and his ability to be quick witted, throw out a sarcastic bit of humour when needed.  Those that knew him will all recognize those things. Den was so grateful of all the support, kindness, love and donations that was shown and given to him during his battle, all funds that were raised through the GoFundMe and the BBQ package raffle will go towards Britain, Kade and Jonathon as per Den’s wishes.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time, once this crazy world of COVID gets back to a semi normal, Den has requested no donations as he was just filled with so much love and emotion with what everyone had already done for him. The family wants to Thank everyone for their love and support during this time. Dr. Burke, Dana and April you have been so wonderful with his care, the Oncology Department in Belleville Dr. Chooback and her team of nurses, PECMH the nurses were great during Den’s time there and Prince Edward Hospice for the short time he was there, thank each and every one of you who said a prayer, kept him in your thoughts and sent your love. Steve, thank you for being the boys rock and keeping Den’s memory alive with them. Laura and Stacey thank you for doing a wonderful job, when you came to Hospice and took Den into your care.  From Jacks – My heart has the biggest hole in it right now, but it will be filled with all the memories and love that we shared over your 47 years of life , thank you Den for being My Best Friend, even though Kade said you couldn’t be because you were my brother. “99 red balloons will always fly for us, and you will always be Kimmie’s handsome and main man.”  Please remember Den Den by spending time with your family, taking walks with your children, and enjoying the friendships you have made. Den would have wanted this for you all.  Although Den’s life ended much sooner than anyone wanted, he lived life to the fullest.  “Life is so fragile, don’t forget to let people know how much they mean to you.”  “Den, you will be forever missed and loved.”