Nerland, QC Dennis Leroy
Nerland, QC Dennis Leroy
February 5, 1953 – October 30, 2021
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Dennis Leroy Nerland of Calgary, Alberta on October 30, 2021, at home with his family.
Dennis was born on February 5, 1953, the first son of Rozella and Laurence Nerland. Along with his two younger brothers, Ron and Nairn, Dennis was raised on the family farm, first in Gleichen and later in Standard.
Dennis credited his time on the farm with developing his character including his sense of integrity and adaptability. It instilled a strong sense of family and community, a keen appreciation and passion for learning and a commitment to supporting those less fortunate.
It was also during this time that Dennis developed his passion for sports, particularly hockey and track. To achieve success in sports, Dennis sharpened his focus and became disciplined in goal setting and visualization. These traits served him well in his legal and business career.
A turning point in Dennis’ life occurred when his father passed away suddenly at the age of 51. Dennis, then 18 years old, chose to leave the Medicine Hat Tigers’ rookie camp and enrolled at the University of Calgary.
In his third year of university Dennis met Jennifer Pollock in their student residence at the University of Calgary. Dennis and Jennifer welcomed their first son, Robert in 1980, followed by Stephen in 1982, their daughter Emily in 1984, and their youngest son, Richard in 1987.
Dennis holds a B.Sc. with Honours in Economics and Mathematics from UCalgary (1975), a M.A. in Economics from Carleton in Ottawa (1976), a LL.B. from UCalgary (1979). In 1980 he was called to the Alberta Bar and in 2014 he was honoured to be appointed Queen’s Counsel (Alberta).
Dennis started his legal career articling at the firm of Homme Baker and in 1984, Homme Baker merged with the law firm of Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer, where Dennis became a partner. In 1990, Dennis left the firm to form his own law firm Shea Nerland Calnan with James Shea and David Calnan. Over its 30+ years the firm grew from a 3-man shop to over a 50-person team serving clients from around the globe. Dennis was also an active member on numerous public and private corporate boards mainly in the energy, technology and services sectors and in 2007 Dennis founded an innovative tax advisory boutique firm with Kim Moody of Moodys Tax Advisors LLP. Recently Dennis accepted Kim’s offer to join Moodys Private Client Law firm as mentor and in council.
Dennis was dedicated to his clients, their families, their businesses, and their success and was honoured by the trust they had in him. He continued to serve his clients for over 40 years, until recently when illness made him step away from his practice.
Dennis loved being a father, from coaching hockey to teaching his children algebra at the kitchen table. For over 25 years Dennis was an avid runner, voracious reader and a keen fan of all sports. He supported local charities and community initiatives and was a sucker for a silent auction where he would over-bid on items knowing the funds were going to a good cause.
Dennis was known for his generosity, his intellect, and his compassion. He was humble and kind, a loyal friend. He loved his family and his friends, and he will be missed beyond measure.
Dennis is survived by his spouse Jennifer Pollock, his children Robert, Stephen (Jana), Emily (Paul), and Richard (Melanie), his three grandchildren Paytyn, Everett and Madeleine, his mother Rozella Pietz, his brothers Ron (Terri), and Nairn (Carol), family friend Jose Mejia as well as numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces. Dennis was predeceased by his father, Robert Laurence Nerland.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Desiree Hao, Dr. Natasha Leighl, RN Dianne Zawisza, Alykhan Mamdani, Michele Pollock and John Benwell, Amanda Dahl, Seguei and Nadia Kobzev and all the other individuals, too many to name, who helped us through this difficult time.
A Celebration of Life is planned for 2022. To send condolences, please visit Dennis’ obituary on the McInnis & Holloway site. https://mhfh.com/84/Home.html