Denis Prefontaine of Oro-Medonte, Ontario, passed peacefully surrounded by family on July 15, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, travel, deep friendships, impeccable projects, culinary explorations, and high-flying adventures. Born on August 1st, 1971, Denis lived a life that was anything but ordinary. As a pilot, he soared through the skies, but it was his courage, irreverent sense of humor, and authenticity that truly set him apart.
“I say what’s on my mind.” Denis Prefontaine
Denis was the kind of person who could make anyone laugh, even at 35,000 feet. His colleagues nicknamed him “Filter” because – well, he really didn’t have one.
But Denis was much more than just a rebel. He was devoted to his partner, Stephanie Mercier, and a loving father to his children, Brett, Ashley, and Madison. Stephanie was his world, and he often said that the best part of any journey was coming home to her. Whether it was hosting one of their famous social gatherings, or a quiet evening at home, Denis most enjoyed just hanging out with Stephanie.
Denis’s love for aviation began at a young age. As a boy, he would go down to the field with his aircraft mechanic father to watch the planes take off – dreaming of the day he could fly the real thing. Denis fondly remembered his father’s advice on airplanes: “don’t fix ‘em, break ‘em instead.”
Following 6 years as an Air Cadet, Denis enrolled in the aviation program at Selkirk College where he met lifelong friend Will Failing. It was a winding road that included sheet metal, farming, and a stint at the Olive Garden before finally reaching the cockpit. He got his break washing airplanes at Ministic Airways and was soon piloting myriad aircraft including Piper Navajos, Dornier, and a variety of Beechcraft. Since then, Denis logged thousands of hours
in Dash 8’s, RJ’s, Tripple 7’s, and 737’s. He is remembered as a skilled pilot who could handle any situation with calm and confidence, often with a joke to lighten the mood.
But Denis is not defined by his successful career. Although he thought of himself as shy and having a short list of close friends, Denis was the very definition of good neighbour. The first to step up and assist in a friend’s household project no matter how ambitious, Denis’s work was meticulous – good enough was not good enough for him.
Denis and Stephanie were the very first residents of Braestone – where Denis quickly became known as the community’s unofficial mayor. Their Christmas parties were instantly the most important date on the social calendar. The new neighbourhood was the ideal setting for Denis’ love of toys – snowmobiles, side-by-sides, trucks – the joy he found in life’s simple pleasures was completely contagious. And when Denis was smiling – you had no choice – you simply had to smile right back.
Denis and Stephanie loved to travel and fearlessly try exotic new dishes. They shared a simple philosophy on life: You don’t live to work – you work to live. Don’t put things off, because life is not about who has the biggest pile at the end. It’s about the memories and friends you make along the way.
Denis’s passing leaves a void that will be felt by many. His laughter, his love, and his irreverent sense of humor will be remembered and cherished. Apart from Stephanie, Brett, Ashley, and Madison, Denis is survived by his mother, Margaret Prefontaine of Winnipeg; his brother Marc, wife Andrea, and nephew Matthew of Winnipeg; his former wife, Rena Prefontaine of Winnipeg; Ashley’s partner Ryan Brownell, and their children Liam and Lexi of Winnipeg; and Denis’ second wife, Michelle Prefontaine and her partner, James Doyle, of Orillia; Denis is predeceased by his father Victor and stepmother Dorothy.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Mariposa House Hospice, a cause close to Denis’s heart, and they will be received by Carson Funeral Homes – L.Doolittle Chapel 54 Coldwater St. E Orillia, Ontario L3V1W5 They also encourage everyone to share a filterless story in his honour, keeping his spirit alive through laughter.
A Celebration of Life will be held at The Braestone Barn in Oro-Medonte on Sunday, September 8th at 4 pm and the dress code will be casual. A second Celebration of Life will be held in Winnipeg MB on Saturday, September 21st from 2-4 pm at the Belgian Club at 407 Provencher Blvd.
Keep your seatbelt fastened, your tray table up, and say what’s on your mind. Embrace life’s bumpy ride inspired by Denis Prefontaine’s courageous example – because it’s the love, laughter, friendship, and zingers that make it all worthwhile.
Online messages of condolences can be made at Carsonfuneralhomes.com