We are saddened to announce the passing of Dennis Walter Bitz on April 3, 2020 at Melfort Union Hospital, Melfort, Saskatchewan. He was 79 years of age. He was born on November 11, 1940 to Irene (nee Delainey) and John Bitz. He grew up on the farm and loved farming. After graduating from high school, he went to Teacher’s College in Saskatoon from 1958-1959. He taught at a country school near Tramping Lake, Saskatchewan. He then went to the University of Saskatchewan to earn a Bachelor of Education Degree. In April of 1962, he obtained a teaching position in St. Brieux. It was at St. Brieux School where he met Estelle Lavoie who was teaching in her hometown. They were married in 1964 at St. Brieux Roman Catholic Church. On May 16, 1965, their first daughter, Jacqueline, was born. By this time, Dennis and Estelle were living in Pilger, Saskatchewan, where Dennis was principal at age 24. While in Pilger, her took summer classes and obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree. On December 9, 1966, their second daughter, Yvonne was born. In 1969, the family moved back to St. Brieux. He taught at St. Brieux School until his retirement in 1991 at the age of 51. He loved his students. He was strict and firm, but went the extra mile for them. He was a very hard worker. He juggled full-time teaching and raising cattle with his father-in-law. Community was so important to Dennis and it showed with his years of volunteering in different clubs such as Lion’s Club, Rec Centre, St. Brieux Fish and Game, Knights of Columbus, and St. Brieux Rodeo Club. He had a soft spot for children and animals and whenever he saw children, he lit up. He had a joie de vivre. His nieces and nephews remember his relentless teasing. His greatest loves were his granddaughter, Danielle, and great granddaughter Lauren. Danielle and Dennis shared a bond beyond measure riding horses and attending rodeos where Danielle competed in barrel racing across Saskatchewan and Alberta. He leaves to mourn his beloved wife of 55 years, Estelle, daughter Jacqueline Bourdon of Saskatoon, granddaughter Danielle and great-granddaughter Lauren; daughter Yvonne Draude (Harry) of Naicam. His brother Richard and sister Gwen Button, sister-in-law Colleen Bitz and Marge Bitz, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his parents John and Irene Bitz, his son-in-law Dan Bourdon, brothers Eugene, Ronald, Paul, Patrick, niece Amanda Bitz and sister Jeannette Bosch and sister-in-law Mae Bitz, brothers-in-law George Marchand, Wilf Button and Phillip Bosch. We would like to thank Trevor Schaab, the St. Brieux First Responders, Melfort Ambulance and the doctors, nurses and staff of the Melfort Union Hospital for their special care. A Graveside Service & Rite of Committal for Dennis will be held for immediate family members only, at the St. Brieux Roman Catholic Parish Cemetery. A Funeral Mass for the public will be held at a future date. Memorial contributions in memory of Dennis may be directed to the St. Brieux R.C. Church and/ or the St. Brieux R.C. Cemetery Fund. Repose en paix