He was a self-made man, known for his integrity, generosity, his practical and shrewd business sense, his quick wit and his kindness. It didn’t take anyone long to recognize the depth of character and the brilliant mind that lay behind the unassuming demeanour and ready smile of Dennis MacLeod.

The following was prepared by a close family friend, Denise Withnell.

It is with deep sadness that the family of Donald (Dennis) MacLeod announced his passing on April 26th, 2019. Dennis was born in Helmsdale, Sutherland, Scotland, a descendant of Highlanders who were cleared from the nearby Strath of Kildonan, many of whom went on to become Manitoba’s Selkirk Settlers. Dennis was both a Canadian and a British citizen. 

After graduating from university as a chemist, Dennis began his career in the British nuclear industry. He left Scotland in 1965 and went on to become a successful businessman and entrepreneur who, from his Canadian base, conducted business in the mining industry in a dozen countries. He retired from active participation in the management of mining companies in 1995. 

Throughout his career, Dennis maintained his Scottish links as well as a keen interest in Scottish culture, political affairs and history. He focused on the contributions of the Scottish diaspora to the development of the modern world and was dedicated to strengthening , in whatever small way, the bonds between Scotland and the descendents of these people. 

Dennis loved music, poetry and art. He and his wife Glynis were the joint patrons of Feis Rois, the most successful Highland organization in Scotland devoted to preserving and teaching Highland music and song. They have also encouraged and supported the efforts of Canadian musicians in preserving the links between Scottish and North American folk music, and are well known for their generous and warm hospitality. Dennis is also the author of a number of poems, some of which have been set to music.

Among Dennis’ achievements is his project to obtain official recognition of the Highland Clearances and to commemorate the remarkable achievements of those who were cleared. His initiatives resulted in the erection of two statues of a cleared family, one in Helmsdale and the other in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In 2008, Dennis received the ‘Citizen of the Year Award’ from the St. Andrews Society of Winnipeg, which is given ‘to honour persons who have performed exemplary service to the public and thus brought honour and prestige to the Scottish community in Winnipeg and Canada.’

Dennis helped found the Department of History of the University of the Highlands and Islands in the early 2000s at Dornoch, Scotland, and provided ongoing sponsorship. In 2009, he received an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his support for the institution.

In the political field, Dennis supported the Scottish National Party. He is the co-author with Michael Russell of ‘Grasping the Thistle,’ a book portraying an independent Scotland as a Citizens’ Democracy guided by the principles of Adam Smith capitalism and modern environmental ethics and practice.

Dennis knew at an early age the anguish of losing a parent. His father was killed in battle just three weeks before the end of World War II, and he and his two siblings were raised in poverty by his widowed mother. Dennis took strength from, and never forgot, his humble beginnings. He was a self-made man, known for his integrity, generosity, his practical and shrewd business sense, his quick wit and his kindness. It didn’t take anyone long to recognize the depth of character and the brilliant mind that lay behind the unassuming demeanour and ready smile of Dennis MacLeod.

But well above all else, Dennis loved Glynis and his entire family. He was a steadfast source of support, advice and humour to all of them. His advice to his children was “Be kind.” This speaks volumes, and the kindness continues throughout his extended family. 

The following excerpt from one of Dennis’ poems, A Day at the Peats, is a glimpse into Dennis’ boyhood, when he would ride on his father’s back to collect peat for winter fuel: