With great sadness, we share the news of the passing of our father, husband, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Dennis Lee Hoard on Friday May 29th, 2026, at the age of 84.
Dennis was born on March 16, 1942, in Fort Frances and grew up there with his big family until he moved to Atikokan. In Atikokan, he met Rita Maria Vinck, who would become his wife; they got married in August 1963. Shortly after moving to Thunder Bay, they welcomed their first son Kevin in 1964. They began their adventures sailing on the Great Lakes where they worked on shipping vessels cooking for and taking care of the crew. They continued this work until their second son Gary was born in 1966 shortly after they relocated to Marathon. Dennis worked at the Marathon Mill until 1969 when they moved back to Thunder Bay. There, he took a job at the Thunder Bay Mill while welcoming their third child Diane.
Dennis and Rita were very resourceful and pioneers of thrifting. In 1969, they opened Bargain House where they bought and sold used furniture and various second-hand items. They found joy in discovering unique treasures both from Thunder Bay and Duluth area; then cleaned up these items before reselling them at their store. They made Thunder Bay home and welcomed their fourth child Dennis Jr., running Bargain House from 1969 to 1986.
After that time, Dennis shifted careers becoming a real estate salesperson and auctioneer. Through his real estate connections, he purchased and built several successful properties. He enjoyed a long career as a landlord before finally retiring in 2022 when he sold his last apartment buildings.
Dennis had many hobbies like boating, fishing, playing guitar, and working on his beloved 1964 Corvette. He loved entertaining family and friends by playing music and singing. His favorite artist was Elvis Presley-Dennis felt happiest performing an Elvis song for those he loved.
Dennis is survived by his wife Rita; children Kevin Lee Hoard (Julie), Gary William Hoard (Stasia), Diane Lynn Hoard, Dennis James Hoard (Patricia); grandchildren Stefan, Alina, Livia, Kaleb and Brennan; siblings Cindy Stuart (Ron), David Hoard (Danila), Lynn Hoard (Darlene), Stan Hoard (Linda); sister-in-law Darlene Hoard; along with many nieces and nephews plus other relatives.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents Helen and William Hoard; brothers Dale and Ken Hoard; sisters Bonnie and Phyllis Hoard.
A graveside service will take place on Friday June 12th at 2:30 PM at Riverside Cemetery located at 800 Oliver Rd., Section 50. A Sargent & Son Funeral Home hearse will be present at Riverside Cemetery starting at 2:30 PM to guide vehicles in for the service. Reception will follow at 1381 Piccard Ave. Instead of flowers please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Society to support families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Online condolences can be expressed at www. sargentandson. com.
