Denise Maurice  M.Sc., P.Ag.

Colleagues and friends of our mother, Denise Maurice: With great gratitude we would like to thank you for all the support in this time of unbelievable sadness. We knew her as our beautiful, caring mother who would do anything in the world to show her love for us. Because she was so committed to our happiness and well being it was hard to tell what tremendous impact she had on others as well. Like the sun to an open field, her light touched many. We were pleased to realize this over the course of these devastating days. It brings great comfort hearing of stories, inside jokes, awards and all of the special times in between. We needed it. The memories of her will always remain with lasting energy, passion and positivity. From the bottom of our hearts, Thank you!
 

Evan and Elyse Hanec

We invite you to celebrate the life of a remarkable woman by sending your comments and memories to deniseinmemoriam@canolacouncil.org so that we can share them on this page.

I remember meeting Denise for the first time at a U.S. Canola Association meeting. She was a force! Her bubbly personality and enthusiastic presentation made an impact on everyone. I always enjoyed seeing her at industry meetings and shared the respect held for her by the agricultural community at large. Her passing is a great loss but she will be remembered as a vibrant woman and outstanding contributor to the field of agronomy.

Angela Dansby
Communications Manager, CanolaInfo, and Director of Communications, U.S. Canola Association

My deepest sympathies to Denise’s family and friends.

I met Denise in 1985 when I began work as a summer student with Alberta Agriculture. Denise was quick to make me feel part of the Crop Protection Branch Team. I remember that she was quick to smile and provide encouragement, you knew that she loved her work. Denise inspired you to be the best you could be. She was the example of the best in the field, she set the bar.

James Calpas Ph.D., P.Ag.
Branch Head, Crop Business Development Branch
General Manager, Alberta Grains Council
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development

I had the pleasure and privilege of being a colleague of Denise’s at Alberta Agriculture many years ago. She was a warm and generous woman whose smile could light up a room. She might have dealt with weeds, but she was always a ray of sunshine.

Denise you will be sorely missed but you will live on in our hearts and our memories, and through your beautiful children.
 

Brenda, Jim, Ryan & Lara Kemp

Denise had a true kindness and energy that I admired. Her passion for agriculture will never be replaced. The Ag industry has lost one of it's True Champions. Condolences to Denise's family during this extremely difficult time.
 
Trevor Nysetvold
President, BioVision Seed Labs

I only got to interact with Denise infrequently at ECW meetings and airport lounges but realized when first meeting her what a very bright and always cheerful women she was. She seemed to love everybody and everyone loved her. A truly sad loss.
 

It is so sad when this world loses a bright shining light that has touched so many hearts. Since the day we met, to work as summer students for Elmer Stobbe at the old Graysville Research Farm in 1976, she has been a life friend. Denise has always been a positive force to admire and respect. Her contributions to western Canadian agronomy and her inspiration to agronomists is remarkable. Now an angel in heaven, the twinkle in her eye just got brighter, and she will continue to shake up this place. It was a privilege to know her. She will be missed by many. My sincere condolences to Denise’s family and friends.

Denise always excelled in her work in agriculture.Ever since her graduate student days she always put in 150%. I've also known Denise from another perspective. She was a very loving mother. She was always present and fully supportive of Evan and Elyse. She was generous and caring. Denise you will be sadly missed.
 

Bill Hanec

I was driving to Red Deer when I heard the news and driving along I could not look at the prairie landscape and the fields of stubble without thinking that Denise had travelled these same roads and visited so many of these fields, and so few she'd not had an agronomic impact on in some way. Her contributions to this industry were truly amazing.

And I feel blessed to have had her as a colleague and friend throughout my career. My deepest condolences to her family and to her many friends and colleagues.

The energy level in heaven just went up 20%, and I'd like to think there's a little patch of weeds growing up there where none grew before.

Malcolm Devine
Saskatoon

We were deeply saddened to hear the news of Denise's passing.

I read here so many, many wonderful remembrances of Denise. What an incredible woman that touched, helped and impacted so many people, all the way along her journey. My impression of Denise is that she lived and loved, 100%, every day of her life. I remember standing in a field with her and hearing her say "How lucky am I to have the best job in the world? I love my job, every day of it!" Denise was always great to make time in her busy schedule to come out and share with our Ontario growers or help in any way she could. We would like to offer our condolences to Denise’s children and mother, Denise's many friends and the Canola Council of Canada. Though the loss is heavy today, how fortunate we all are to have been blessed with the opportunity to experience such a wonderful woman.
 

There goes the unidentified weeds in heaven!  
 
Don Boles 

I was deeply saddened last week when I heard the news that one of our great Agronomy leaders in Western Canada had passed.

It was quite a shock for the Ontario Canola Industry to receive word of Denise’s untimely passing . We were fortunate to have her visit us on a few occasions as a guest speaker at our Annual Meeting and as an Agronomist during our Crop Production Day. Our growers were eager to hear her take on issues of the day in the Canola Industry and enjoyed the opportunity to question someone “ in the know “ firsthand ! Her enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge will be greatly missed by the entire Canadian Canola Industry.

My condolences go out to Denise`s family, friends, and colleagues. I know words cannot express how you must feel at this time of sadness and sorrow. Denise was someone special, her smile, great wit, passion for agriculture and life was unsurpassed. I was lucky enough to learn from Denise in many of her training sessions with AWP, Agricore, and AU. She was someone that truly cared , she will be missed.

Fred Redhead 

It is with a heavy heart that I write this note in memory of my friend, Denise Maurice.

On behalf of the Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen, I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Denise’s children, her friends and many, many bereaved co-workers & colleagues.

I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Denise. She always brought energy and passion to the job and the room seemed to brighten when she walked in. We have lost a good friend and colleague away to early. Denise has certainly left this world a better place for being here.

Denise Maurice was an amazing woman with an incredible gift. There are few people in our industry, or in this world, that leave such an unforgettable impression on the people they meet.

I had known Denise from her initial time working with Dr. Ian Morrison at the University of Manitoba. Years later, when Ian passed unexpectedly, Denise was part of the small group of former graduate students and colleagues who immediately fundraised to establish a graduate award in his name at the University. When she returned to Manitoba to join the Canola Council, she again became involved with the Plant Science Department and the education of future agronomists and weed scientists through her willing participation on graduate student advisory committees. She not only brought her signature enthusiasm but also her knowledge, practicality and a good deal of sensitivity for the students. Anyone who has known Denise will have experienced the warmth of her welcoming smile.

To the family, your Mom was a wonderful person who we will all deeply miss.

Murray Ballance (Retired Professor and Former Head)
Department of Plant Science, University of Manitoba

Having the chance to travel with Denise just a couple of weeks ago, I was again amazed by her passion, commitment and energy. Dropping everything to help out with “an issue” in Saskatchewan, she jumped on a 5:00 am flight to meet all day then back on a late night flight to resume a meeting already in progress. From the first time I met her as a member of Ian Morrison’s weed crew until the diner I had the great pleasure of sharing with her just recently , she was always a truly inspirational individual.

I first met Denise in 1977 when we were both at the University of Manitoba. We had many enjoyable conversations while driving daily to the Carmen research farm and have been friends ever since. Denise had a huge impact on agriculture in western Canada and she will be missed by everyone. Her family can be very proud of her achievements.

Bob Blackshaw
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

I believe that when we lose someone close to us, like Denise, they still live through us and give us strength. Denise has done so much for agriculture. She will be always be with us. My prayers and thoughts are with her family, friends and co-workers.
 

I had the pleasure of both working with Denise at Agricore United, and working for Denise when she managed research plots for Dr. Morrison at the U. of M.

Her passion and enthusiasm were inspirational. She will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.

Murray Stow, AAFC

I worked closely with Denise for several years while we were both at Westco creating software products aimed at the agricultural industry. She had the unique ability to communicate complicated agricultural issues into layman's terms so that even I could understand. She would even take me out on field trips to directly meet farmers so that I could see and hear first hand some of the issues of the day. Her superior technical knowledge was surpassed only by her enthusiasm and encouragement which made everyone around her better at what they did. Denise will be sorely missed.

Gary Brasco
IT Manager, Viterra

Elise and family,

It is with heavy heart and great sadness that we learned of your mom’s passing.

We have some extremely fond memories of her and her warm and caring personality. We had many talks during those soccer games or tournaments. Rooming with your mom on a few occasions allowed us to understand her passion for her work and her children.

May she rest in peace and hopefully you will move forward with the fond memories that she has left behind.

Our sincerest regards,

Jackie, Jan and Al Leach

Although I had met Denise before, I actually got to know her when we shared a common cubicle divide at Alberta Agriculture's Crop Protection Branch in the late 1980’s. That was a divide we often chatted over so it comes as a shock that those conversations which have carried on for over two decades have now come to an end. My thoughts and sympathies go out to all of her family at this difficult time.

Robert Hornford
Winnipeg

My sincerest condolences to Denise's family in this time of loss.

I was shocked and saddened to hear of the untimely passing of our colleague and friend Denise. Her infectious smile, happy demeanor, and interest in everyone will be missed. Denise was always ready to hear about your projects and provide help where needed. She will be greatly missed by all.
My condolences to her family and friends.

Jerry A. Ivany PhD, P Ag.
Research Scientist, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada

Denise was truly an outstanding leader in our industry. All the contributors cite her passion, enthusiasm and great ability to connect with her audience, colleagues and friends. It is a huge loss to agriculture in Canada and a greater loss for her family at this time. I am so sorry that you have lost Denise, she brightened the room by her presence. May your memories and the condolences of friends make this difficult time slightly easier to bear.

Denise was a gem.

Sincerely, Catherine Folkersen
SaskCanola

Always had the time & the relentless drive to lend an ear and a hand to support the advancement of agriculture and the work and friendships of those around her.

Thoughts and prayers to her family and friends in this time of deep reflection.

Grant Ozipko

Syngenta.

Shock and sadness both hit me as I heard the news from mutual friends on Thursday. Denise was of course a brilliant and gifted person, but we all know that. She also became a beloved friend to many of us. There was never a time after being with Denise that we parted without her leaving me excited about weeds, agriculture, family or future. Rest well dear friend, you will be missed by all.

I was very shocked and saddened to hear of Denice's passing. She was always so full of life and energy. She was a great inspiration to me, and we talked about kids and family as much as we talked about agronomy and science. I cherish those talks and I will miss her positive and happy spirit.
 

Fran Walley, P.Ag.
Professor, Dept. Soil Science, Univ. of Saskatchewan

There is a common phrase that everyone is replaceable.

I'm very shocked and saddened at the news of Denise's passing as we all are. Having read the numerous condolences it's obvious that Denise touched a lot of lives in such a profound way. I admired her energy and you knew from listening to her speak that she wore her heart on her sleeve for her love of agriculture and the people involved. We will all miss you.

Regards,
Lyle Drew, P.Ag. SR. FIELD BIOLOGIST, Research & Commercial Development, Crop Protection,
BASF Canada  

I am very saddened to hear the news! What a tragic loss for agriculture in Canada. Denise was an inspiration to everyone she interacted with. Farmers and industry listened to her, and she motivated us all to embrace different ideas.

I will miss her energetic presentations, and the passion she shared on so many topics. Denise was a mentor to many, especially women just starting their careers like myself in agriculture. My deepest sympathies go out to her family and close friends. She will be missed and remembered as a woman who loved, lived and made a difference to everyone she met.

Holly L. Nicoll
Customer Marketing Manager, Western Canada, Syngenta

I first met Denise at her job interview with Alberta Agriculture's Crop Protection Branch in 1982. After that interview there was no doubt in my mind that she was an outstanding person and the candidate we needed to hire. She never disappointed and performed her duties well beyond even the highest expectations. Denise was a person who just "took off", charmed everyone, and had an enormous intellect and energy.

Keith Price P.Ag
Retired
Head , Crop Protection Branch

I was shocked and deeeply saddened at the new of Denise's passing. I had the great pleasure to work with Denise at Agricore United and I will always fondly remember her vibrant spirit and caring attitude and the enormous contributions she made to the farming inustry. Once in a great long while one encounters someone who is so deeply passionate and dynamic about their chosen field and Denise was certainly the epitome of that concept. She will be sorrowly missed and her legacy will live on through those who knew her.

My sincerest condolences to Denise's family in this time of loss.

Derek Ott
Richardson Pioneer Ltd.

We are deeply sadened and sorry to hear that Denise passed away. Denise was dedicated and compassionate about her work along with a comforting spirit. Denise getting to know you has been a ever widening blessing for us. We will miss you.

It's difficult for us to express what a profound effect Denise had on our careers and lives over the last 18 years.

Her enthusiasm, knowledge and willingness to mentor young people entering the field was unsurpassed. Even with her busy schedule, she somehow always managed to make the time to give you sound agronomic and career advise.

Denise was the embodiment of passion for agriculture. She loved what she did and she did what she loved. She was the Heart of Western Canadian Agriculture and a true role model for women in agriculture. She was a no nonsense, down to earth, outspoken, dedicated, people friendly and knowledgeable agrologist who had the ability to make everyone in the room excited about whatever subject she was presenting.

Denise you were one of a kind and will be dearly missed. You will never be forgotten by all of us that you touched. May you rest in peace old friend.

Camille Ducharme, PAg
Rangeland Manager
Sustainable Resource Development

Scott Schaffert, PAg, CCA
Key Account Manager
United Farmers of Alberta

We are both deeply saddened with Denise passing away, loss of a true leader in agriculture and truly one of the best.

Kris and Norm Standish 

It was a sad moment when I heard that Denise had passed away. She was always so kind and friendly to other people. I always admired her enthusiasm and expertise in weed science. She really contributed to the advancement of agriculture in western Canada. She will be missed by us all. I'm grateful to have worked with her and considered her a friend.

Tom Jensen
Northern Great Plains Director, International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI)

I am saddened by the sudden passing of Denise. I have known Denise since 1982 when she joined Alberta Agriculture. She brought enthusiasm to the job and no challenges were too great. She was a very caring person and I am blessed to have worked with her. She was always someone you can count on. Sincere condolences to her children and family.

Shaffeek Ali, P.Ag.

What a truly significant role model and trail blazer for woman in agriculture. Thank-you Denise, for being so inspirational to me and countless others.

Trish Meyers

I met Denise Maurice through my association with the Canadian Weed Science Society. She was a wonderful person. Denise had good ideas that made positive changes to the organization and she left a lasting impression. I will always be grateful for having known her. My condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.

Victoria Brookes
Research Biologist, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Denise had an energy about her that was immensely contagious. She brightened every room she spoke in with her enthusiasm and her sparkle. Denise was also very committed to training the new generation of agriculturists – she never hesitated to make guest lecture presentations to our university students even though she had to drive from Calgary to Edmonton very early in the morning to get here in time for class at 8 am. Denise exemplified the very best in Canadian agriculture, and we will all miss her greatly. My sincere sympathy to her family at this time.

Lloyd Dosdall
University of Alberta

Words cannot adequately express the magnitude of loss and sadness I felt when I heard of Denise’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, colleagues and friends

Neil Harker
Weedy Colleague

We have lost a true leader. Thank you Denise, you demonstrated what incredible passion can accomplish, you made a difference.

Susan Groeneveld

I first met Denise in the spring of 1979 at the Graysville Research Station where I was an Agronomy summer student, and she was Ian Morrison's technician. I was immediately smitten with this vivacious, beautiful and personable woman. Over the summer, I gained respect and admiration for her knowledge and skill in agriculture and people management. At the end of the summer, it was Denise that I went to for guidance on and assessment of my career plans. Her advice served me well through the years.

Since then, I always looked forward to her beaming smile and warm hugs whenever our paths should meet. Her sense of humour and her genuine interest in the well-being of her co-workers, past and current, always meant that Denise was in the midst of a lively jovial group of friends. Her insight into Canada's agriculture industry has been of value to many of us.

I know as those of us who counted her as a friend meet over the next few days and months, we will remember Denise's passing with heavy hearts. However I also know that it will not be long before our conversations will brighten with smiles and laughter as we recall all the joy that she brought to our lives, and the memories of the good times that she has left with us.

My deepest sympathies to her family, friends and co-workers.

Brent Wright
President, ICMS Inc.

I am so saddened by this news, and will greatly miss Denise's enthusiasm and warm spirit. It was always a pleasure working with Denise and her commitment to her family and to her work was inspiring. This is a great loss to so many, and my heartfelt condolences to Denise's family.

Sharon Barker

I met Denise for the first time just this past September in the Winnipeg CCC head office. Dynamic, engaging, interested, enthusiastic, warm....these are a few of the characteristics I would use to describe her from that meeting. Her sudden passing is a huge loss for our industry. I pass my thoughts and condolences to family and friends.

Dave Kloppenburg
Launch manager, DuPont Crop Protection

Denise was the living definition of extension. She had the ability to present complex science in a manner that had every farmer in the audience nodding with understanding.

Getting Denise on the agenda of your event guaranteed a good turnout and great evaluations. I had the opportunity to introduce her many times. Looking back, it wasn't as much introducing Denise as it was launching Denise.

I always enjoyed trying to make her blush by introducing her as a living-legend.

Her life may have ended, but her legend will live on in the hearts of the entire agriculture community.

Rick Taillieu
Alberta Canola Producers

Denise brightened every room she entered, and every life she touched. I'm priveleged to have been her friend, and am better for it.
 

Tom Wolf
Spray Technology Agronomist, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada

Denise’s friendship, enthusiasm, and expertise will be missed. She was a truly great person.
 
Doug Derksen
Brandon MB

It's hard to fathom that someone with so much energy and enthusiasm is no longer with us. I will always remember Denise for her unfailingly positive spirit. Her eyes lit up when we talked about two things, her work and her children. She will be greatly missed. My personal condolences as well as those from all of my colleagues at Farm Business Communications to her coworkers, family and friends.
 

Lynda Tityk
Director of Sales & Circulation, Farm Business Communications

I would like to express my deepest sympathies to Denise's family and friends on her very untimely passing.
I first met Denise almost 30 years ago when she worked for Alberta Agriculture. She was so committed and engaged in her work way back then. I had the pleasure of seeing here do a presentation at CSTA last week and to have a private discussion with here afterwards and she still had that same enthusiasm and engagement.
Denise was a true professional and the whole agriculture industry has lost a key member of our profession. We will all miss you Denise.
 
Rod Merryweather P.Ag
NA Director, Seeds and Traits Operations, Oilseeds
Bayer CropScience

It is hard to believe the news. Denise a good colleague and friend over the last 30 years back to the University of Manitoba Graduate studies. She had dedicated her life to science and helping the Agriculture community in Canada. We are very proud of her achievements and accomplishments in the various positions that she had occupied over the years. Denis will be missed by all of us. Sincere condolences to her children, family and colleagues.

Respectfully

Khalid Y. Rashid, AAFC, Morden, Manitoba

Denise was a wonderful person. I was fortunate to have been a colleague of hers when we worked together at Westco and at Agricore United. It was a privilege to be part of some amazing initiatives that were accomplished because of her unwavering energy and vision. Her contribution to agriculture will forever be remembered and she will be sadly missed.

Words cannot express the loss of Denise, an industry leader. My condolences to her children, family, friends and colleagues.

Dan Mulder
Vice President, Retail Sales, BrettYoung

My thoughts and prayers go out to Denise’s family. Since our days at the University of Manitoba, I have been blessed with Denise’s friendship in sharing thoughts and stories of family, parents, career paths and aging. I admired Denise for her brilliance, her energy and her passion for every minute of every day. She holds a special place in my heart and I will think of her often. She will be missed and remembered. Rest in peace Denise.

Iris Meck
Iris Meck Communications

I was extremely saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend Denise. I first met Denise 35 years ago when she and I were summer students working at the University of Manitoba research station in Graysville. She was such a fun loving, warm and caring person then, and those wonderful qualities always remained within her core values. She was truly one in a million. I will surely miss my good friend Denise.

 
Larry Taylor
President, Technology Focus Inc.

I’ve known and worked with Denise for 22 years and I will miss her. Here are just a few fond memories. Everyone knew how dynamic and knowledgeable a speaker she was. When we both worked for Alberta Ag she was often slotted into the speaker’s slot just after lunch at meetings because we knew she could easily keep the audience awake! When training Agricore United field scouts, we had picked a field full of weeds to test the scouts’ weed identification and scouting skills. Denise hadn’t seen the field before. When she came out of the bus she was so excited to see the weeds her eyes bulged and her voice raised with excitement and delight! She was very pro-active with her ideas, but at the same time was open to others adding input to those ideas. We often talked about our respective children. I know her family was very precious to her. My prayers are with family members who have lost someone much more dear than a colleague.

Brent Flaten P.Ag. CCA
Integrated Pest Management Specialist
Agriculture Knowledge Centre
Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture

Denise, to me , will always be remembered as an icon in the crop protection industry. Her knowledge, dedication, passion and enthusiasm were inspiring to all. She was a dynamic speaker, and I always looked forwarded to her presentations whether it be at a conference or at diagnostic school...she always kept your attention. Denise was an excellent resource and will be truly missed! My deepest sympathy to her family, friends and colleagues.

Sonia J. Matichuk, P.Ag.
Senior Sales Territory Manager
E. I. duPont Canada Company

I was shocked when I heard the news yesterday. I just met her last Friday in Regina and still can’t believe that she is no more.

I greatly enjoyed working with Denise. I always admired her dedication, positive attitude and enthusiasm to achieve things she wanted to accomplish.

There is no doubt that the Canadian canola industry is going to miss such a great personality.

My Deepest sympathy to her family and colleagues.

Venkata Vakulabharanam
Saskatchewan Agriculture

Denise, your fellow weed scientists, be they in Canada, the US or further afield mourn the lose of such a vibrant, caring friend. You contributed greatly to the success of the Canadian Weed Science Society, especially during your 2005 tenure as President.

You ensured that your extensive background in weed science was directed towards increasing the production of crops in Western Canada. You were the farmers friend and for your weed scientist colleagues you challenged us, and with your ever present smile you typically won us over to the perspective you were trying to get across.

Denise you will be missed. We all have special memories of you, though you were on earth for just awhile, your memory will never leave us.

Memories Carry Us Through, As The Angels Have Carried You

Bill Summers, President of the Canadian Weed Science Society

To me, Denise represents so much of what is good in our Canadian Weed Science Society. I’ll never forget first witnessing her unbridled enthusiasm as she welcomed us to one of my first CWSS meetings in Banff that she had organized as the local arrangements chair. Over the years I personally benefitted from this as she encouraged me and even asked me to think about running for the CWSS executive – which has since happened.

We are truly blessed to have known her. It is a sad time indeed, but I can just picture her counseling us to remember the good times and to continue her work towards the good of agriculture, the environment and humanity.

David Clements
Vice-President, Canadian Weed Science Society

After Denise won the FarmTech award for her contribution to agriculture in Alberta, I, as the contact person, received in the mail a very gracious, from the heart, hand written card of appreciation from her. That award meant a lot to Denise, for her to be honored by the people she had helped all those years was special.

No one who ever met her will forget the knowledge and, especially, the enthusiasm Denise had for agriculture and, indeed, for people in general.

On a long flight from Germany yesterday, not aware of Denise, one of the songs I listened to was by Michael Jackson, "Gone Too Soon".

Wow.

Rest in Peace Denise.

Don Boles, a farmer and a person enriched by Denise.

I was shocked and saddened yesterday when I heard the news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Denise's family.
 

I worked with Denise for a number of years, first with Westco and then with Viterra. Denise and I found that when we sat down to talk, creative sparks seemed to develop. We had many a discussion and many great ideas came out of these. I will truly miss those discussions.

In 1991 I was fresh out of grad school and moved to Alberta. Denise hired me and I worked for her on a Toadflax project for almost 3 years. She was a great mentor and I marvelled at how she could pull slides, seemingly at random, and still put together an exceptional presentation. The slides were secondary. She was always the show. She was the provincial weed specialist at that time and was in high demand. As soon she hung up the phone it would instantly ring again. Even though I shared a cubicle next to her, the best way to get her attention was to phone her. This made her laugh. In late 1994 I was hired on as a Crop Specialist with Alberta which was a big break for my Career. To make a long story short it was Denise's influence that gave me that break. She positively influenced the course of my career and life. I am glad to have know her.

The agronomy research community in Western Canada will miss Denise’s energy, dedication and friendship.

She was truly an incredible person and a good friend. It was always a pleasure for me to work with her on projects.

She will be sadly missed.

My heart goes out to her children Elise and Evan and to her immediate and extended family.

May she rest in peace...

Guy P. Lafond
Production Systems Agronomist, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

I am deeply saddened by the news today; our industry will miss this special person for a very long time. I met Denise in 1989 on a field tour where she spoke on agronomy, and I was smitten by her passion and dedication for her work, but most of all her joie de vivre. I was very fortunate to meet up with her several years later when we were both Research Committee members with the Alberta Pulse Growers for a time. Again we lost touch for a while only to meet up a year ago at a Canola Council meeting learning that she had recently taken the position of Vice President of Crop Production. I was thrilled! This strong woman was embarking on a long and exciting career ahead of her, and she was much too young to be taken from us so suddenly; I will miss her dearly because she was so inspiring, a gregarious gal and a good pal to many of us.

My heart and thoughts go out to her mother and her two daughters. ”The heavens have a new bright star tonight”

Sarah Foster R.S.T.
20/20 Seed Labs Inc.

I was saddened today to hear of the passing of a great friend and colleague Denise Maurice. I had the pleasure of working with Denise at Agricore United and in the Corporate Affairs team at Viterra. I will always remember her trademark laugh, her enthusiasm for all manner of weeds and her absolute passion for her work. Denise, you touched many lives and left us far too soon. We miss you already.

Tom Steve
Viterra

I have known and worked with Denise for more than a couple of decades. She was always a pleasure to work with as she was very knowledgeable and easy to get along with. I have many fond memories of working with her at the Ellerslie Diagnostic Schools that she and her colleagues established and planned every year. She could clearly articulate and extend even the most complex agronomic information and agronomists and producers who attended loved her presentations. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and colleagues.

Phil Thomas PAg, MSc
BrassicaCorp Ltd

I am really saddened by this tragic news. I had the pleasure of working with Denise on quite a few projects. She was an excellent agronomist and had the gift of transferring technical information into easy to understand language. She was conscientious and had a knack of changing road blocks into stepping stones. I will miss her dearly. She always made time for people no matter how busy she was, and she would also go out of her way to help farmers solve their crop production problems. Her loss is a great one for her family, and it’s also a loss for all her knew her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this sad time.
 

It is with shock and sadness that the news hit me today! It was less than a week ago that we were at a meeting together and Denise was her usual energetic and passionate self. It makes a person think how precious life is and how sadly quick it can end. Denise will be missed by our industry, all the best to her family, friends and co-workers our prayers are with you.

This is truly a tough day on Canadian agriculture and more importantly on Denise’s family. Denise was one of the most respected professionals in the field. Passion is almost an understatement for her commitment to the industry. I don’t think there is a word or words that can truly describe the impact she has made on production agriculture in Canada. We will not fully understand her contribution for years to come.

Condolences to all the people in Denise’s life.

Ben Graham
AdFarm

Denise will be missed not only for her engagement, passion and knowledge of agriculture but also for her immense generosity and compassion as a person. She leaves an extraordinary legacy to Canadian agriculture in general and Canola in particular.

All our deep condolences to her family, her friends and colleagues of the Canola Council of Canada.

K.BELIAZI
Bayer CropScience Canada

Denise was one of the most respected people when it came to the business of agronomy. Her knowledge of weed control was unsurpassed.

I had the pleasure of learning from her when we both worked for Agricore United. When I was a young agronomist she taught me some of the most important principles of weed control. These very principles I use today in my career and on my farm.

Aaron Bouchard
Syngenta Crop Protection

A life well lived, indeed.

As a reporter in the agricultural media, you had to have the batteries in the tape recorder charged when you interviewed Denise, because there was no way short-hand writing on a notepad would keep up with her. Her energy, knowledge, passion and dedication to agriculture was well known and widely respected. But most of all, she was a great person.

Best regards to her family, friends and colleagues.

Bruce Barker
HayWire Creative 

Did anyone have more fun on the job than Denise? Her technical knowledge was unsurpassed. Her vivacity was a pleasure to be around. Her ability to help producers improve crop production systems was legendary. On top of all that, she was simply a wonderful person. A life well lived - that we should all be so lucky.

With kindest regards for the family,

Ellen Flookes

Denise exemplified a tremendous amount of energy and passion for Agriculture.

The work that she accomplished always in a teamwork spirit, with such optimism and conviction has improved the canola industry. We will miss her.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Franck Groeneweg
Canola Performance Trial Committee Chair

Denise will always be remembered for her passion for Agriculture, for her knowledge and wisdom shared so generously with so many. She had an extraordinary level of energy and professionalism and was an inspiration to many of us.

With our deep condolences to her family, friends and the Canola Council of Canada,

Priscila Vansetti
E.I. du Pont Canada Company

Denise was one of the most loveliest woman I ever met. She loved her two children Evan and Elyse more than anything else in the world. She was my good friend for over 25 years. She will be greatly missed.

My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this most difficult time.

Debbie Wallace 

To our dear friends at the Council, family of Denise and industry colleagues:
 

We are deeply saddened by the loss of our very dear respected friend and colleague. Words cannot fully express our sadness at this time. Denise inspired us in so many ways through her ability to connect with everyone. Her dedication to family, staff and colleagues, friends and industry; always putting others before herself. Her brilliance shone through her intellect and vision for the big picture in the industry. She is forever memorable, forever missed. One in a million, we are privileged and thankful to have known her and to call her a friend.

With deep sadness and condolences,

Laurel and Bob Hyde and Patti McNabb