Dennis Zanardo, a man who not only built hundreds of homes in Wasaga Beach but invested in its community infrastructure, died Dec. 19 following what family members say was a short and courageous six-week battle with liver cancer.

He was 51.

Marilyn Ruttan, his companion for much of the last 12 years, said that during his fight with cancer he was always optimistic about the outcome.

Ruttan said Zanardo, a Brampton native who enjoyed some success as a high school basketball player before entering the family business, will be missed.

"He was definitely loved," she said.

Wasaga Beach mayor Cal Paterson remembers Zanardo as a close friend.

"I think his character is what will be remembered," he said.

"Dennis was one of those larger than life guys."

Patterson said that Zanardo, a jovial six-foot, four-inch man, loved Wasaga Beach and its people.

The mayor added that Zanardo, who owned part of Zancor Homes, was always trying to find a way to better the community.

"Dennis felt he could never do enough," Patterson said.

His touch can be found in countless places around town. For example, Patterson said that Zanardo donated the landscaping for the new library when it opened about 10 years ago.

As well, he donated the building in which the Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce is now located.

Zanardo also donated the brick canteen building at the Wasaga Beach Sports Park and was a big financial contributor each year to the Carly Paterson Memorial Golf Tournament.

"There are so many things Dennis did for Wasaga Beach," Patterson said.

His generosity extended beyond the Beach. Zanardo also gave financially to Collingwood hospital. His 22-year-old daughter, Carly, died from Hodgkins Disease in 1998.

Former mayor Walter Borthwick also spoke fondly of Zanardo. He said their relationship started off professionally about 15 years ago, but added it quickly developed into a friendship.

"Dennis was such a warm and generous individual," Borthwick said. "I'm sure to some, that because he was a big fellow who worked in construction, he seemed a bit rough around the edges but he was a very good man."