September 18, 1953 - September 6, 2006
We did not know that morning God was going to call your name, In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. Lake Chelan, Washington It broke our hearts to lose you but you did not go alone, For part of us went with you the day God called you home. September 6, 2006 Gary was born September 18, 1953, in Richland, Washington, to Otis W. and Mildred Hollick Dennis. During his teens, one of the things he enjoyed most was fixing up and racing dirt bikes. He graduated from Richland High School in 1971 and soon thereafter joined the United States Navy, honorably serving until 1980. Upon his return to the Tri-Cities, he began his career with Battelle/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, where, over a 26-year period, he was involved in all phases of laboratory management, including logistical planning, cost accounting, system design, program coordination and test scheduling, supervisory management, and public outreach. During this time, and among other notable achievements, Gary served on the Richland Housing Authority Board, received his Associate's Degree in Business, and was pursuing a Bachelor's in Business from Washington State University. Gary's greatest passion was the water oceans, lakes, streams, and rivers. Somehow - though not surprising to those who knew him well Gary was able to match that passion with his work. He was the Research Operations Manager at the Battelle Marine Sciences Laboratory in Sequim, Washington, with responsibility for the wet labs and research boats. Just this year, Gary assisted in developing the specifications for and providing oversight during the purchase of a new Marine Biology research vessel. He spent many weeks each year piloting Battelle's research vessels and executing various research projects at the mouth of the Columbia River, in the Straits of Juan de Fuca, Puget Sound, as well as on the Upper Columbia River in this area. Gary recently, and with great pride, received his '6-Pack' License from the United States Coast Guard. At work and at play, Gary was always on or around the water. He was brilliant at all he loved to do, especially in his profession, and took great pride in all of his work. You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide, And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Gary will always be remembered as possessing a quick wit - always able to make the heaviest moment lighter and the dreariest day brighter. Claiming his right as the official Captain of his vessels, he christened the new Marine Biology boat, in his typical Gary humor, 'Desdemona' knowing that all mariners curse that dangerous sandbar at the mouth of the Columbia! Gary's fabulous smile will never be forgotten his great laugh will ring on in our hearts and memories. And who could ever forget the Gary swagger? He was always there for anyone who needed him never asking for anything in return. Gary, in simply being himself, was the true definition of a friend. His morning walks with Sadie, his daily conversations with his brother, and his goodnight kisses to Lori are all irreplaceable. Those of us who are left at the shore, awaiting the time we will join him onboard again include Lori, his beloved soul mate, first mate and wife; son Billy and wife Teresa Brown; beautiful grandchildren, Elijah Brown and Malia Brown; father and stepmother, Otis W. and Elsie Dennis; brother and wife, Rick and Allyson Dennis;' 'second' mom, Natalie Hobbs; very special friends, Obie and Judy Amacker and Dick and Trudy Ecker; and his special dog baby, Sadie. Gary was so beloved by so many if you count yourself as one of those friends know that Gary treasured his special times with you. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same, But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again. His mother, Mildred Hollick Dennis and his special pet babies, Melba, Ming and ChiChi, were there to greet Gary on the other side's dock, and welcomed him into Eternal Life. Gary is now cruising forever on the bluest, purest waters one can only imagine with the perfect breeze at his back and the perfect sky above him. If Tears Could Build A Stairway If tears could build a stairway and thoughts a memory lane, We'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. No farewell words were spoken. No time to say good-bye. . . You were gone before we knew it And only God knows why. Our hearts still ache in sadness And secret tears still flow. . . What it meant to lose you No one can ever know. But now we know you want us To mourn for you no more To remember all the happy times Life still has so much in store. You will never be forgotten We pledge to you today. . . A hallowed place within our hearts Is where you'll always stay. God knows why with chilling touch Death gathers those we love so much. , , And what now seems so strange and dim Will all be clear when we meet Him, We knew you but a Moment. Memorial services will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2006, at 2 p.m. at the Richland Lutheran Church, 901 Van Giesen, Richland, WA. After the services, a reception will be held at the Richland Yacht Club, 350 Columbia Point Drive, Richland, WA. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Gary's memory to the Benton-Franklin Humane Society, 8620 W. Gage Blvd., Kennewick, WA, or to the Columbia Basin Dive Rescue, 1960 Butler Loop, Richland, WA or to any charitable organization of your choice. Gary's family would love to read your treasured remembrances of him please go online at info@einansfuneralhome.com (Gary Dennis) and add your thoughts. Thank you.