DENNIS McKEE Dr.

McKEE Dr., DENNIS Dr. Donald Dennis McKee, a well-known orthodontist in San Diego and La Mesa, died peacefully on Sunday, November 4, 2012, in La Jolla, CA, after suffering from Parkinson's disease. His talent as an orthodontist, coupled with his enthusiasm and charisma, were admired by all who knew him. Dennis was born on September 20, 1935, in Superior, Wisconsin. He was a dental technician in the Army at Fort Ord in 1955 and made his way to San Diego in 1959, where obtained his BA in Zoology from San Diego State University. It was there that he met his wife, Joyce Harris McKee. In 1964 Dennis graduated with his dental degree from St. Louis University. He and Joyce moved with their first child to Long Beach, where he opened his first general dental practice. In 1971 the McKees relocated to San Francisco, where Dennis attended the University of California at San Francisco and obtained his degree in orthodontics. In 1973 the family returned to San Diego and settled in Del Cerro, where Dr. McKee practiced orthodontics for the next 30 years - creating thousands of healthy and beautiful smiles. Dennis was very active within the dental community serving as president of the San Diego Children's Dental Health Association. He was involved in many other dental and orthodontic affiliations. Dennis was a great lover of the water with waterskiing, boating, and body surfing among his favorite things to do. He was always impeccably dressed, could throw a great party, had a great sense of humor, loved jazz, and was a fabulous boss, friend, and most of all a great husband, father, and grandfather. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his three loving daughters, his son-in-law, brother, sister-in-law, and five grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2012, at 2:00 P.M. at Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 7669 Girard Ave, La Jolla, Ca 92037. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Dr. Dennis McKee to either the San Diego Children's Dental Heath Association, 1270 24th Street, San Diego, CA 92102 or Parkinson's Association of San Diego, 8555 Arrow Drive Ste 308, San Diego, CA 92123, www.Parkinsonsassociation.org.