Dennis Cathey
February 22, 1950 - January 18, 2023
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and treasured friend Dennis W. Cathey passed away peacefully at home on January 18, 2023. He was surrounded by his wife and children. He remained positive and courageous until his very last breath. He was 72 years young.
Dennis was born on February 22, 1950 in Richmond, California to Margaret Jean Cathey and Henry Floyd Cathey. He attended San Jose State University and the University of Phoenix earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Information Systems. He worked as a software and hardware technical writer in the medical and biotechnical industries for more than 30 years.
Dennis is survived and dearly missed by his loving wife of 45 years, Cindy Mellin Cathey; his adoring children Jordan Michael Cathey (Jessica Crispi Cathey) and Jillian Cathey Botkin (Charles Benjamin Botkin); his grandchildren Raya Jordyn Cathey (5), Cruz Michael Cathey (3), Madeleine Gray Botkin (3) and Eliana Catherine Botkin (1); his brother Malley Cathey; his brothers and sisters in-law Randall Mellin, Christina Crede Mellin, Jerry Mellin, Debbie Mellin, Cathy Cathey, Marianne Cathey, and his many, many loving nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his parents and his brother Steve Cathey.
Without question, Dennis was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His family was the most important part of his life and brought him love, laughter, adventure, and great pride. His family meant everything to him. He was a perfect role model for what a father should be.
Dennis had an incredible zest for life and a great sense of humor and wit. Up until his last moments, he could tell a joke or crazy story that had us all laughing. He was a remarkable, loving man. We often said that he should have been a stand-up comedian.
Dennis devoted his life to exercise and fitness, no matter how hard it was to fit in to his busy schedule. He was a founding member of a small cycling group that started in the Montclair neighborhood in Oakland and evolved into the Veloraptors Cycling Club of about 100 members. The club of fellow cyclists was his community, through which he formed many long-lasting friendships.
Another passion of Dennis' was cars – old cars, classic cars-- most any car. He used his passion for cars to help many family members and friends buy and sell their cars. He could talk about cars all day, any day.
Dennis loved to travel and felt fortunate to travel internationally with dear friends to places like Italy, Croatia, Hungary, Turkey, Austria, Czech Republic, Vietnam, Cambodia, Cuba, and Puerto Vallarta.
He led a very full life; packed with love and adventure. Dennis will be remembered for his kindness, huge heart, funny jokes and stories, resolute attitude about his disease, determination, positivity, passion for cycling, love of life and nature and the birds that came to visit him in his backyard. As one dear friend put it, Dennis made our lives richer and it's gold that will never be spent. Our memories of Dennis will live on in our hearts forever more.
Donations can be made in Dennis' name to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or a charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Jan. 31, 2023.