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BORN
1951
DIED
2019
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Dennis Koho Obituary
Keizer - Dennis E. Koho, 67 of Keizer, was born in Portland Nov 5, 1951, son of Donald Eugene and E. Delight Harmon Koho. He was raised and educated in Bend, graduating with the class of 1969 of Bend Senior High School where he wrestled and played baseball, he then went to Southern Oregon College walking with the class of 1973.
He was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout and was Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow. He remained active in Scouting throughout his life.
Running was a big part of his life, he ran many marathons including a Boston Marathon and the first Rock and Roll Marathon in San Diego which he ran with his Brother Scott, several Portland Marathons, Hood to Coast and many others.
Dennis was a sponsor to many in AA or struggling with addiction and was a mentor to many people.
His love of Baseball started with his older Brother Bill at an early age in Bend. He was instrumental in moving the Bellingham team to Keizer (Volcanoes) in 1996. He was President of the West Coast Baseball (instructional) League.
He married Lori Thompson in Lake Tahoe, CA Sept 14, 1997.
He was the Legislative Assistant to the Senate Majority Leader in the early 1980's. In 1993 he was elected to Keizer City Council then elected as Mayor of Keizer serving from 1995-1999. Fulfilling a lifelong dream he entered law school at the age of 49. After attending law school at Willamette University and passing the bar he opened a law office. He wanted to continue to serve, so he ran for City Council again, being elected in 2013-2016. During his time in Keizer he was involved in tireless service to many organizations including: Salem Keizer Transit Board, League of Oregon Cities, Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments, Keizer Heritage Foundation, Keizer Rotary, Past President of Keizer Chamber of Commerce, Past President of Oregon Primate Rescue, Salem Electric board and many others. He was City Attorney for Aurora, OR
It could be said, Dennis Koho was an eternal optimist with a heart as big as the world… he couldn't say no to a noble cause and was always willing to forgive. He had the ability to separate politics from personal business which allowed him to have great friends on both sides of the political aisle.
He is survived by Wife, Lori Koho, Keizer; two children, Dax (Betsy) Koho and Dara Koho both of Puyallup WA; Brother Scott (Linda) Koho, Phoenix AZ, Sister Karyl (Ron) Allen, Keizer and 5 Grandchildren.
He was preceded in Death by his oldest Brother William (Bill) Harmon Koho, Father Donald Eugene Koho and Mother E. Delight Carmichael.
Mass of Christian Burial will be recited 10:00 AM Tuesday, June 18 at St. Edward's Catholic Church with reception to follow. 9:00 AM Saturday, June 22, at Bends 1st Presbyterian Church a combined service will be conducted for Dennis and his mother E. Delight Koho Carmichael with private burial to follow at Deschutes Memorial Park, Bend.
The Koho family suggests memorials be made in Dennis' honor to Cascade Pacific Council of Boy Scouts of America via Willamette District, 4395 Liberty Rd S, Salem 97302 or the charity of your choice.
Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service is handling his arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Koho
Sponsored by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.
Bruce Bornholdt
February 3, 2020
I'm not very good at keeping in touch with people, and so I just learned of Dennis Koho's passing early this morning. Today, I had planned to give him a surprise call to catch-up. Instead, I got the surprise when I learned of his passing. I probably didn't get the news, because my partner and I moved from Salem to Springfield, Oregon in April 2018 because of a job change. I met Dennis at Willamette law school's orientation for first-year law students, as I was his mentor. During his three years, I gave him advice on his legal studies and law school. After he graduated, we kept in touch periodically. He would later represent me in a couple of legal matters after starting his law firm. I last saw Dennis when he came to my commitment ceremony in November, 2013, which is too long to go without seeing a friend. And Dennis was a friend. He always made the time and effort to either see me or speak to me. He will be greatly missed, as I'm not the only one who feels that way. Thank you, Dennis, for your friendship over the years.
Dara Zurfluh
June 17, 2019
You were always my hero
Love
DDD
darling daughter Dara
Daiv Skinner
June 17, 2019
Dennis and I worked together at DMV, and later he was my attorney, but I always thought of him as my friend.
He had a talent for bringing out the best in all those in which he interacted. The world is a lesser place without him and I will miss his smile and honest warmth.
My heart goes out to the great family he left behind - my heart goes out to you all.
Deb Hickey
June 16, 2019
I only got to meet Dennis once. Very glad I did.
June 16, 2019
May ALMIGHTY GOD who binds up the broken-hearted" and "comfort all who mourn " sustain the family during this challenging time (Isaiah 61:1,2)
Dell Isham
June 14, 2019
Dennis was my friend for 45 years. He will be
greatly missed by many. There could be no better citizen. He often said, "Politics is the art of inclusion, not exclusion." He lived those words and accomplished much for his state and community.
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