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University of Idaho

David Dennis Obituary

David Lynn Dennis, 49, passed away peacefully and surrounded by love, at home, May 25, 2012 of cancer. His last words were of love and gratitude, just as he lived life.

His great faith comforted him throughout his life.

David was born September 11, 1962 in Coeur d' Alene Idaho to Eva and Bill Dennis. He was raised with Christian faith and a love of adventure. David and Mark lost their beautiful, kind mother to a

sudden brain aneurysm when they where 10 and 12 years old. In time, Bill was blessed to meet

and marry a wonderful, loving woman named Lynn. Both brothers adored her and came to call

her Mom.

Along with his older brother Mark, with his father's fine example and devoted attention, he

excelled at skiing and riding dirt bikes. The family went dirt bike camping, skiing, or hunting most weekends often with lifelong best friends Ricker Miles, Steve Frampton and Steve Hall. The Dennis Family lost Mark to a boat accident in Homer, 2002.

After attending his first year at University of Idaho in 1981 David came to Alaska to join Mark commercial fishing for the summer and David stayed on and on, making quality friends where ever he went and catching the name 'BigWaveDave' as well as being known as a honest, loyal, stand up, kind, tough guy. An earnest Alaskan for 31 years, David called Anchorage and Kodiak home.

In 1984 David met and married Jeannie, a beautiful lady through and through. David gained a

forever family and adored his step daughter Jessica, who recalls all his love and generosity,

teaching her how to ski, (as he did with all of his daughters as well as their friends) and getting

her a VW Bug for her first car. The marriage ended early though love remains.

David's heart swelled when their daughter Nicole Courtney Dennis was born in 1985. She was a perfect blend of her mom and dad and she lit up his life for the 18 years she lived and loved. Sadly, Jeannie, David and family lost sweet Nicole to cancer after a very courageous, nine year battle in 2004.

Lysa Maher and David fell in love in 1998. He had a lot of admiration and love for her daughter

Catlyn Larrissa Clark, she loved him right back always appreciative of his constant support in all

her accomplishments. Right after Christmas that year, David, Lysa, Catlyn, Nicole and family welcomed a lively bundle of joy, Jadyn Evamarie Dennis. David called her his sunshine and they positively glowed in each other's presence. In 2006, Jadyn and her daddy learned to surf together in Kauai, David went on to surf Kodiak as well.

In his final days, Jadyn often soothed her father to sleep by playing her guitar. The day before he died, David sang "You are my sunshine" to Jadyn, despite that he had only been able to speak in short mumbles for days, he found the strength to sing every word clearly.

In his 31 year fishing career as a Bering Sea Crabber and all around top deckhand of most fisheries, he was always a top man on deck. He belonged to a brotherhood born of living on the edge and digging deep to rise high; he loved and was loved by a tight group of 'soldiers'. He received a huge outpouring of love from so many.

David was a Highliner' back in the day', and a proud Longliner who spoke out for Crewmen's rights. He and his best friend 'Tall' Paul Dou had an exceptional 2011 Halibut season, with whales right alongside the boat and picture perfect rainbows. David had a special place in his heart for "Uncle' Dan Lopez and mom-in-love Lynda McMahon. David leaves behind a large and loving family in Idaho and more friends than this paper has space.

David wants you all to find joy in today, go hug someone. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed to Seattle's Children's Cancer Research Hospital, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 866-9872000 ( toll free)

We thank everyone at Providence Hospital and Cancer Center, Alaska Oncology and Providence Hospice for their excellent care and respect. Final arrangements are being handled with great care by Legacy Funeral Homes.

A BIG Celebration of Life is in the works for the Homer area roughly planned for sometime in late July, early August. Plans should be set by end of June. Information will be available through Lysa, Jeannie and Paul.

David~Big Wave~Dennis was as wild and strong as the Arctic wind, with a heart bigger than the Bering Sea.

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

Published by Anchorage Daily News from Jun. 3 to Jun. 9, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for David Dennis

Sponsored by anonymous.

36 Entries

Steven Frampton

May 28, 2020

I think of him often and he will always be a part of who I am. He lived so much he used it all up before his time.

Ruth Inglis

January 28, 2015

He was such a special person, truly one of a kind. He will be missed.

Catlyn Clark

May 2, 2014

I too find myself thinking about David a lot during the spring season. In Anchorage, everyone starts to liven up with the sun. Although David was pretty lively year around, there were always so many new projects and adventures to be had when the snow went away.
Now that I am focused on similar household projects, I am reminded of how excited David used to get when he had a new plan. He was always so enthusiastic about everything, which was a really refreshing quality about him. He could get you excited about anything. He found joy in almost any situation. So now that Bob and I are working to plan our backyard, repaint the interior of the house, deciding what vegetables we would like to plant in our soon-to-be constructed garden, and other projects that need to get done before the summer visitors come, I can't help but think how much he excited he would have been at similar projects.
We used to do a lot of bike riding together, so now when I go out I think of all those times that we would just take off for the day and go wherever. It was always just so easy to have a new adventure with him. Most of my knowledge of the Anchorage Trail System and various campgrounds I learned from David. I have so many great memories of those summer days with him- often with a curly-haired and feisty Jadyn in the bicycle trailer.
Lately I have been listening to a lot of music that reminds me of him. Every time I hear any Bob Marley song I always imagine him stomp-dancing around the living room with the stereo blasting. His stomp-dancing was basically an over-exaggeration of his natural walk- which was pretty amusing in and of itself- but the stomp-dancing was definitely “his thing.”
Even when I am driving around I sometimes am reminded of moments with him. I remember shortly after I first met David, we were living in a town outside of Anchorage (Eagle River) and we lived somewhat close to a nature center that was way up on a mountain. He decided he wanted to take me there because it was a beautiful day (It had to be over 75 degrees that day and it was incredible sunny). The road up to the Eagle River Nature Center is two lanes and windy. He was so excited- he kept sticking his head out the window to get the rush of the wind! His grin was from ear to ear. I have to admit, I wasn't excited- I was more concerned about the speedometer and overhanging trees!

I think it took me awhile to reflect and think about all of the things that David taught me, and all of the ways he impacted me. Honestly, it was a really hard thing for me to do- it was hard to stop and allow myself to process it all. But, I miss him incredibly. He was always there for me, an amazing support to my mother, and a constant force of positivity- something I definitely need to work on. We had our rocky moments, but I always knew he loved me, and I can feel him backing me up every day.

May 2, 2014

Lysa maher

April 25, 2014

Awe, April in Anchor Towne. Its been blazing bright this spring :). We have enjoyed some big birthdays and a nice Easter week. David was highly appreciative of Easter, as a man of great Faith he would attend services where ever he was doing gear work, then call home. We would talk for hours about many things, garden plans, efforts needed to keep the shed floor dry during the big thaw, truck stuff, neighbors, summer plans. a lot of his heart would be here at home with "His Girls". Though his sinuses were anxious to get out on the water, as he had horrible allergies. Irony abounds, as I have never met a person that loved the season of renewal more than our David :) Now, as I go about the seasonal shifts as well as look forward to BIG happenings this summer, I often have a inner David~logs. It is my belief that inside jokes carry well, as does a love of music.Music and Wit. Hear his warm laughter?. if you are reading this, I bet you connected with David over an appreciation of these huge, soul strengtheners, life tools. David loved planning our lil garden spot that he planted with the girls mostly snow peas, radishes, zukes, pumkins, all surrounded by the return of the raspberry bushes he planted with his friend Nickoli . One year, David planted a patch of radishes very early one morning before leaving town. He asked us to water it every morning its not raining and we would have a message. This is that message! Love to All

Steve Frampton

November 29, 2013

He is still with us even now in Spirit-and boy, what a Spirit indeed.

Lysa Maher

November 28, 2013

This holiday season finds us remembering that last Thanksgiving with our brave and beautiful David in 2011. I remember taking in the awesome sunrise from David's large room at the end of the 5th floor of Providence Hospital. He commented on how one got all the perks like a room with a view and the nicest nurses, when your a long term patient.

He was about three weeks in to what would be a six week stay, after having been diagnosed in the ER with cancer on Nov. 2nd. Just days after taking Jadyn trick-or-treating long after her other friends went home for the night, Jadyn and Daddy pressed on until all the porch lights had been turned off. Both equally proud of the haul.

.

That autumn in Anchorage had been a nice warm Indian summer, November came in bitter cold and it snowed and snowed some more. Through it all, there was a steady stream of love and support. Life long friends and family visited, Rick, Steve, Paul, Mike, Steve, Chris, and many more came by to buoyed his spirits and he, theirs. His beloved Aunt Evalyn and Parents made the trip north to be with him and he spoke of blessings more often than he did the baffling courses of tests and devastating news he was faced with( all through the summer months, Dave thought he was just experiencing "old man~idease").

David was a study in the love you take is equal to the love you make.

That last Thanksgiving, David marveled at all the Love and Kindness He was surrounded by, Grateful for the wonderful care he was receiving at Providence Hospital, Happy to have his Aunt & second Mom visiting. He also appreciated that the family would enjoy turkey and trimmings at Bob and Cat's house later that night, though he couldn't attend.

I remember a lot from that thanksgiving, the music we listened to, the dress I wore, the fearful flickers in our daughters' eyes, mostly I remember how much gratitude David had for ALL THE LOVE.

This holiday season finds us remembering that last Thanksgiving with our brave and beautiful David in 2011. I remember taking in the awesome sunrise from David's large room at the end of the 5th floor of Providence Hospital. He commented on how one got all the perks like a room with a view and the nicest nurses, when your a long term patient.

He was about three weeks in to what would be a six week stay, after having been diagnosed in the ER with cancer on Nov. 2nd. Just days after taking Jadyn trick-or-treating long after her other friends went home for the night, Jadyn and Daddy pressed on until all the porch lights had been turned off. Both equally proud of the haul.

.

That autumn in Anchorage had been a nice warm Indian summer, November came in bitter cold and it snowed and snowed some more. Through it all, there was a steady stream of love and support. Life long friends and family visited, Rick, Steve, Paul, Mike, Steve, Chris, and many more came by to buoyed his spirits and he, theirs. His beloved Aunt Evalyn and Parents made the trip north to be with him and he spoke of blessings more often than he did the baffling courses of tests and devastating news he was faced with( all through the summer months, Dave thought he was just experiencing "old man~idise").

David was a study in the love you take is equal to the love you make.

That last Thanksgiving, David marveled at all the Love and Kindness He was surrounded by, Grateful for the wonderful care he was receiving at Providence Hospital, Happy to have his Aunt & second Mom visiting. He also appreciated that the family would enjoy turkey and trimmings at Bob and Cat's house later that night, though he couldn't attend.

I remember a lot from that thanksgiving, the music we listened to, the dress I wore, the fearful flickers in our daughters' eyes, mostly I remember how much gratitude David had for ALL THE LOVE.

Lysa Maher

November 28, 2013

Today is Thanksgiving 2013, two years since our last Holiday season with our David, a man who lived gratitude with every breath.

Steve Frampton

January 28, 2013

I just remembered this German new wave band song Dave and I listened to as teenagers. It is truly Dave's theme song. It's called: "Maximum Acceleration"

Jack Sternhagen

January 25, 2013

Dave was a good friend of mine and we had a lot of fun together in Kodiak and Dutch Harbor. He was always so cheerful and had such a great sense of humor it was hard to get mad about anything when he was around, he always saw the bright side of everything and his cheerful attitude always overshadowed anything that could bring us down as I fished with him on the F/V Shawn Arron and Mar Del Sud. I always had a great time too as I hiked, skiffed and explored the country around Kodiak and Dutch Harbor with Dave and friends. Dave you will always hold a place in my heart where cheerful and happy thoughts are and I know you are in Heaven now with your brother Mark and your Mom and the rest of the family and friends already gone on to their great reward. Thanks for being such a great friend and I'll see you up there in Heaven some day! Love, God Bless, Jack Sternhagen, Dutch Harbor, AK

Chris Halvik

August 20, 2012

I write this sitting next to the water's edge in Lake Tahoe.
David was a year older than me. And I felt he was the brother that I always wanted. I grew up with David playing in the mountains and lakes of Couerdalene Id.
We would swim, motorcycle, Ski, explore the adventures of becoming a man from a boy.
David was always respected and admired from all who knew him.
We had a lot of great times .. One of the most significant times was when we both accepted Christ in our heart while at a summer camp in twin lakes Id.
So I Know truly that the love of God and power of magnificence resides within David .
So I will write the rest of this letter as if it is to David.

Dear David , My brother and spiritual warrior.
You are indeed a good soldier and I admire the way you live life to the fullest and are a mighty companion to all who sail on your ship together.

It is amazing to see you as a strong determined deck hand on the Ocean. ! Seizing every task and adventure with enthusiasm and a sense of Humor. It is always fun to work and play by your side.
What a blast that was climbing Barometer mountain to explore the Crashed F-16 fighter jet.

I love the way you appreciated the majestic wonders of nature and the beauty of life.
I remember finding you alone outside on the bow of a boat crashing through the wind and on coming waves , howling and taking in the splendor of a sunset.
In some circumstances that most men would coward from , you would growl and overcome any struggle . Your courage and perseverance was above the average man.

Knowing that the power of God is perfect, I lay aside all fear , uncertainty or doubt. There is no burden what so ever in my consciousness. You Live in the Kingdom of Heaven now. I rejoice in this Devine Presence.
I bathe in the sunlight of eternal truth.
I consciously enter into the benediction of Peace .

I Honor and respect you and the life that you made your own. You burned life ,s flame like a torch. And we will always remember your quiet strength

I love you ..
See in Heaven, Christopher,

Ps. Just stopped at the top of a mountain 8,000 ft. to say it is a beautiful night tonight . some thunder clouds pass , and bolts of you dance among the mountain's. You are now more meaning full and powerful than you have ever been earth.. AS YOU KNOW . being with your Mother Eva, beautiful Daughter Nichol, and Brother Mark you are now part of the power energy and love that is needed now for the Great healing that is about to take place on this Planet.
So continue to be a spiritual Warrior for all of us that need Grace.
In Peace,………………… Christopher Jon Hallvik

Greg Moon

August 14, 2012

Today I write with a heart filled with Joy as well as sadness. The Joy is to have had my...brother-in-law in my life and to have gotten to know him and what he stood for. The Joy to have the memories of a great, compassionate man who was ever caring to my sister and their children. The Joy of remembering his smile, his laughter and his ability to bring a smile to the people that surround him. The joy of the peace and love that he lauded on our family. The Joy of having such a wonderful person in my life.

The sadness comes with a little bit of selfishness. The fact that we will no longer get to experience his wonderful character and charm as a man, but will never be forgotten in our hearts. The fact that his daughter whom he cherished so, will not get to continue to learn from his wonderful life experience, but will be able to cherish moments like no other. And for my dear sister who loved him so dearly and who when they were together, brought a light to her life. Although, the sadness, will never trump the Joy of what he means to our family. He will be with me, and in my heart forever.

With that said, I am so grateful for the opportunity to have had been in the presence of such a great and honorable man. David was kind to whomever he met, was always sincere with his words and big with his heart. His “Big Kid” attitude is something that we should all be thankful that we got to experience, if even for a moment. I know I will miss him dearly as you all will. I am also ever so thankful that my family and I will be looked after by one of the kindest souls I know.

To all of our friends and family…. Carry David in your heart wherever you walk and know that he will be right beside you with a smile.

Rick Miles

August 1, 2012

Dave was my best friend growing up in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. We were glued at the hip from 6th grade on. Actually it was the summer between 5th and 6th. He was like my brother. He and I came to Alaska and worked in Kodiak processing halibut and camping on Pillar Mountain. We dreamed of landing jobs on fishing boats. He stayed on and did just that, making commercial fishing his career. He obviously excelled at it. We kept in touch through the 80s and early 90s. When I moved to Anchorage in 1995, I looked him up and we were able to enjoy many adventures over the last 17 years. Many of my fondest memories of childhood, high school, and later adulthood were spent with Big Wave Dave. He was just unforgettable. I think most people who knew him would say the same. As Steve Hall recently said, "life will be less interesting without him around". He was such a great guy. I know he is up there in heaven looking down on us. Good bye David. We'll miss you.

Rick Miles

Steve Frampton

July 3, 2012

Dave was the best friend I ever had. We met as neighbors throwing tennis balls at passing cars. Growing up in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, we did everything together: Skiing, dirt bike riding and tennis. The world will be a different place without Dave. Noone was more present and in the moment than Dave. Never a dull moment. Always intense and connected.

June 20, 2012

Brother Wave how goes it up there in heaven? Sure do miss you David! Well now you have all the answers to those tough questions we all have for God. You left behind so much love and laughter. I trust that the weather is fair and the pots are coming up plugged with soakers! We were all blessed to call you friend! Too Lysa and the girls we send our love and regards! Love Animal Mike and family

Gordon Jensen

June 13, 2012

Dave was indeed a true friend. I have many fond memories of time spent together on land and sea, in Kodiak and westward.
His sense of humor, big heart, skill and work ethic made him one of the best crew-mates a swab could ever have. Rest in peace David.

Glenda Blaylock

June 12, 2012

June 12, 2012

From the moment I first met David I was captured by his smile and his easy laugh. When David, Lysa and Jayden came to our cabin a few years ago we had such a great time. He had a rare quality to retain that sense of freedom and spirit that we all have as a child, but unfortunately, most of lose as we grow older. The love he had for Jayden, and he for her was a joy to watch. I still can see those two jumping off our boat and having a great time together in the water.

Our synpathy goes out to Lysa, Jayden and Catlin. He was special and will be missed so much.

June 11, 2012

Gone but never to be forgotten. What a wonderful twinkle he always had in his eye. He was a believer and a joy to be with. I'll never forget when he rode in the back seat of my car while I finally had overnight custody of my son (then a baby). David was a "kick". - from cousin Randy.

Richard & Macrina Z.

June 8, 2012

He was a great friend to alot of people in the Pribs, Dave the Wave will surely be missed..God Bless Him..May He Rest In Peace..riding the waves..Our deepest condolences to his family..

Lynda McMahon

June 7, 2012

I will never forget David's sweet (and a little devilish) smile. He will be forever missed & will always be in our hearts.

KC Dochtermann

June 7, 2012

Dave was a good friend, and I had the good fortune to know him since the mid-80's. I drank, worked, laughed, struggled, cried and lived alongside him, and feel fortunate to have been a part of his life. Dave was a good soul, who spoke lovingly of you, his children, and his first wife Jeannie.

Losing him reminds me again of the quote, "Only the good die young."

Take comfort that he is now with members of his loving family in Heaven. I weep now for the loss, but look forward to seeing him again someday and riding the seas eternally with 'Big Wave'.

June 6, 2012

What can I say? David had such a great heart and full of love about everything:)
He was always so kind and gentle:) Would give you all that he could, even his heart. Will miss you my friend. Love and blessings to your family.
You are SUNSHINE :) lOVE ANITA Z.

Bob Hallvik

June 5, 2012

I send my sincere condolences and prayers to David's family. My loving memories of David will always be with me.Uncle Bob & Mary

Julie Oxford

June 4, 2012

David was a fascinating man I feel privileged to know. Lysa, JD and Cat my prayers are with you. Julie Oxford

Sarah DeArmond Jones

June 3, 2012

Dave was a such wonderful guy and a good friend to me growing up in Coeur d'Alene. I'll never forget that smile and his sweet nature. My most sincere condolences to his family.

Kathleen Bailey

June 3, 2012

I wish to offer my sincere condolences to Jadyn and Lysa. I had the pleasure of giving Jadyn piano lessons last year, and I was shocked and saddened to see the obituary for David. Having lost my own David to cancer (and he was a commercial fisherman too) I know well the emptiness and heartache you will be feeling. I pray that you will find comfort in each other and in your loving memories. Sincerely, Kathleen Bailey

Dano & Joy Michaud

June 3, 2012

David had a very spiritual & loving companion and lived with that grace to the beginning of his new journey. To his family, may peace cusp your heart and hold it gently. To David, Neil Young said it best "long may you run"

June 3, 2012

It was a wild time babysitting David and Mark when they were boys...but they both grew to be such great men. Dave had a heart bigger than him. You will be missed dave. Love cousin Julie

June 3, 2012

My Dear David was like another son to me and always gave out so much love during his visits and calls. I so enjoyed his visit with Jadyn last summer and the journey in the S.S. Grundy Bear. They had both become honorary members of the S.S. Grundy Bear Association several years ago and became initiated by putting their names on the side of the canoe. This family Association promises love and support always...
David put up a gallent fight as he wanted to "hang around" to be there as Jadyn grew up. I am sure his spirit will always be close to her and us and he will be finding joy in greeting those loved ones who went before.... Love and Hugs from "Auntie Evalyn"

June 3, 2012

David, you were my really neat nephew who loved to call me "Auntie Betty" - Coeur d'Alene, Id

Stephen Taufen

June 3, 2012

Quoting Eva Belle Werber's The Journey with the Master: "Love, put in practice, and thereby held fluid, is that power which breaks down every barrier before you. Love is that Soul quality which you will store up for use when the Soul has no longer the physical body to work with. So go forth -love- largely and freely. ...and you will never feel any sense of loneliness, for truly you will have found Divine companionship."

Connie Boltjes

June 3, 2012

My prayers and heartfelt sympathy to all of David's family. I remember him to have such a wonderful smile and full of humor during our past family get togethers in CDA and Kellogg/smelterville! The "you are my sunshine" song will continue to be a cherished family memory.
In love and prayer,