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Dennis Russell Atherton
1942 - 2021
Dennis Russell Atherton
1942 - 2021
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1942
DIED
2021
Dennis Atherton Obituary
ATHERTON, Dennis R.; of Ortonville; passed away Aug 29, 2021; age 79; husband of Sandra; father of Dennis “Russ” Atherton Jr, John Atherton, Tonyea VanPatten & the late Danelle (Brett) Orr; grandpa of Justin Noble, Chelsea (Jim) Atherton, Brittany Atherton, Alexis (Tyler) Mitosinka, Breeana Atherton, Zach VanPatten & Emily Orr; great grandpa of Jayden, Josie & Jackson; brother of Margaret Merrill & Gerald Atherton; many nieces & nephews; preceded in death by siblings: June Killiane, Frances Haslip, Robert Atherton & Donna Sullivan. Dennis co-owned/operated ABC Harley-Davidson, Waterford and enjoyed racing/riding motorcycles. Friends may visit Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home, Clarkston Friday 4:00pm-8:00pm. Private family memorial service/interment at All Saints Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or American Heart Assn. online guest book www.wintfuneralhome.com
Debi Haney
March 25, 2022
What a shock when I heard today of your passing. Last time I saw you at Jerry’s you had sold dealership and we talked about you traveling between houses and enjoying life, since I had not seen you I assumed you were doing just that. I’m so sorry for the loss of your dad, John & Russ and family. I’ll miss running into you around town, but have fond memories when Steve and I were buying our bikes and accessories at ABC. RIP ✝
Kerry Swiastyn
October 23, 2021
Sorry for your loss.
Stacy Sword
October 21, 2021
Sandra and family
I’m so sorry to read this. Sending our condolences from us to you!
May he Rest In Peace.
Elaine Schefke (Nicholson)
September 11, 2021
Denny was a great childhood friend who we had a lot of good memories.
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Carl and Karen Little
September 5, 2021
Our condolences to family and friends, along with sons John and Russ, they always treated us fairly and with respect. He was great to chat with and we especially appreciated his humor and the yarns he was all to eager to share. He will be greatly missed.
Pete Scribner
September 3, 2021
Rest In Peace Dennis. I’m very grateful that I was able to work for you. You were always so kind
Jennie Hopeck
September 3, 2021
Goodbye my friend thanks for all the years of wonderful memories there was no one like you
Vaughn Koshkarian
September 3, 2021
With my sincere sympathy to Dennis' family. A great and direct fellow. Once in the fold, you could be sure he would always take care of you.
Anne “Sweet Pea” Lask
September 3, 2021
My condolences to the Atherton family. I loved working for your Dad, he always brought a smile to my face. Such a giving and caring guy. You always knew where you stood with Dennis. I loved when he popped in to the store and said, let’s go to lunch. He knew all the great eateries. And all the out of the blue how ya doing phone calls or surprise visits when my job changed. Many found memories. He will be missed, but never forgotten. One of my favorite mentors and people in my life. He was just so thoughtful and gracious to my husband and son. May he rest in power!! Love Anne, Gary and Aaron
Greg & Valerie Hinkson
September 2, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss. From stories, it sounds like he was a great man. We know he will be missed. May God comfort your family during this season of mourning.
Robert D Ball
September 2, 2021
So very sorry for the passing of Dennis-Great Friend and Super Boss. I sure enjoyed our visits when you came down to check out 2nd Business in Ft Wayne. I have missed and will continue to miss your visits. Robert D Ball
David Millerick
September 2, 2021
With our deepest sympathy to Sandra and family.
Dennis was a very amazing man with many unique qualities. Among them was his ability to remember names and faces, and his bottomless generosity.
In the early years of the Dealership, he was the greeter at the door and primary salesman. He always got your name and a few facts about you as you came in. The next time you arrived, he greeted you by name, and in most cases, you became a friend. Because of the friendship of Dennis and others at the Dealership, it became a destination for most, especially HOG members! For 25 years, I would arrive at A.B.C. on almost every Saturday morning to a gang of people hanging out with Dennis at the front of the store, telling stories and joking around! I have never met anyone else that could match his ability to recall names or that was more friendly and outgoing!
Dennis’s generosity became apparent to me when we would sit in his office at the old building, and someone would come in and explain a Charity or Cause that they were asking support for. It could be an injured Fireman’s family or a VFW raffle. In later years, it was Toys for Tots, Cookie sales or just about anything! His generosity was well known in Waterford! He would dig in his pocket and generously support the request, no questions asked. He was amazing!
Dennis was a great friend to us, and he will be truly missed!
Dave and Linda Millerick
Tad Niemi
September 1, 2021
Sandra , Johnny , Russ and Justin. Barb and I are very sorry to hear that Denny passed. We know that deeply in our hearts, we all loved Dennis. Lol, he could sure be , well, Denny, and I'm happy and glad to have known him and all of you guys. We'll always cherish our good memories of him. God Bless you all.
Terry Hodge
September 1, 2021
Very sorry to hear about Dennis I have known him for several years when he had ABC. Very sorry for your loss.
Grumpy and Snowflake
September 1, 2021
Rest in Peace
Bruce Becker
September 1, 2021
Rest in Peace my friend.
Michele Watson
September 1, 2021
Thinking of you all my dad(Rocky and I thought the world of DennisJ just lost my dad unexpectedly in June.there up there talking bikes and races like always.i will miss them dearly
Fory Milzow
August 31, 2021
Ride in peace my friend
Jenny Hopeck
August 31, 2021
Dennis was such an accomplished person in his professional life and personal he was down to earth honest and caring Abc was alive with happiness laughter and friendship he set an example for all by his business ethics and his and personal life how fortunate I was to have worked with him and the entire staff at Abc for many years I will never forget my days there with all of them see you on the other side Dennis
William King
August 31, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. So sorry for your loss.
Bill King
Jeff Hartley
August 31, 2021
One of a kind... in a good way. Dennis was a stallion in a world full of ponies.
Robert and Ann Angove
August 31, 2021
We are better and happier having known true friendship and adventure with Dennis, our Waterford HOG years were amazing and so much fun thanks to ABC Harley! Our lives wouldn't be the same if we did not have the memories of Dennis drawing our name for the trip to Maui, so generous and kind.
Justin Noble
August 31, 2021
I will miss him so much. He was like a father to me and we had SO many great times together. Thank you Grandpa Harley!
John Whitt
August 30, 2021
Great man and will be deeply missed.
Lori Potter
August 30, 2021
Dennis will be dearly missed. He welcomed us to his extended family of Harley owners & we enjoyed many events with Dennis. Our sincere sympathy to family & friends. Our prayers are with you.
Robin Fields
August 30, 2021
With deepest sympathy for your loss. My name is Robin Fields. I worked for Dennis for a number of years at ABC Harley-Davidson. My husband Jeff and I extend our thoughts and prayers for the family at this time. I have fond memories of Dennis and a soft spot in my heart for him. ~ Robin Fields
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5929 South Main Street, Clarkston, MI 48346
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