Dennis Philpott
1952 - 2017
Dennis Philpott
1952 - 2017
Obituary
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Dennis Philpott Obituary
August 16, 1952 - May 31, 2017
Pleasant Hill
Dennis James Philpott of Pleasant Hill, California, passed away at his home on Wednesday, May 31, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He was 64 years old. Throughout his illness, he remained surrounded by family, friends, and his beloved dachshunds, a testament to the love and generosity he shared with so many.
Born in August 16, 1952, Dennis grew up in Los Altos, California. He was a graduate of Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose, California; Occidental College in Los Angeles, California; and the UCLA Anderson School of Management. He was a human resources executive in the financial industry for many years, becoming a consultant later in his career. In recent years, Dennis pursued his lifelong passion for piano by studying music education and becoming a piano instructor.
Dennis is preceded in death by his parents Russell and Lorraine Philpott and his partner of more than twenty years, David Kiyokawa.
Together, Dennis and David were world travellers, lavish hosts, theater aficionados, and attentive companions to their dogs Peggy and Lucy. Their homes in Pleasant Hill and Palm Springs, California, were decorated with art and treasures from their many adventures, and always filled with conversation, cheer, and good company. Holiday gatherings at their home often kicked off with custom cocktails and personalized menus, and ended with Dennis playing piano by the fire.
Dennis is survived by his sister Janet Leavitt of Lake Oswego, Oregon, his brothers Russ Philpott of Sunnyvale, California and Jeff Philpott of Monterey, California, his sister-in-law Carol Philpott of Sunnyvale, his nieces Jennifer Trimble and Melissa Leavitt, and his nephews Russell and Ryan Philpott. His wit, vitality, and adventurous spirit will be missed by his family and his many dear friends.
A celebration of life will be held at a future date. Memorial contributions can be sent to West Coast Children's Clinic, 3301 E. 12th Street, Suite 259, Oakland, CA 94601, where Dennis was a board member.
View the online memorial for Dennis Philpott
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Janet Leavitt
October 21, 2022
Wendy, thank you for remembering Dennis on what would have been his 70th birthday. We all miss him terribly.
Janet Leavitt
Wendy Thomas
August 16, 2022
Today would have been Dennis´s Birthday. What a wonderful gift he was to this world and also to those of us who he was kind enough to share his kindness and expertise. He had a very special spirit. I miss him.
John Tolan
March 13, 2021
I am sooo late to this celebration of Dennis. Met him at UCLA biz school where he was very kind. Not a biz school trait but I hope we were simpatico in this way. I on;y met David a time or two but he was special. I miss Dennis!!!!!!!!!!!
July 16, 2018
I just learned about this so very late, hope some family members see it and pass it along. I am very saddened to hear about Dennis' passing while trying to catch up on some of my best old friends.
Dennis was as close as I had to a "soulmate" at UCLA, we were among a small group of liberal classmates interested in the public sector and non-profit management. He, I and a few other like-minded classmates helped each other navigate through the otherwise mercenary world of business school. We had at least 2-3 trips together at the house in South Lake Tahoe (what a great place!) hiking by day and gambling by night, plus one camping trip in the desert. I believe I met all the family at one time or another. And I met Stella Blue his yellow lab.
Before moving from LA to Colorado I stayed with Dennis in San Rafael on a trip when we did 2 consecutive nights of Grateful Dead concerts at in Oakland. The last time I saw him was when he had long stopover at the Denver airport and we had the time for lunch and a lot of absolutely wonderful conversation. At the time he was recovering from David's death and had to walk away for a few minutes to compose himself. I was so grateful he was willing to share that with me.
I am so sorry to learn about Dennis's passing but feel so lucky to have had him in my life!
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Robert Lazo
July 1, 2017
My deepest sympathies and condolences to the Philpott family. Dennis was a supportive mentor to me. He recruited me to be a supervisor when I was in college, and helped me work through the challenges I had adjusting to real-world corporate life. We stayed in contact as friends throughout the years, after I left the company. Dennis will be missed for being someone who had a passion for teaching. He wanted people to become good managers and good musicians as well.
June 15, 2017
I am deeply sorry for your family's loss. May your hearts find comfort in God's beautiful promises for the future. John 6:40
Joyce McFarlane-Maeda
June 12, 2017
I send my deepest condolences to Dennis' family and friends. The McFarlane family has fond memories of growing up with Dennis and his siblings in Los Altos. He was always fun but sensitive to the words of others. A sad loss for us all.
Love to all the family.
June 12, 2017
Steve and I always enjoyed catching up with Dennis and David while dining our way through Walnut Creek. What a special guy, we shared tears over the loss of my mother Patricia Philpott and his beloved David. Dennis and I would always joke about our name closeness Dennis/Denise. Its hard to believe his beautiful soul if gone, but I am happy he is at peace, out of pain and holding the hand of his true love DAVID. We will miss him so....
Cousin Denise & Steve 925-389-8977
Greg Last NameMcFarlane
June 10, 2017
To the Philpott family this is Greg McFarlane sorry to hear about Dennis. Wish we had stayed in closer contact as we got older. I remember the great times we had growing up together in Los Altos. We played a lot of tag, baseball in the street and we even had and all boys club along with the Jones boys. Those were special times. Hope the rest of you are doing well.
Love from the McFarlane's
Scott Sorensen
June 9, 2017
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Dennis and also David. I've taken care of their dogs, Peggy and Lucy for about 10 years. Dennis was not only my employer, but my friend. They were both very generous and kind and made a huge impact in my life. I would see Dennis almost daily and we would talk about anything from politics, music, or just what was going on in our lives. He had a great sense of humor and I loved to make him laugh. I'm going to miss them both very much.
Sue Jackson
June 7, 2017
Robin and I are so sorry to hear of Dennis's passing. Dennis and I worked together for several years. Although we lost contact a few years ago, I will always think of him as a kind, smart, and trusted friend.
June 7, 2017
My sincerest condolences on your loss. I knew Dennis only briefly through his non-profit work. He was sensitive, kind and a very sharp thinker. He will be missed. NG
robert Rehfeld
June 7, 2017
I'm writing to send my sympathy to the Philpott family and to Dennis' friends as well. I know I lost a a great friend in Dennis. We worked together at WFB and maintained our friendship from mid 1980's until recently. We had many happy times together at Rock n Roll shows, Yosemite, and just talking. Dennis had a fine mind and was always generous with his time.
I would appreciate if I could be invited to the memorial as I don't have any contact information for his family.
Bob Rehfeld
June 6, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss, may the family find comfort and strength in God at this difficult time. Psalms 29:11. JJ. Atlanta, GA.
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