Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
Dennis Strickland Obituary
The family of Dennis Patrick Strickland lost an imaginative and beautiful husband, father, grandfather and friend on November 12th, 2012. Denny was the family patriarch who provided love and entertainment to those who had the privilege of being in his life. He was born on April 21st, 1939 to Jack and Phyllis Strickland in Bremerton, WA, but would tell everyone to the last day that he was conceived at Twanoh State Park. Raised in Bremerton by his mother, Phyllis, and his stepfather, Barney Kahn, he developed a love for basketball and golf and excelled at basketball at Bremerton High (1956). He attended the University of Oregon on a full basketball scholarship where he studied art and walked on to the golf team. After college he began teaching at the Art Institute of Seattle and had a successful career as a graphic designer. His notable work includes the original Seattle Supersonics logo, the original Seattle Sounders logo and his involvement in Nike's first successful advertising campaigns.
Denny is survived by his wife Nancy, sons Jack and Christopher, daughters Stacy and Shawn, siblings Lance and Nancy, and six grandchildren. He enjoyed golf, basketball, painting, cooking and being with his loved ones, whom he has left with many great sayings, stories and memories.
He will be truly missed.
A celebration of life is scheduled at 2pm Sat., Nov. 17th at Sahalee Country Club.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Strickland
Todd Ingram
November 10, 2025
One of the best. Great friend, golfer and partier.
Bill Jeude
November 10, 2024
Always enjoy when Denny jumps into my head. Such a Gem of a guy and each time fond memories flood into my conscientiousness.
Ride on Rough Rider till i see you again! Love -ya man!
Fondly, Bill Jeude November 8, 2024
November 8, 2020
Rip my good and faithful friend. I never saw you having a bad day. I loved you for your smile . I still think of you whenever I see the Sahalee logo that was your legacy. It will endure as long as golf is played at Sahalee. Joe Walike, MD
Glenn & Mary Lynn Mounger
November 20, 2012
We've been out of town and just learned of Denny's passing. We were close friends in 1970's and I always thought he was the "King of Cool". He will be missed!
November 19, 2012
I remember it like it was yesterday, ( altho it was about 20 years ago). I had yet to meet Nancy's husband. One day I had to get to my cancer treatment but, had no way to get there. As I was sitting there wondering what to do, my doorbell rang. When I opened the door, there was this very tall man who said,"I have come to take you to the (University) hospital for your treatment". Of course it was our wonderful man, "Denny", looking like a knight in shining armour. At the time, I lived on Lake Burien. I found out later, he had a golf tournament in Olympia right after that. This wonderfully caring man picked me up in Burien, took me to the University District and then drove all the way to Olympia!
As I said before Nance, my thoughts and love are always with you, Denny, and "Spike".
Grandma 2 (alias:Kiku Matsudaira, nee:Kriss)
Karen & Mark Libby
November 19, 2012
Denny, you were one in a million! We will miss you and that twinkle in your eyes, especially when you were looking at Nancy!
chris Teeple
November 19, 2012
It was wonderful knowing you, Denny, and your family.
25 years ago I met my boyfriend...we had a good ride...wish it hadn't ended so soon! I'll love oyu forever, Nance
November 18, 2012
Paul Schwabe
November 17, 2012
Denny, you were a great friend, I will deeply miss you. Paul
Tim Lenseigne
November 16, 2012
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dr Joseph Walike
November 16, 2012
I have a photo of Denny hitting balls at Sahalee in the pouring rain, he,the only figure on the range.......except for the contrasting short figure a 6 year old kid right next to him who was my equally tenacious son, Adam.
Every time I think of Denny, I smile with fondness. RIP my good friend.
Bill Jeude
November 15, 2012
They certainly broke the mold when creating Denny - a true individualist and a wonderfully kind person to share himself with those of us lucky enough to make his acquaintance and stand in his sunshine. Many great times to remember and anecdotes to recall.
Nancy Hutson
November 15, 2012
Goodbye to a really great guy. We'll miss your easy smile and laughter.
Anne Peterson Glasson
November 15, 2012
Such a great guy...gone but never forgotten :(
Kelly King-Jenkins
November 15, 2012
So many memories, so many smiles, so many laughs, and so much love. Denny was there since my birth, kind of wanted him to be here a hell of alot longer :). I will forever make pickles and pass this tradition down with fond memories of Denny's pickle jokes and the best peanut butter, pickle and mayo sandwich. Love you always my favorite Oregon Duck.
Jan Benson
November 15, 2012
The Dennis I knew at John Brown & Partners was a very creative individual, who could bring a lot of laughter to everyone. His love of sports and family were well known through out the advertising community. To his family I send my condolences.
November 15, 2012
Dennys wit and joy of life will truley be missed down here. Betsy Mead
Chuck Pennington
November 15, 2012
Denny was a true creative spirit who inspired so many to be better. As our friend Bob would say, 'he had the goods'. I'll always remember his huge smile and laugh. My condolences to his family, and everyone who knew and loved him.
George Robertson
November 15, 2012
Years ago Denny gave me what has remained my daily mantra: "look in the mirror each morning and answer the question - what do I want to accomplish today?" Wisdom and wit with that unforgettable laugh... I'll miss it all!
Ann Stables
November 15, 2012
It's people like Denny that reassure me that there's some type of life after death because how could such a wonderful, crazy and dear soul simply poof! Disappear? He added a special something to each of our lives. The earth won't be the same.
Leigh
November 15, 2012
There are just no words to truly express how sorry and saddened I am for Nance and Jack, Shawn, Chris, Stacey and their families. Likewise, there are no words to even try to convey how much Denny meant to me and how much he will be missed.
Denny graced us with his love for all of you, for his love of his extended family, and for his love of friends, while also touching us with his abundant humor and love of life. He was genuine and sincere. Denny was the best of the best; a gentle man with a big heart and soul.
And, even though there is a huge Denny void on earth right now, there is a larger, more brilliant, Denny star twinkling ever so brightly. Just look to the sky and his shining light will fill your heart...
Al Murphy
November 14, 2012
Denny and I have been best friends for many years. He will be missed. My prayers go out to his wonderful family.
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results
Make a Donation
in Dennis Strickland's name
Memorial Events
for Dennis Strickland
How to support Dennis's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Dennis Strickland's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
