Most people reading this obit will know Dennis from his long-time service at the Orcas Island Ferry Terminal. He was a solid member of our team and we will miss him.

I only knew Dennis from our time together at work, here on Orcas. He was 83 when he passed, ergo, he had a lifetime of stories and tales to tell. He lived a full life. Born in Manhattan, NY, into a Jewish family, he exemplified the old saw: You can take the boy out of the City, but you can’t take the City out of the boy. Those who have wandered the streets of the Big Apple will testify that the interpersonal manner of the folks there is, well, rather abrupt.

For islanders and tourists, Dennis’ manner was sometimes taken for grouchiness. I would explain it away by saying he was from New York. But his dry sense of humor more than compensated for any negative impressions. He had some canned lines like: Does this ferry stop at Lopez? “No ma’am, it stops in Cincinnati.” And a few catchphrases. My fav: “We’re here for you until we’re not.”

He spent many years in Southern California, where I’m from, and we would compare notes on our life and times there. Much of the talk revolved around restaurants, which played a big part in Dennis’ life. He could go on and on about food, wine and restaurants.

He loved Ernest Hemingway, referring to him as Papa, Hemingway’s nickname, as if they were actual compadres.

He loved poetry. At just the mention of it, he would lean back in the chair and start reciting.

He served in the military and hitch-hiked across America twice.

Even as he got older, he was responsive to the landing’s need for shift changes, and, if he could, would drive in from the Deer Harbor Marina to cover a shift. He was a model of politeness and professionalism on the radio with his signature response: “Roger, and thank you.”

Towards the end, his medical issues compounded and overlapped. He worked as much as his health allowed until he requested medical leave to sort things out. Alas, he never returned to us.

May the LORD bless him and keep him. May the LORD make His face shine upon him, be gracious unto him, and give him peace.