On Christmas night 2020, Timothy William Dennis, 76, passed away in his sleep. Tim was born December 22, 1944 in San Francisco, Calif. He married Micki Karen Sanders in Saratoga, Calif., on January 15, 1963. He is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Micki; his parents, Bill and Rita Dennis, two brothers William “Billy” and James “Jim” Dennis. He is survived by his three children, Robin Marx (Michael dec.), Gary Dennis and Cari Dennis; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Colleen and Mary Anne Dennis.
Tim started out his working career at Original Joe’s in San Jose where he was a busboy and “head meatball maker.” After earning his high school diploma by attending night school he was hired by TWA at San Francisco Airport in ramp service loading airplanes with luggage and cargo. Tim could tell you anything you wanted to know about planes, he enjoyed them so much.
In the fall of 1971 Tim and Micki, the kids and pets, along with their friends Rich and Myrna Peterson and all of their kids and pets, packed up the cars and a U-Haul and moved to Oregon landing in Eugene in a driving rain. The Dennis family moved to Cottage Grove for the first few years, later moving to Creswell in 1974 where Tim lived in the same house until moving to Waterford Grand assisted living because of his advancing Alzheimer’s disease.
Tim landed a driving position with the still fresh and new Lane Transit District in 1972 where he worked until his retirement in 2007. Tim was a loved and appreciated bus operator. Every birthday and Christmas he came home with goodies, presents and treats his riders would bestow upon him to show their appreciation. Tim absolutely loved his job and it showed.
Tim was a huge aficionado of San Francisco, the city of his childhood. He would reminisce about roaming all through Golden Gate Park and taking trips all over town on the street cars. He was a lifelong Giants fan and attended games in the city with family.
He often took long motorcycle adventures with his buddies and continued weekly lunches with his friends all through his retirement. Tim hiked Mount Pisgah daily for years. In their retirement Tim and Micki continued discovering new hikes in Oregon and California.
Tim was very devoted to his cats over the years and brought two of them, Big Boy and Serene, to live with him at the Waterford Grand. He loved his motorcycles and cars and especially his last new car, a beautiful Subaru Outback. He kept it in perfect condition as with all his vehicles.
Tim was a wonderful father and grandfather. He had a nimble quick wit and always had us laughing. He was dearly loved by his family and is greatly missed by all.
The family will be holding a celebration of his life later in the summer. More information on Alzheimer’s can be found at the Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org/about
