Robert Matthew Dennis

Robert Dennis peacefully departed this world on July 27, 2023 at home, surrounded by his family at the age of 79. Born on November 1, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois, Bob was the beloved son of Win-ifred and Branton Dennis, younger brother of Tim Dennis. At a young age, Bob's family moved West, eventually settling in Pomona, California. He grew up there, graduating from Ganesha High in 1962, an era when orange groves still covered much of the area and cool cars, community danc-es and his many diverse friends were the focus of his life.

Bob joined the National Guard in 1965, serving at both Fort Ord and Hunter Liggett until 1971. He chose to move to the coast, living first in Laguna Beach then settling in Hermosa Beach, where he enjoyed surfing and the casual lifestyle. The bonds he made there added to his lifelong friendships from Pomona. Bob met Amy in 1979, and together with a group of close friends, they moved to rural Pahoa, Hawaii in 1981. They built a home, married later that year, and started their family. Both daughter Jessie (’82) and son James (’84) were born in Hilo. Together they led a simple but always interesting life, experiencing the aloha of local friends and living island style. It was quite an adventure having Kilauea erupt, lava flow nearby and Pele’s hair fall on their small banana farm.

In late 1986, Bob and his family returned to the mainland, settling on Shady Lane in Ojai. Wonder-ful and long- lasting friendships, built while raising kids, made neighbors like family. Bob worked as a custodian at both Summit and San Antonio elementary schools, retiring after close to 20 years of service. His dedication and warmth endeared him to the staff, teachers, parents and children at those campuses. He loved nothing more than to tie a shoelace, give help or encouragement, and always share a big smile for jobs well done by students there.

Outside of work, Bob loved anything rusty and old that he could “score” at a yard sale, amassing an enormous collection of things that caught his fancy. He loved to refurbish things to their former glory, including gas pumps, motorcycles, cars, tools, and toys. Bob found true joy and comfort in these possessions, and used them as a conversation starter that, as you might guess, led to yet more friendships.

After retirement, he enjoyed driving his vintage baby blue VW around town and hanging at the park with his dogs Rusty and Indy, where he continued to socialize. Making new friends was what Bob was most naturally gifted at doing with his easy-going attitude, his ability to make people laugh, and his true love of people, resulting in friends of all ages, walks of life and beliefs.

Bob lived a full life with his wife and children always being most important to him. He is survived by the love of his life, wife Amy Dennis of Ojai, CA, his daughter Jessie Bannister with son-in-law Chris, and his adored grandson Cade of Ojai; his son James Dennis with daughter-in-law Meredith, and his cherished grandkids Emilia and Wyatt of San Rafael, CA, sisters-in-law Laura Schmidt of Davis, CA nephew Ian Johnson, wife Julie and daughter Bella of Roseville, CA and Stacey Griffith of New Bern, NC, nephew Nick King, wife Melissa and son Mason of Aldie, VA.

A celebration of Bob's life will happen at a future date to share the stories and laughs he would want. In the meantime, his family holds much heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of support, condolences, and, above all, the friendships that filled Bob's life – and ours - with love.