Dennis and I overlapped at school briefly but I fondly remember our heated board game sessions together, and more than anything, his unabashedly kind and warm energy that he brought with him everywhere. It was a gift and will be missed. 

Much love to the family, you raised a wonderful human being in this world.

I remember with great fondness hanging out with you during the summers growing up. You and your family were such an immense part of the magic and wonder of summertime. One memory in particular has stayed with me throughout all of these years. We were at an outdoor festival with your family. It always took some time for the awkwardness of having not seen each other for so long to slowly melt away. Especially at that age, when a year meant such profound transformation and growth.  Your compassion and kindness always made it feel so easy to become reacquainted with each other. Even though it felt like you were so much older than me, I never felt like you looked down on me or considered me as an annoying little kid. I remember we were getting ready to leave the festival and the sun was starting to sink lower in the sky. I remember looking at you in that fading light and feeling a sense of awe toward you as a role model. I was always closer with Derrick, being closer in age. At that moment, I felt such a deep sense of envy for him, having you for an older brother. I couldn't have articulated it then, but you were one of the first people in my life who modeled being a "cool Asian kid," someone with a self-poise and confidence that I yearned to emulate. Rest in peace Dennis, we grieve your loss tremendously.

Our deepest condolences to Dennis’ family and closest friends. Dennis was one of the kindest and most genuine people at Columbia Business School, and it was a privilege to have known him. It is with great sadness to learn of this news and we will miss him dearly.

Dennis, you were always smart, reliable and impressive. All of your work was excellent and I wish we had the opportunity to work together longer.  You were definitely one of my and Sidley’s best lawyers.  I wish we got to know each other more closely.  As I think I told you I later lived vicariously through your hiking adventures. So in addition to the above you were brave, adventurous and so much cooler. We will always remember you and keep you in our thoughts. Love Alex and the Sidley team. 

were part of our team and

I've known Dennis only briefly, we went on a Mountaineers trip in April 2024 together and skied on the slopes of Mount Rainier that day. We carpooled and chatted about his life in New York and my life in Canada and stopped to get some pierogi at the Ukrainian restaurant. Dennis flew to Romania the next day.

Dennis was one of the most positive parts of my experience at Columbia. He was smart, funny, patient, and ultimately just a Good Person. He will be missed.

Dennis brought so many happiness to us:) He’s really a caring person. It’s a loss for the world.

You are such a great skier Dennis - we followed you on the slopes of Alta, Brighton, Snowbird and you were too fast to catch. You are a traveler and an explorer, never tied of the higher and bigger mountains. RIP Dennis.

Dennis was one of the first people I met at CBS when we discovered a shared love of climbing and the outdoors. He was such a kind, genuine person and I'll miss him. I'd like to think that when I next find myself in the grand expanse and beauty of the outdoors, I'll be able to feel Dennis' spirit in the place he loved the most.

A‘21 will never be the same without you Dennis. We last shared a meal in Milan almost 3 years ago, and I wish I knew what “see ya later” meant. You’re loved by so many, and you’ll be sorely missed.

Dennis was incredibly kind. I loved talking with him. He exuded a genuineness and humility that made him so refreshing to be around. I imagine he got that way in part by being connected to the earth the way he was. May his memory be a blessing.

Wherever you are now, I hope you can see all your favorite peaks and more. I'll miss you greatly.

It seemed like not long ago we were hiking Black Tusk together and sharing a well deserved meal afterwards. You've always been such an inspiration to me. I looked up to you when we were kids and later on as adults. Every time I would open Strava, I'd think to myself, "Where in the world is Dennis, and what amazing adventure is he embarking on now?"

I'll always cherish the memories I have of us as kids playing magic cards in the cafeteria or coming over to your house to play the newest Nintendo games and read the latest Nintendo Power magazines.

You were supposed to be at the Tillamook Burn with me this weekend. I completed the race and wore your racing bib in your honour. It was one of the hardest physical challenges I've ever done, but I'm happy to have finished, and I will forever hold that moment dear to my heart.

Dennis, we had so many memories together growing up. You were like another brother to me. I have memories of us laughing uncontrollably in the back of your mom’s car, creating worlds and creatures in your parents board room office. We did so many summer camps together and I always loved spending time with you. As adults though we didn’t see each other often, we always had good conversations and I wish we could be joining an adventure with you, though I’m probably to scared to do most of the crazy stuff you’ve done. I don’t want to say goodbye, my prayer is I hope to see you later. Love you and your family so much ❤️

You were a smart, reserved, easygoing kid, and a wonderful big bro to your kid bro Derrick. You never went anywhere without a book we used to wonder what you were reading. Growing up you learned to ski on the slopes of the Canadian Rockies and traveled to many places with your parents. Those experiences must have planted the seeds for your lifelong love for the mountains and zests for adventures. You accomplished so much in your short life yet you continued to pursue challenges. It’s heartbreaking that you left us way too soon yet the only consolation is you left doing what you love. Dennis, my beloved nephew, grandma and grandpa who loved you dearly will embrace and protect you in heaven. RIP

Dennis was a very friendly person, always had big smile one his face especial when you talked to him!
He was a very  intelligent man and achieved  a lot in his short life.
He will be missed by the family, his co-workers and his friends!

Dennis, you are the sweetest and kindest soul I ever knew. You were always smiling and so supportive to anyone. Even though the amount of time I have known you is so short, you had a huge impact on me in all kinds of ways. For that, I’m so thankful to have known you. I miss your sweet smile. I miss your tips on running. I miss seeing your updates and comments on Strava… thank you for connecting me with wonderful friends and thank you for being such a positive influence to all. I hope you having the most epic adventure wherever you are! You are a true legend!

It seems like just yesterday that we were racing Vertfest with Dennis. Because who else skis up 4,000 ft of vert as fast as they can for fun? Dennis, you will be greatly missed and rest in peace!

Keens Stakehouse, NYC. You loved New York because of your friends and food. New York was so generous, giving us stake that is bigger than our table. You loved NY and we shared so many memories.

First time in Europe together. We went to Rome, Paris, Zermatt in a week. You said it was a sneak preview and we should be back for more.

Inversion at the summit! I see why you love mountains.

Who am I going to go to Kilimanjaro with? Or  buy a chalet in Chamonix with?  Or discover more of Seattle?
So many great memories with you my friend, from the Duathlon, to the Triathlon, biking and hiking, from Zermatt, to the  tour du mont blanc, and the many  board game nights with the kids . 
You will be missed dearly by Narimane and I.

Climbing and skiing down White Glacier on Mt Shuksan, March 2024. Dennis had a deep admiration for Mt Shuksan and had spent many weekends climbing the many routes leading to its summit. This was one of the gorgeous and fun day that we shared together. I appreciated Dennis a lot for his great enthusiasm to get to the mountains and cheerful motivation to keep pushing up. He will be deeply missed by our community.

Such a great climb with you Dennis to the summit of Glacier Peak. I really enjoyed your company and getting to know you. You will be dearly missed. Enjoy those epic views and sunshine, wherever you are!

Skiing with Dennis on Mount Rainer, November 2023

On our way up to Table Mountain.  The views of Shuksan and Baker that day were immaculate.  I hope the mountains you loved look great from where you are now.

Despite all your achievements, you were incredibly humble and generous. You never looked down on anyone. Always taking the time to teach the rookie of the group, even if that meant less time for you to study or hike or ski. Always patient to explain the board game to the new person. Always there for anyone who needed you.

Your openness brought us all together. Many of us, who now read and write these words, call each other friends solely because of you. 

Words cannot describe how much poorer this world is without you.

Dennis, what makes you so amazing is not just all the adventure and memories you've inspired in all of us, but also all the people from different walks of life that you've brought together and inspired. You inspired us all from the way you lived, fearless, positively, you always saw the best of people and in every situation. You showed us how to continue to learn, grow, adventure and experience life to the fullest. I'll miss your unique music tastes, the way your eyes goes into calculator mode when it was your turn on a board game, your love for learning and recanting obscure topics and explaining it to everyone, your patience in teaching a whole new generation of rock climbers including me the different holds, your love for blindingly bright Arcteryx jackets, even your driving and snoring... I hope wherever you are, you're able to keep adventuring on but rest assured, you've inspired an entire set of folks who have known you to live life more fully, to embrace the unknown, and to do it all, always with a smile on their face. Thank you Dennis and hope you rest in peace.

Sharing a memory from when we were out with the Washington Alpine Club backcountry travel class at Mount Baker in 2023. Dennis was an amazing student, was a pleasure to be around and had such an adventurous spirit. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace Dennis 💜

OBITUARY

Dennis Yenkai Kao

Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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