Dennis is survived by his wife Sharon; two sons, Brandon (Sarah) and Ben; three grandchildren: Emalynn, Reeve, and Everly Olson; and sister Connie Burchill, all of Spokane Valley, WA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Ethelyn Olson.
Dennis, born December 18,1948, in Ellensburg, Washington, came home from the hospital Christmas Eve. The family moved to Spokane in 1951. He proudly graduated from John R. Rogers in 1967, attended Spokane Community College, and graduated from Eastern Washington University in 1971 with a degree in elementary education. Later, he earned a Masters in Administration degree from Whitworth College in 1978.
Dennis married Sharon Yecha in 1980. Dennis was Sharon’s master teacher, and months after mentoring, he passed the test when she said “yes” to becoming his bride. They welcomed Brandon in 1982 and Ben in 1985.
As a young man, he won Christmas lighting contests, fiddled with car and home speakers, announced races at local speedways, and cherished his ‘69 Firebird. As a father, he loved building remote controlled and pinewood derby cars, coaching baseball teams, camping, boating, polishing his cars, and teaching his boys love of country. Dennis’ life defined patriotism!
Dennis served the Central Valley School District as both a teacher and principal for 33 years. He then taught at Spokane Community College for 16 years, completing 49 years in public education.
Dennis loved Jesus, directed many choirs, played piano and trumpet, sang in many Singing Christmas Tree concerts. He faithfully volunteered at Valley Assembly over the past 15 years teaching others about financial peace.
A memorial service celebrating Dennis’ life is scheduled for 10:00 am, Saturday, July 17, at Valley Assembly, 15618 E Broadway Ave. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Union Gospel Mission, P.O. Box 4066, Spokane, WA 99220 or online: https://www.uniongospelmission.org/donate.
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