Robert Gould Dennison

Robert Gould Dennison beloved husband of Mary Dennison passed away at their family home after a valiant battle with cancer. Rob fought this disease as he had faced every challenge in his life, with determination, dignity and grace. Rob was born October 3, 1940 to Herschel and Bernice Dennison in Ventura, California. He grew up on the family citrus ranch with brothers Michael and Don. He had a wonderful boyhood spending hours at play in the orange groves shaping him into a man who loved the outdoors. Rob attended UCLA, where he earned his engineering degree. He left Southern California and moved to Seattle in 1965. After completing his Masters degree in electrical engineering at the University of Washington, Rob joined the Boeing Company where he spent his professional career until he retired in 2003. After numerous engineering assignments in aerospace research and development he was promoted into management. He then guided and managed research efforts as well as represented the company with national technical committees. Rob's intense interest in technology advancement served him well throughout his professional career. In July 2002 Rob moved to the Long Beach Peninsula where, in his words, "Life really began". He and Mary joined their lives together after a beautiful two-year courtship. Rob found Mary later in life, yet it was a love of a lifetime. It was the joy of his life to move to this community and be so deeply in love. Rob integrated himself into Mary's family easily, shouldering responsibilities and sheltering each family member. He gave his all without reserve and won the hearts of extended family and friends. He was a peacemaker and a man who listened and demonstrated his honesty, integrity and devotion. To experience the family life and be a grandfather lovingly known as "Bonka" was a great reward in Rob's life. He had no children of his own but became the ultimate family man, entertaining us with his sense of humor and wit. Rob had many passions and hobbies. He was an avid backpacker and cherished his time in solitude. He loved fishing and spending quiet hours on a lake in the canoe. Rob had a huge passion for HAM radio and he participated in the local amateur radio club here on the Peninsula. He had a desire for local youth to become involved, and a memorial fund has been established for that purpose. Rob loved and served our community with tireless enthusiasm, kindness and fairness. He served the Boys and Girls Club with his computer expertise, volunteered with the Water Music Festival for five years and was active on the Planning Commission board. He always extended himself to offer his help and ideas. Rob lived and walked his faith in Christ, always treating people equally. He was a wonderful role model and left a legacy of love for us all. He is survived by his beloved wife Mary, brothers Michael Dennison, Don Dennison, stepchildren Ethan, Emilie and husband Reese, Martin and Thomas and grandchildren Asher and Audrey. We will love and hold you in our hearts forever. A memorial will held for Rob at the Inn at Harbour Village in Ilwaco, WA on Thursday, June 25th, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers please make donations to: Robert Dennison Memorial Fund Pacific County Amateur Radio Club 16508 Pacific Way Long Beach WA 98631