Dennis Lend Thompson

We have lost an amazing husband, father, grandfather, friend and dog dad. Dennis Lend Thompson passed peacefully on Wednesday April 8 surrounded by his friends and family. He bravely fought cancer for 13 years.

Dennis was born in Modesto California to Cormon and Pauline Thompson, who preceded him in death, along with two sisters, Joyce Lincoln and Helen Madden, who have also passed.

Dennis was raised in Modesto and was in the first graduating class of Davis High School, where he met his wife Margaret. They have been married 58 years. He went to Modesto Junior College where he took shop classes, and his first job was at Bill Hughes Dodge at 8th and I Streets. He was also a volunteer fire fighter and served 6 years in the Army Reserves. He had a long career as a parts manager and retired from Lovelady’s Body Shop.

Dennis was naturally gifted in music. He was a self-taught musician who played the cornet, guitar, ukulele, piano, harmonica and recently fell in love with the sounds of the mandolin. His gift was recognized at a young age—while briefly living in Los Angeles, he won a recurring role on KTLA’s Doye O’Dell children’s television show in which he sang and played guitar.

Dennis was a caring, honest, kind soul who had a strong faith in God. He was an active member of First Christian Church for many years before it closed. Later in life, he enjoyed caring for his plants, driving his classic car and loving his family.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Margaret Thompson, son Michael Thompson, daughter Amber Capulin, grandchildren Christian and Alexandra Capulin, many dear friends, and his very good boy Milo.

Please join family and friends for an outdoor celebration of life. It will be held at noon on Thursday April 23 at the Lakewood Memorial Park, 900 Santa Fe Avenue, in Hughson, California. The celebration will take place in an easily accessible garden with shade and seating—and access to a chapel in the unlikely case of rain.