Dennis Michael Skahill

Dennis Michael Skahill was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Dennis always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Dennis was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

Dennis was born on January 1, 1952 at St. Ann Hospital in St. Louis County, Missouri. His parents were Kenneth and Mary Skahill. Dennis was raised in West Covina, California. Always able to express himself well, Dennis possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Dennis was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

Blessed with a balanced attitude, Dennis was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Dennis was raised with five siblings. He had three older sisters, Patty, Carole and Barbara, one younger brother, Larry and one younger sister, Mary Jo. Dennis had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

As a young child, Dennis showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Dennis enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in baseball (pitcher) and football. He was a boy scout. In his spare time he liked fireworks (pyro side to him his whole life).

Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Dennis was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He graduated from West Covina High School in 1970. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Auto Shop. The teachers he enjoyed learning from the most was Coach Branshaw and Coach Eaton.

When the goal of college was in sight, it became important to Dennis. Again, his direct, “down to earth” approach served him well. He was able to absorb complex concepts and had an acute sense of how things worked. His favorite courses were Police Science. Dennis had a passion to become a Police Officer. Then he got in a motorcycle accident which made that impossible (broke his back) in 1973 moved to Idaho.

Friends and acquaintances found Dennis an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Dennis was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of his best friends were Steve Overlock, Jim and John M., Brad Helmuth, Fred Mock, Jannett and Darrell Mulligian and Steve Haywood. Later in life, he became friends with Billie Smith, Kevin McCann, Pat Smith, Steve Hoolahan, Jen McCann, Tom Schultz, Ron Similar, Gary Abbott, Tony Taylor and tons more.

On September 26, 1981 Dennis exchanged wedding vows with Marie Carole Hendrickson in Lomita, California. Dennis was attentive to Marie's feelings, and he charmed Marie and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Dennis was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.

Very much like a kid himself, Dennis identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Dennis was blessed with three children, one son, Ryan and two daughters, Shellie and Kallie.

Dennis was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Dennis’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Dennis was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Dennis could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was drywall taper. He was employed for 35 years.

Dennis enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were gardening, reading (mysteries, suspense, adventure) friends with Ridley Person, fishing, sports fanatic, keeping things tidy,. He owned a sandwich truck that parked at the base of Bald Mountain aka River Run Sun Valley, Idaho. Dennis loved to race cars. He had a 63 Ford Falcon, 65 Mustang Fastback 289 and 63 Corvette Split Window. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Because he liked to take risks, Dennis was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. In high school, Dennis played high school football, grew tired of it, went to running track. In his college years, Dennis continued to stay active by street racing. Recreational sports included softball, basketball, golf and fishing. Dennis was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football, baseball, basketball and soccer.

Dennis was a generous man who prized that same quality in others. So it’s little wonder that he was so active and giving in his community. Dennis was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.

Dennis held close traditional values and as a result, faith was important to him. He was a member of St. Charles Borromeo for 25 years. During that time, he cleaned the church and helped with events.

Travel and vacations were experiences that Dennis truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included going to Hawaii: Kauai and the Big Island.

Dennis was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Dennis’s favorites was Ralph the 1st. His family was rounded out by Zorbit, Gina, Cheech and Chong and Ralph the 2nd.

Dennis passed away on November 11, 2013 at Barlow Respiratory Hospital in Los Angeles, California. He is survived by his wife Marie, his children Ryan, Shellie and Kallie. Services were held at Custer Christiansen Chapel in Covina, California.

Dennis was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Dennis had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Dennis Michael Skahill.