Dennis John Patrick

Dennis’s early childhood was marked by frequent moves with his mother, stepfather John Heintzman, and younger brother Jody, as John sought work to support the family. John’s strong work ethic left a lasting impression on Dennis, who would later instill the same values in his own children. The family lived in various towns, including Plains, MT; White Salmon; The Dalles; and Goldendale, before returning to Yakima when Dennis was around eleven. Raised Catholic, Dennis attended Catholic schools and became an altar server in the 5th grade. Upon returning to Yakima, he attended St. Joseph School and served as an altar boy at St. Joseph Church. In 8th grade, he was chosen to serve at High Mass and even served at masses led by the Bishop of the Yakima Diocese—a special honor that Dennis cherished.

During his tumultuous early childhood, Dennis was often cared for by his maternal grandparents, George and Gene Champagne. Some of his happiest memories from his childhood were of their home on 8th Street in Yakima. He fondly recalled his grandpa’s big backyard garden and rocking chair, and roaming the neighborhood with his lifelong best friend, Marvin. At the age of fourteen, Dennis moved in with his grandparents permanently, finding the stability and unconditional love he needed at that crucial time in his life. He often expressed gratitude for the influence of his grandparents and Marvin, believing they played a key role in shaping his future.

Dennis attended Marquette High School, graduating in 1964. He then attended Seattle University for two years, where he joined the ROTC.

In 1965, Dennis met Mary Buckley on a blind double date arranged by his friend Marvin, who was dating Mary’s best friend at the time. Mary became the love of his life, and they were married at St. Paul’s Cathedral on June 15, 1968. They remained devoted to each other for 56 years until his death. In his final years, Dennis exemplified the wedding vows he took, showing his children the meaning of “For Better, for worse, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. I will love and honor you all the days of my life."

In 1967, with Mary’s support, Dennis enlisted in the Army, anticipating the draft. He completed Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Lewis (now JBLM) and attended a six-month Engineering Officer Training course at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. After their wedding, Dennis returned to Fort Belvoir for a two-week training session, bringing Mary along for their honeymoon. The couple later settled at Fort Lewis. Dennis was deployed to Vietnam in March 1969 and returned in January 1970. Upon his return, he enrolled at Central Washington College, where he earned a Business degree.

Dennis and Mary started their life together, welcoming twin sons David and Aaron in 1976. Although surprised by twins, they were overjoyed. Dennis often said that Mary’s mother, Grandma Lorain, was a Gift from God for her help with the mischievous "wrecking crew" when Mary returned to work. Their daughter, Anne-Marie, was born in 1979, completing their family.

His children’s childhoods were filled with memories of Dennis coaching their soccer teams, attending ballet recitals, driving the twins to karate, looking the other way when they brought home hamsters, ferrets, and dozens of parakeets, teaching all three kids to drive in the Holy Family parking lot, tinkering on cars with the twins in the garage, and creating new adventures in the never-ending bedtime tales of Toad Frog and Fairy Princess Annie. Many of those stories also featured his second favorite character, Fairy Princess Megan.

Throughout his career, Dennis held various positions, but he found his calling in Human Resources, starting in 1983. He served as Human Resources Manager for the Ace Hardware Regional Distribution Center, the Yakima Herald-Republic, Michelsen Packaging Co., Yakima Resources (formerly Boise Cascade Mill), Floyd Blinsky Trucking, and D.R. Brown Trucking. In 2003, while at Michelsen Packaging, he was honored as the Yakima Valley Human Resource Association Member of the Year. Dennis retired in 2007 to care for Mary. His time at Yakima Resources was particularly meaningful, as his Grandpa George had worked at the Yakima Mill for over 50 years, and working there was a tribute to the man who raised him.

In his later years, Dennis cared for Mary’s aging parents and, after their passing, devoted himself to Mary as she faced the challenges of Alzheimer’s. Diagnosed in 2018, Mary’s condition eventually required professional care, but Dennis remained a constant presence, feeding her lunch and holding her hand during daily visits, until his health wouldn’t allow him to drive.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Mary; his children, David (Kristie), Aaron (Tammy and her daughter Shelby), and Anne-Marie (Andrew); and his grandson, Lincoln Holloway. He is also survived by his brother, Jody (Toni) Heintzman; Mary’s two brothers and their wives; and numerous nieces and nephews. Dennis is preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Heintzman; his grandparents, George and Gene Champagne; his Uncle John “Buzz” Grove; and his in-laws, William and Lorain Buckley, who loved him as their own.

Graveside services will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Yakima on Friday, August 30, 2024 at 10am.