Michael Alan Denniston

Michael was born in Nebraska City, Nebraska, and from an early age, his life was shaped by adventure and the outdoors. Growing up, his father worked for the National Parks Service, and Michael had the rare experience of living all over the western half of the United States. Those years gave him a deep love of nature that stayed with him throughout his life. He loved to reminisce and share the adventures of growing up in the many beautiful places his family was able to live. He spent several years raising a family in Montana with the last 36 years of his life living near his parents in Red Bluff, California.

He had a great sense of humor and a quick wit. He adored his parents, and that loyalty and love of family remained a constant part of who he was.

Michael proudly served two terms in the United States Navy, where he served in and enjoyed beautiful places including Oahu and Guam. During his service, he became a torpedo electronic technician. He carried that skill into civilian life and continued working as an electronic technician until retirement.

He was also a man of many talents and passions. He was an excellent dancer, a strong athlete, and a natural competitor. He played football in high school and loved basketball and tennis as an adult. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and a dedicated pool player who played in a weekly tournament.

Michael is survived by his mother, Barbara Denniston; his brothers, Tom Denniston and Phil Denniston (wife, Leslee Denniston); his sister, Jennifer Altemueller (husband, Klaus Altemueller); his daughter, Rachelle Brinkman (husband, Jason Brinkman); his son, Matthew Denniston; his daughter, Veronica Collins (husband, Jeffrey Collins); his nieces, Sheila Halloway, Rachel Chambers, Andrea Denniston; his nephews, Nate Blankenship and Charles Denniston; his grandchildren, Hunter and Ever Viers; and great nephew, Jackson Chambers.

He was preceded in death by his father, Alan Denniston, and his brother, Patrick Denniston.

Michael will be remembered for his humor, his love of the outdoors, his many gifts, and the love he carried for his family throughout his life.

"It seems to me…that love is the most important thing in the world." - Hermann Hess

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.