Art was born on January 30, 1930 to Ralph and Lucy Dennis in Dearborn Heights, MI. He was the last of four children and the only boy; growing up with three older sisters. Art’s ability to make people laugh emerged early, when as a toddler he introduced himself to the family goose by grabbing it by the neck, looking into its eyes, and announcing “My name is Archie!” Keeping his family as the priority, Art left high school at age 15 when his father passed away and his assistance was needed to support the family. While still in his teens, Art met and fell in love with his future wife, Donna May Dennis, who encouraged him to complete his GED. In the early 1950’s he was drafted, and after completing basic training, he and Donna were married. Thereafter, he was immediately shipped out to Korea for two years, where his ingenuity and construction skills were put to use building hospitals.
Upon returning home, Art and Donna brought to fruition a promise written by Art in Donna’s high school yearbook. He wrote, “I will marry Donna and have four kids - two boys and two girls!” And they made it so! Art was introduced to the men’s wear business by his father-in-law and spent the next 33 years running one of the Van Horn’s Menswear stores which was Michigan’s largest menswear chain during the 1970’s. While growing his family and pursuing his career, Art also shared his passion for building houses with his wife. He helped to design a wonderful home in Bloomfield Hills, MI where his children grew up, and he taught his children to grow vegetables, catch fish, use tools, “weed the lake” and to have fun (especially on the 50 foot rope swing)! Moreover, not a year went by without Art creating something new in the house for the family, especially if Donna mentioned the need. Whether it was adding on a bathroom or extending the deck, he never failed to improve his family’s home. Of course the “goose whisperer” continued to make both family and friends laugh out loud. Donna came home more than once from a party to share that “Dad danced with a lamp shade on his head!”
After the children were grown, Art decided on an early retirement, and he and Donna moved to South Carolina, where he invested more time enjoying his life-long love of golfing and partnered with his wife to make many new friends and enhance their community. Once again, he shared his building expertise by contributing to the design of their new South Carolina home. During their 12 years in South Carolina, Art shared his beautiful home with his children and grandchildren, while exploring the plentiful lakes via his pontoon boat, enjoying the beautiful countryside and trying out new restaurants. Art's humor permeated the neighborhood when he showed up at a Halloween party dressed in a pink tutu with a pig nose strapped to his face!
In 2002, Art and Donna took their children and grandchildren on an amazing Mediterranean cruise where they renewed their wedding vows on their 50th anniversary while sharing their love for travel with the family. So many joyful memories were created but one that stands out was how his “kids” amazed the locals in Venice as they carried Donna’s electric scooter across one bridge after another.
In 2005, Art and Donna moved to Lake Wales Florida to be closer to family and where Art again gave their new home many custom touches. Art’s love for woodwork and construction continued at Lake Ashton Woodworkers Club where he handmade 100’s of wooden toys and donated them to Shriners Children’s Hospital. He was featured in the local newspaper for his skills and generosity. Although very active in Lake Wales, Art was also caring for Donna, who had suffered a serious stroke just before their move in 2005. Donna passed away in 2010 bringing a romantic and wonderful marriage of 58 years to a close.
Art met Ann Bourg in 2012, and enjoyed ten fun-filled years with Ann as his significant other. Ann saw early on how Art was surrounded by loving and supportive children. She sincerely shared, “I love your dad and I love his family even more.” With support from the family, Art transitioned into the world of assisted living from which he peacefully passed and moved on to his adventure in heaven. May the angels be filled with the kind of laughter he brought to those of us on earth blessed enough to know Archibold John Dennis.
Archibold is survived by his son, Daniel Dennis (Sheryl) of Safety Harbor, FL; daughters, Leah Longyear (Howard) of Sarasota, FL and daughter Robin Wright (Peter) of Palo Alto, CA; grandchildren, Sean Dennis (Lisa), Leah Mazar (Matt), Alex Longyear (Maegan), Hamilton Longyear (Elizabeth), Holly Wright; and great grandchildren, Alyssa, Drew, Taylor, Jacob, Ariana and Aspen. He will forever be in their hearts.
Art was predeceased by his wife, Donna; his sisters, Pat Dujmovich (Steve), Vera Budnick (Duke), Grace Rice (Ed); his son, Neil Dennis; and his significant other, Ann Bourg.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Shriners Hospitals for Children at www.shrinerschildrens.org, the Alzheimer's Association at https://act.alz.org or The Baddour Center https://www.baddour.org/
A memorial service for Archibold will be held Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL 34232, followed by a reception from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.14.0