Dennis was born and raised in Rochelle, Illinois and graduated college from Augustana College in Rock Island. Dennis was proud to be an "Augie" and the various Division III championships they won when he attended college. Dennis migrated to Seattle in the early 90's and immediately adopted it as his city. He became a Seahawks fan for life. Dennis was an accomplished pianist who guested with the Bellevue Philharmonic, as well as a piano salesperson for Sherman Clay in Bellevue Square. Dennis was as sincere around his HIV status as anything else in his life. He was on HIV/AIDS advisory councils throughout Washington, as well as starting a complimentary arts ticket exchange for HIV+ people through Lifelong and being the co-chair of the King County HIV Planning Council. Dennis passed away Sunday, April 18th. He is survived by a niece in South Carolina and all his friends in Seattle and elsewhere who knew him. Dennis was cremated and his ashes strewn around Seattle as per his wishes. A memorial service will be held at a later date.