W. Jack Dennis

BETHEL – W. Jack Dennis, 87, of Bethel, formerly of Saugus, Mass., and Safety Harbor, Fla., passed away on Aug. 24, 2024, in the arms of his beloved wife at the Andwell Hospice House in Auburn from complications of COVID.

Born on Jan. 28, 1937, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Jack grew up in Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas. He was son to the late Warren and Jaunita (Grieder) Dennis, and proud and loving big brother to his sister, Bonnie (Dennis) Davis of Irving, Texas.

Jack graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1954 and received an associate degree in Education from Allen Community College, Iola KS. After college, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served on the U.S.S. Intrepid in the Mediterranean Sea. Jack loved reminiscing about visiting Italy, France, Pompeii, and other places when on shore leave.

Jack’s proudest achievement was being a police officer in Saugus, Mass. Jack identified as a cop until the day he died. Tied to this accomplishment was being a proud member of AA with 34 years of sobriety. His AA friends became more like family to “Pink Cloud” Jack as he was lovingly called.

Jack was a kind and thoughtful man. He was devoted to his friends and family. No matter what life threw at him, he handled it with grace, acceptance, and a smile. He was an inspiration to all that knew him.

Jack could always be found working on something, whether it was art, puttering in his shop, fixing things, or helping Nancy with whatever she needed. Jack was a talented artist, painting and carving throughout his life. Although he had poor vision, and was partially blind, he continued to paint, painting his last picture in the spring of 2024. It looks beautiful hanging on the wall today. It is a testament of Jack’s courage and perseverance. He loved sharing his art with people he met along life’s way. If you helped him in any way, he extended the kindness by giving away a piece of his artwork. He brought many smiles to the people who received these gifts.

Jack leaves behind his beloved wife, Nancy (Mallar) Dennis. They met on a blind date on Oct. 13, 1956. Jack told Nancy right then that he was going to marry her, and she laughed at him. As it happens, Jack had the last laugh as on July 13, 2024, they celebrated 67 wonderful years of marriage together.

Jack is survived by daughter Debbie and husband Nathan Wight, son Scott and wife Sandy (Kendall) Dennis, daughter Bonnie and husband Brian Barker. He was predeceased by son Mark.

Jack was the proud and loving Gramps or Papa to his seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren: Andy and Shannon (Cain) Dennis, Erin and Josh Mowery, Sarah and Matt Hiebert, Elizabeth and Branden Giarusso, Jeremy and Mindy Foss, Katie and Steven Knapp, Owen and Katie Foss.

A special thank you to Judy Gould for all her love and care. You added laughter to his life, and he sure did love your cookies and brownies.

Jack will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him. Life is uncertain, eat dessert first.

There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, at the West Parish Congregational Church, Bethel, at 10 a.m.