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Dennis John Sweeny, 65

Dennis John Sweeny, 65, born on Sept. 12, 1952, passed away Oct. 19, 2017.

Dennis was a devoted son, brother, husband, uncle and brother-in-law in a family who loved him enormously. Dennis, who was also called “Den,” “Bones” or “Uncle Den,” was known and cherished by all these affectionate names. Uncle Den referred to the youngest relatives as “ankle-biters” and they found him mysterious and quite lovable. He would often be a quiet observer at our large and noisy family gatherings, but always had a humorous comment or cherished memory to share. He was a man of few words and many thoughtful deeds. If need arose, he would be there to help without thought for gratitude or recognition. Steadiness was his attribute and loyalty was his trademark.

Dennis was raised on the South Hill in Spokane, Wash., and attended St. Augustine’s Elementary School, Gonzaga Preparatory High School and graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Science degree. He affiliated there with Phi Delta Theta fraternity. After college, he returned to Spokane and began a long and successful career.

Dennis was respected within the concrete and paving industries in the Northwest. He enjoyed a wide reputation for his work ethic and effective performance. He was general manager of Acme Concrete and Materials for more than 20 years, continued in the concrete field with William Winkler Company and spent the last several years with Champion Concrete Pumping. Dennis’ co-workers had these comments, “Dennis will be fondly remembered by his closest friends and work companions as a man of integrity, morality and he was always fair and balanced. Most of all, he was a man of character and he will be missed.”

Dennis found the love of his life in his wife, Debbie. Their relationship brought him enormous happiness and they were true soul mates. They spent their married life in a home on the Spokane River, where both were very content. Debbie’s untimely death was such a loss.

Dennis’ interests included reading, puttering in his gardens, chasing the bunnies away and sitting on his terrace savoring the sights and sounds of the river, and the beauty of flower beds created by his sister, Margaret. Priest Lake, Idaho, was another haven for Dennis and he came as often as his schedule allowed.

Dennis was preceded in death by his wife, Debbie; his parents, Lillian and Jerome; his brother, Jerome Jr.; brother-in-law Glenn Quigley; and nephews Paul Sweeny, Brian Sweeny and Christian Saad. He is survived by siblings Sharron Quigley, Mary Saad (Paul), Joanne Sweeny (Les Benoy), Kevin (Donna), Patrice Sweeny (Mike Carper), Margaret Sweeny, Malloy and Suzanne Sweeny; and 20 nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Family and friends will gather to honor and celebrate Dennis from 3-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017, at the Mirabeau Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley, Wash.

The Sweeny family would like to express deep gratitude to Dr. Wolff, the ER team and the ICU professionals at Deaconess MultiCare. Thank you for the kindness and care you provided to Dennis. Donations in Dennis’ honor may be made to The Brian Sweeny Memorial Scholarship at Gonzaga Preparatory School, 1224 E. Euclid Ave., Spokane, WA 99210; or Hospice of Spokane, P.O. Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210.

He is at peace, loosen his bonds. Arrangements have been entrusted to Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services in Spokane.