Dennis Ray Oliver, 80

Dennis Ray Oliver left this earth Thursday, June 23, with his family at his side. His short battle with leukemia is over. His passing leaves a broken-hearted family and friends. Dennis is survived by his wife, Paula Oliver; son Michael Oliver; daughter-in-law Gail; daughter Leah Aslanzadeh, son-in-law Vahan; stepson Michael DeWitt, 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He had strong beliefs, but he was a gentle soul and would always put his work aside to help someone else if needed. He always found something good to say about anyone he knew or met. He always said life is too short to look for fault in folks. He was born in Belleville, Kan., to Nevin and Lucille Oliver. He moved often as a child due to his father’s occupation. His high school years were at Burbank High in Burbank, Calif. He joined the Marines after graduation, spent three years at Pearl Harbor plus other duty stations. He then attended Seminary and became a Baptist minister. He pastored churches in California for 20 years. He also worked full-time during those years as a machinist and home remodeling, a trade he had learned from his father.

He moved to Coeur d’Alene in 1991 to “retire,” but that didn’t last long. He became a licensed contractor, built or remodeled many homes and businesses in this area. He loved working in his shop doing woodworking, welding, you name it, and he did it. He was very talented and creative. He loved this country and was very involved with Pappy Boyington Detachment 966. He loved this country and his brothers in the Marine Corps League. There was no limit to the devotion and love he had for each of them and their sacrifices. He served as adjutant/paymaster for Pappy Boyington 966 Detachment and also served as chaplain for the Marine Corps League, Department of Idaho. He was voted 2021 Marine of the Year for the Detachment and also 2021 Marine of the year by the State Department of Idaho.

Memorial and celebration of life will be held Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at Grace Bible Church, 152 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d’Alene at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Kootenai Humane Society.

Visit Dennis’s memorial and sign his online guestbook at www.englishfuneralchapel.com