Dennis Robert Lorz, 64, of Tonasket, beloved son, husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away suddenly on Dec. 22nd 2012.

Dennis was born on July 1st, 1948 to Cameron ‘Bob’ and Rosalie Lorz in Tonasket, Washington. They lived on Spectacle Lake and Dennis went to school in Tonasket through the first grade. The family then moved to Oroville where they remained until Dennis graduated from Oroville High School in 1966.

Dennis began working in orchards and other odd jobs when he was fifteen. Shortly after graduation he went to Texas and worked in the shipping yards. After a brief stay in Texas he went to Alaska where he worked on the fishing boats, found his love for logging and several years later, his love for Frances Crunk. They married on April 18th, 1975.

Dennis, Fran and their three girls moved back to Washington State in 1979 and settled in Tonasket where he started his lifelong career as an orchardist and logger.

Dennis loved his family, logging, fishing, hunting, and actively participating in the Tonasket Gun Club. The greatest of these loves were his grandchildren. Known by all as Papa Dennis, there was rarely a time throughout their lives he didn’t have one, two, three, or more, in tow. He taught most of them to fish, hunt, shoot, ride bikes and drive. Dennis tried never to miss a game, concert, match, meet, skating competition or performance and often wondered what he would do with the time on his hands as the kids were beginning to grow up and graduate.

Dennis was passionate about the outdoors whether he was working or playing. If he was outside he was a happy man, probably why he enjoyed logging and being an orchardist. Many of his cousins had the pleasure of working in the woods with him. For years he was the master hunter and even served as an unofficial guide on many hunting trips for people from out of the area. He could be found on many Sundays at a trap shoot and spent the last two years as president of the Tonasket Gun Club. He especially enjoyed Wednesdays when the FFA kids came to shoot. Dennis loved fishing and was always happy to receive an invitation for a fishing trip. Countless hours were spent in the little green fishing boat with family and friends.

Dennis enjoyed having coffee with folks at the coffee shop. He was a big help to all his neighbors whenever they needed him. He visited his Mom regularly and enjoyed helping her with all the outside work. The yearly camping trips were a highlight for Dennis, especially family reunions.

Dennis was loved and admired by all who met him. He was a mentor and a hero. His death came as a shock and the family and community are feeling a deep sense of loss, but as a friend said, “our loss here on earth with such a blessing in heaven.”

Dennis is survived by his mother, Rosalie Lorz of Oroville, wife of 37 years, Fran Lorz of Tonasket, three daughters Robin (Jeff) Stedtfeld of Tonasket, Chris (Rob) Burke of East Wenatchee and Kira (Mark) Super of Riverside; five siblings, brother, Emmett (Pat) Lorz of Valley, sister, Mary Lorz of California, sister, Rusty (Andy) Anderson of Oroville, brother, Tom (Laury) Lorz of Everett, brother Jordan Lorz of Seattle as well as 12 grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his father Cameron “Bob” Lorz.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012 at 2 p.m. at the Oroville Free Methodist Church with Pastor Rod Brown, officiating. Please share your memories by signing Dennis’ online guest book at www.berghfuneralservice.com.