Dennis Ray Frazier was born on March 24, 1955 to Lola Mae Willis in Tonasket. He was raised with his siblings: Billie, Carol, Steve, Patti, Clifford, Teresa and Cindy. He attended Oroville Schools while growing up and in 1973, with his love, Joy, his daughter, Jessica Robin was born. He doted and cherished her very much.

True to his charisma, he found a new love, Denise. They married in 1980 and Dennis quickly fell in love with her daughter, Kara Melinda and raised her as his own.

This was not to be a lifetime marriage and Dennis found a new friend in Barb. Including her son, Taylor, they had two more beautiful baby boys, Colin Andrew in 1983 and Jonathan Nicholas in 1984.

Dennis was always a charismatic free-spirit and was loved by family and friends. He supported his family with mechanic and heavy machinery knowledge and operation working for construction companies such as Dyad Construction, Beanblossom Backhoe Service, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Nulton Irrigation, Harcon Inc, Jansen Construction and Kit-San. Since construction is generally seasonal employment, Dennis cut firewood in the winter for local elders and the Community Action Counsel to supplement his household.

In 1992, his life changed when his boys moved to Florida. He found comfort in living with his daughter, Jessica and her friend Marci while encouraging them to go to school and get their diplomas. He celebrated with huge pride watching them both accomplish this crossing in life.

He continued to work construction until 1996 when he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre and was disabled to work. He found solace in the Washington State Blues Society Festival Circuit and his lifetime love, Jackie. With Jackie and her children: Alisha, Ryan and Dylan he found a new life enveloped in blues music and love while still maintaining a love and friendship with his daughters, Jessica and Kara.

Dennis is known locally for always having a helping hand for those in need. Continually checking on elders in the community and making sure they are not going without. He would check on all his friends’ parents, grandparents and those he knew had no family. He was a special friend to those around him!

After a long bout with liver disease, Dennis died peacefully at home with Jackie by his side on Dec. 24, 2010.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Lola Mae; and his brother, Clifford Willis.

He will me missed by his family and friends very much but we are comforted that he is no longer in pain.

A potluck style luncheon in Celebration of Dennis’ Life will commence on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011 at 1 p.m., at the Oroville Eagles. Please bring your great Dennis stories to share with all. If you cannot publicly speak, please write it down and someone will share for you!