Dennis Ray Mani, 53, a longtime Hamilton area resident passed away at his home the week of July 20, 2009.
He was born on January 13, 1956 in Sedro-Woolley, Washington, the son of Ernest ‘Tip’ and Nellie Moody Mani. He was raised in Hamilton where he attended grade school and then graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School with the class of 1974. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving his country as a Military Policeman, with much of his active duty spent in Berlin, West Germany.
Dennis was united in marriage to Cheryl McKnight in Canadian, Texas and from that marriage his son, Joseph was born; Joseph is currently serving in the U.S. Air Force. In 1990 he was blessed with his second son, Mack Wesley Mani, with his longtime companion, Susie Angell, and Mack is currently attending WSU.
Dennis had been an employee of the town of Lyman working as a certified water manager and as a maintenance technician for about 10 years. He was also elected to a position on the Hamilton Town Council in 2008, a post he relished.
Dennis was a great cook, enjoyed reading, camping and listening to classic rock music and one of his favorite events was the annual celebration of the winter equinox with a large bonfire. Dennis will be best remembered for his independent, irreverent opinions and love of a good political debate.
He is survived by his sons, Joseph Mani Marsh, U.S. Marines and Mack W. Mani of Pullman, WA. His mother, Nellie Mani of Punkin Center. Two brothers, Mack L. Mani and his wife, Linda of Lyman and Roger Mani and his wife, Susan of Punkin Center. His canine companion, Spike, III; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and dedicated friend of many years, Gene Bacus and his girlfriend Bobbi Spencer of Sedro-Woolley. He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest ‘Tip’ Mani.
A Potluck Gathering of Family & Friends and Military Honors will be performed at the Hamilton Town Park, Hamilton, WA on Saturday, August 1, 2009 from 3 to 6 pm. Bring memories to share. Memorial contributions in memory of Dennis can made to the Education Trust for Mack Wesley at Skagit State Bank on Ferry Street in Sedro-Woolley.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
Dennis