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Memorial Keepers (1)

Beck's Tribute Center

Dennis Michael DePape

June 21st, 1953 - October 31st, 2013

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margin: 0in -0.5in 0pt 0in Dennis Michael DePape was born on June 21, 1953 in Stillwater, Oklahoma and died in Kirkland, WA on October 31, 2013 after a valiant battle with an aggressive kidney cancer. He was the firstborn of Joseph DePape and Evelyn Moreau DePape. Once his fathers education was complete, the family moved to Seaforth, Ontario, Canada. His father passed away of a brain aneurysm in October of 1956, and his mother moved Dennis and his two siblings, Paul and Michelle, to Vancouver, B.C. It was there that his mother later met and married Peter Orlowski and eventually, seven more siblings were added to the family with oldest brother Dennis as their insightful leader and mentor. The family moved to Tacoma, WA in 1959 where Dennis attended grade school at St. Patricks Catholic School from 1959-1967. He attended and discerned his vocation for four years at St. Edwards Seminary where he graduated in 1971. He met the love of his life, Kathleen (Kathy) Kaiser at a church youth group meeting in 1970. They were married July 7, 1973 at St. Patricks Parish, Tacoma. After initially attending St. Thomas Seminary, he graduated from the University of Washington with his Architectural Degree in Environmental Design in 1975. Dennis and Kathy were Peace Corps volunteers in Belize, Central America from March 1980 - August 1982. He was a loving and involved parent of 4 children and their much beloved Poppy to his 14 grandchildren with number 15 due in March, 2014. Dennis spent his career doing architectural design and consulting and owned the DePape Associates AIA Architecture firm, but there was so much more to his life with his passion for his fellow mankind and being an advocate and voice for those unable to speak for themselves. His Catholic faith was his foundation and guided him as he was St. Brendans Catholic Church Parish Council President, the Called and Gifted Workshop teacher, and on the Stewardship Commission. He was a gifted leader and teacher whose vocation could be described as asking the hard questions. Dennis led round-table discussions with his fellow architects, and both Dennis and Kathy were heavily involved as advocates for the homeless community, and did One Night Counts of street homeless for several years. Dennis designed the current portable living quarters for the Seattle Nickelsville Tent City inhabitants. He respected all faiths and ethnic backgrounds and was an Interfaith Task Force on Homelessness Co-chair. Dennis was also a member of the City of Kenmores first Planning Commission from 1999-2000, and Chair of the downtown Kenmores subcommittee bringing forward adoption of the 2003 Downtown Plan, on the Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH), a member of the Citizen Advisory Board that provided sound advice for affordable housing projects serving families and individuals living on the Eastside. Dennis taught credit hour classes for real estate agents and classes for owners managing the construction of their own homes. He was actively involved and cared deeply for his community. The City of Kenmore even signed a Proclamation on October 28, 2013 highlighting these activities and memberships and commitments by Dennis over the years. Dennis and Kathy enjoyed many memorable travels taking them to Central America, historical Italian sites in Rome, Venice, Belgium, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and recently a cruise to Alaska in July 2013 celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary with Kathys parents. They did missionary work in Malawi, Africa, in 2008 with Dennis journaling I cried at Mass, held by the hand of God in the cradle of the Earth. Beautiful African music sung by 12 women of full voice. I have fulfilled a dream in this moment. margin: 0in -0.5in 0pt 0in Dennis is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Kathy, and their four children, Teresa (Jeremy/Adam), Eugene (Julia/Amanda-Joe), Ali (Tom/Brian) and Francis (Maureen). His 14 grandchildren are Mariclare, Ashlee, Jessica, Angelina, Nolan, Isaiah, Blaise, Ariana, Xavier, Magdalena, Josiah, Kailynn, Canaela, Olivia and a baby boy expected in March. His mother, Evelyn Orlowski, and 9 siblings survive him, namely Paul (Nancy) Orlowski, Michelle (Jim) Clinton, Teresa (Tom) Zepeda, Donna (Mark) Smillie, Peter (Susan) Orlowski, Mary (Vincent) Mulloy, Joanne (John) Baker, Father Joseph, and Steven Orlowski, as well as numerous nieces and nephews across the US and cousins in Canada. He is also survived by his in-laws, Jerry and Gerry Kaiser, Joe (Heidi), Aimee (Kirk), Dan (Rhonda), Jim, and Chris (Vickie).

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We Entrusted Dennis DePape's Care To

Beck's Tribute Center

Beck's Tribute Center

Welcome to Beck's Tribute Center, your haven of peace and comfort during challenging times. From the moment you walk through our elegantly etched glass entrance, you'll feel a warm embrace in our inviting reception areas and serene chapel, thoughtfully designed to provide solace and support. At Beck's, we understand the importance of honoring memories uniquely and personally. That's why we offer a broad selection of memorial items suitable for both burial and cremation, allowing you and your family to find the perfect tribute that truly reflects the life of your loved one....

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