Thanks for getting back to me Blair!

Dennis didn't want a newspaper obit, that was one of his wishes. He was a very private person as you know. We had a small group take him out to sea. Here is what I had written on the cards and yes, It would be fine to publish it.

Dennis Lloyd James, 69, of Santa Barbara, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2015 following a courageous eighteen month battle with cancer. He fought with the utmost hope and was out and about until his last days.

Born in Los Angeles on September 2, 1946, his parents, Harold and Alice, moved the family to Ojai during Dennis' childhood. He returned to the Ojai Valley often to hike and enjoy the "pink moment."

Dennis was passionate about living life to the fullest and helping others. Upon graduating from Nordhoff High School in 1964, he joined the army during the Vietnam War. After being stationed in Germany for several years, Dennis returned home to Ojai. His next feat was Alaska. He and a couple of buddies took a road trip to the 49th state, and Dennis spent years in the town of Seldovia, where he fished commercially, tended bar, and enjoyed the natural beauty of the area. He started a career as a mortgage broker upon coming home to California. He worked for McAdams Financial in Santa Barbara for more than a decade. Dennis also worked aboard the Condor Express for several years and loved being back on the water. He managed a vintage apartment building in Santa Barbara for 28 years, a job he loved.

A man of adventure, he ran the Dipsea race in Marin County several times and finished among the top 100 runners. He loved vacationing in Hawaii and swimming in the warm island seas. Hiking was a regular activity for Dennis in the back country of Santa Barbara. He hiked the Grand Canyon and Mt. Shasta several times. He also loved sailing with friends in Santa Barbara. 

Dennis will be greatly missed. His warm smile and kindness towards others was a way of life for him. He loved detailing cars, and also took great pride in fixing anything. 

He is survived by his wife, life partner and hiking pal of almost two decades, Kathryn. He is also survived by his brother Dana and sister in law Susan, his brother Damon and sister in law Mary, his nephew Lincoln and wife Teresa, his great niece Joie, and his Aunt Dorothy.

Blair, yes, you can keep me on the email. Dennis loved his high school and told me about a lot of the people.

My best always, Kathryn 

29 March 2018