Dennis Michael Dunning

DENNIS M. DUNNING, 78, passed peacefully at home on April 20, 2026, with his daughter Cristina by his side. He was born January 21, 1948 in San Jose, California - a curious, adventurous man who lived life fully.

After growing up in San Jose, Dennis graduated from Oregon State University before traveling the world. He went to places others wouldn't - India, Nepal, Pakistan; he lived alongside Tibetan Buddhist monks and studied under the Dalai Lama; he claimed Morocco his favorite travel on Earth; and after more than a year as a vagabond, he returned with hippie-long, curly hair. It was the kind of chapter that shapes everything that follows, and it did.

He settled in the Salem-Keizer area of Oregon, where he would spend most of his life. He worked briefly as a civil engineer before answering his true calling: teaching. He retired from the Woodburn School District after 30 years. His classroom was never just four walls. He was a coach; an integral member of Oregon State University's Science and Math Investigative Learning Experiences ("SMILE") program; he was also a regular summer camp counselor at "RAP" (the Resources and People) Camp where students had the chance to learn about natural resources in the field. He gave generations of young people a reason to look up and pay attention.

In his retirement, Dennis continued his studies and became a licensed financial advisor.

A world traveler, a musician who could play nearly any instrument, an educator, and a financier, he was a member of the Keizer Senior Center and frequented People's Church. He proudly bought a home on Dennis Lane and lived there for 14 years. It suited him perfectly.

But his greatest joy - more than anything in this world - was his daughters.

He is survived by his daughter Cristina, son-in-law Ian, grandson Vinny. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Danielle, his parents Elmer and Gladys, and his sister Patricia.

A visitation will be held Monday, May 4 at Restlawn Memory Gardens & Funeral Home in Salem at 10:30 a.m., with services at 11:30 a.m. A reception will follow immediately.

Flowers are welcome. Those who wish to make a donation in Dennis's memory may consider Doernbecher Children's Hospital, in honor of his daughter Danielle, or the Hydrocephalus Association in hope that others may have more time.