Dennis Loren Lancaster

Dennis Loren Lancaster was born March 1, 1945 in Palo Alto, CA to Harry P. Lancaster and Helen L. Plummer. He passed from this life to his eternal home on January 23, 2023. Dennis attended Cubberly High School in Palo Alto, graduating in 1963. After attending two years of college and a year of work Dennis enlisted in the U.S. Navy. San Diego was where he received his basic training and schooling then he served a year on Midway Island, a year in Qui Nhon, Vietnam at the Coastal Surveillance Center, and then aboard the USS Ranger, CVA-61, being honorably discharged on October 2, 1969. Dennis returned to work in the semi-conductor industry eventually relocating with his family to Washington state. His life circumstances changed and he found himself starting over. A dear friend and co-worker invited him to attend a special service at Calvary Temple in Bellingham and that night he gave his life over to Jesus Christ, as he would say “the most important decision of his life”. Early in 1980 Dennis met Bonnie Finlayson where their “whirlwind” courtship culminated in their marriage and union as a family with his two daughters on September 20, 1980. San Jose, CA was home for the next twelve years where they enjoyed time with family and their beloved First Assembly of Los Gatos church. They returned home to Bellingham where they have resided for the past thirty-one years. Dennis worked for Anvil Corporation in the Electrical Controls Engineering department, retiring in 2007. His retirement years were spent sailing on one of his three sailboats, building small sailing crafts, woodworking, and spending hours on his model shipbuilding hobby. One of the highlights for him was donating five of his WWII model aircraft carriers to NAS Whidbey Island where they remain on display. Dennis’s love for his Lord and Savior was foremost in his life. He was a trained Stephen’s Minister and part of the Care Ministry team at Bellingham Covenant church. After surviving a melanoma diagnosis Dennis asked God “what would you have me do” which led to a one-on-one ministry to several men in the congregation. Dennis loved his family with his whole heart. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry & Helen Lancaster, and his brother Larry Lancaster. He is survived by his sweetheart of 42 years, Bonnie; his daughters Heather and Denise Lancaster; granddaughter Marina Murphy; sister-in-law Bonnie Finlayson (Jim Taft); nephews Gary & Michael Lancaster and Kenneth Finlayson; nieces Kim Lancaster and Donja Finlayson; and dear friends who he called family. A memorial service for Dennis will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 1:00pm, Bellingham Covenant Church, 1530 East Bakerview Road, Bellingham, WA 98226. For those unable to attend, a live stream link will be available at www.bellinghamcov.org on the day of the service.

Dennis Loren Lancaster

March 1, 1945 - January 23, 2023