Dennis Kieth Johnson, 60, of Omak, Wash., passed away March 31, 2017. He was born April 18, 1956, to Charles (Joe) and Olive Dewayne (Maden) Johnson in Tonasket, Wash. He was the 8th of 11 children.

As a child, Dennis’ best friend was his younger brother, Zane, who passed away at age 28, taking a large part of Dennis with him. We laugh about how every time we said “Dennis,” we said “Dennis and Zane.” Some people thought it was one person.

In grade school, Dennis met the love of his life, Shirley Starkey. From then on, it was her and no one else. Eventually they had two children, Shari and Randy. After many years, the relationship ended, but his love for her didn’t. He loved her until his dying breath.

Dennis loved music, especially classic rock. Whether at home or in the car, the radio was always tuned to the classic rock station. He also loved to garden and eat what he grew. He was a wonderful cook. He loved science fiction. It was his favorite thing to watch on TV.

When Dennis found himself alone, he and his brother Daniel bought a house together in Elma and lived there until Daniel’s death. At that point, he moved to Omak to be close to his sisters: living for a while with Darlene then making his final home with Wanda, who took care of him until his death.

The Bible says that we are here on earth to be servants one to another, which means there are some people to teach us to serve. In Dennis’ illness he was very needy and God used him to teach us. He was a big job and leaves a big hole in our lives.

Dennis is survived by his love, Shirley Starkey of Elma; daughter Shari (Neil) Brophy of Elma; son Randy Johnson of Lacey; sisters Wanda Johnson and Darlene (Sam) Patrick, both of Omak; Rose (Dan) Kilpatrick of Sweet Home, Ore.; brother Jeff Johnson of Tumwater; and a very large extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four of his brothers, Orval (McCarther), Earl (Madge), Daniel and Zane; and one sister, Aleta Sue (Suzy) Johnson Green. His brother Arch is listed as missing since 1986.

There will be a celebration of Dennis’ life at noon on Saturday, April 22, 2017, at Northwest Life Center, 215 N. 3rd Street in Elma, Wash.