Dennis J. Oliver (Updated to reflect Memorial Service)
Submitted by editor on Thu, 11/04/2010 - 4:29pm
The following obituary was submitted by Jeff Cowen, community liaison for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency on the passing of spokesman Dennis Oliver:
DENNIS J. OLIVER
May 20, 1963 - November 3, 2010
Dennis Oliver of Incline Village, Nev., passed away on November 3 following a serious, month-long illness. He was 47. Dennis was the Public Information Officer for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and an extremely valued employee of the Agency over the last three and a half years, according to TRPA Executive Director Joanne Marchetta.
A memorial service for Oliver will be on Tuesday, Nov. 30 at 5:30 p.m. at the Tahoe Biltmore Hotel in Crystal Bay. For more information e-mail Jeff Cowen at jcowen@trpa.org.
"Dennis's love for Lake Tahoe combined with his superlative writing skills made him an exceptional spokesperson for our Agency and we are deeply saddened over his loss," said Joanne Marchetta, Executive Director.
Dennis relocated to Lake Tahoe from the Bay Area in 2007 and immediately became an active part of the community and passionate advocate for Lake Tahoe. He was a key team member on the successful campaign for a ballot initiative to raise funds for fuel reduction work in the Douglas County portion of the Tahoe Basin and was a board member of the Sustainable Tahoe Congress. Dennis never hesitated to be involved in civic affairs and was a candidate for the Incline Village General Improvement District board earlier this year.
"Dennis made a major impact on Lake Tahoe during his time here," said Julie Regan, External Affairs Director and Dennis's supervisor and colleague. "We will remember his laughter, his extraordinary talents and especially his unwavering commitment to Lake Tahoe's restoration."
Dennis spent over 27 years as a reporter, editor, writer, instructor and communications professional, including 3 years covering environmental policy, investigative news and special projects for the Oakland Tribune and 6 years as Director of Communications for California Alliance for Jobs where Dennis focused on promoting important public infrastructure projects.
Impassioned for nature and the outdoors, Dennis also authored two regional travel, nature and outdoor guides, "Inside Out Northern California" (1999) and Camping! Northern California (2001). Dennis also supported the arts and enjoyed painting in his spare time. He was an avid poker player and supported many charitable poker tournaments at local casinos.
Above all, Dennis was a consummate journalist. His writing was inspiring and poignant and he used his skills to educate local residents and visitors about how to "Keep Tahoe Clear."
Staff members at TRPA are initiating an arts and environmental education fund in his memory. For additional information, contact Jeff Cowen, TRPA Community Liaison at (775) 589-5278 or email to jcowen@trpa.org.
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