Dennis Barton McCann slipped away peacefully from this life on his final voyage when called home. He departed from Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island in the wee hours before dawn on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007.

He was born on July 6, 1938 in Tacoma, to William Lloyd and Lois Virginia McCann. He attended St. Leo’s Catholic School and Stadium High in Tacoma. He joined the U.S. Navy in San Diego in his teens and served aboard the USS Princeton. After the Navy, he chose the profession of dental technician, trained under a San Diego dentist and attended dental lab school at the University of Southern California. Opening his own dental laboratory in the 1960s, he specialized in making ceramic and gold crowns.

Skilled in his profession, he was also a talented painter and sculptor. He loved boating and was an excellent skipper and fisherman. He played baseball and football in his youth, loved all sports, especially motor sports. He was a member of the San Diego Junior Chamber of Commerce and also initiated a boating education program for disadvantaged boys in boxing champion Archie Moore’s Any Boy Can Club. In Oak Harbor he was a member and past commander of the Deception Pass Power Squadron and a past member of the Oak Harbor Kiwanis Club.

Dennis and his wife, Kitty moved to Oak Harbor from San Diego 25 years ago, operating McCann Dental Arts from their home. In addition, he and Kitty have two sons, Thomas McCann, wife Michele and grandsons Mark, Kevin and Jason in Bonita, Calif., son Larry Tucker, wife Magui and grandchildren Myra, Ramon and Blanca, all of Rosarita Beach, Baja, Calif.; grandson Ross Tucker who lives in Moses Lake with his wife Marie and great grandsons Eli, Lucas and Isaac. Another grandson, Michael Frice, lives in LeMesa, Calif.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, sister and a beloved daughter. A brother, Michael McCann, lives in North Carolina.

To Kitty, he was always the love of her life, her best friend and partner, her knight in shining armor. They worked well together and spent a romantic and adventurous life with each other.

For their children he was a great father, affectionate and loving, spending all his time outside of business in family activities. Camping, boating, fishing, exploring deserts and mountains, listening to jazz and classical music while painting and sculpting together were favorite family activities. He scheduled his workday so he was available afternoons for their activities, such as Little League and Senior Baseball. He taught them love of family, honesty, integrity, loyalty, education and hard work and service to others were paramount in life.

He set an example by service to his country, community, friends and neighbors all his life. Everyone loved his wit and sense of fun and adventure. He was generous in helping others and many remarked how he gave 100 percent of himself to everything he did. He was beloved by all and will be greatly missed.

Please come join us for an informal celebration of his life on Friday, Feb. 23, from 2 to 6 p.m. in the banquet room at the Best Western Harbor Plaza, 33175 Highway 20 Oak Harbor.

It was his wish that there be only smiles and fond memories of him as friends and family and enjoy good food, a good time together and celebrate the joy of the life he lived.

Arrangements entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.