Melvin B. Dennis Jr.

Melvin B. Dennis Jr., DVM (1937 – 2024)

Dr. Melvin B. Dennis Jr., passed away peacefully on December 24, 2024. Mel was born on December 4, 1937, in Bellingham, WA – the son of Melvin Sr. and Agnes (Bruskland) Dennis. He grew up in Puyallup where he showed cattle at the Western Washington Fair and graduated from Puyallup High School in 1955. He attended Washington State University, where he earned a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1961. While serving in the U.S. Army overseas, he met the love of his life, Sheila Afflerbach. They were married on September 25, 1965. After several years of veterinary practice, Mel decided to focus his career on research, and went to work for the University of Washington. He forged a career in research and worked on early methods for kidney dialysis. Mel advanced to become the Chairman of the Department of Comparative Medicine for the UW in the 1990’s.

Mel had many hobbies and enjoyed competitive sailing, skiing, aviation as a glider pilot, and especially travel, taking the trip of a lifetime driving around the Mediterranean Sea. Throughout their lives together, Mel & Sheila were active in the Catholic Church of Western Washington and in Marriage Encounter. Mel was enthusiastic about the St. Vincent DePaul ministry and enjoyed small faith group discussions.

Mel is survived by his wife, Shelia, and their three sons Andrew (Nancy), John (Shelli), and Michael (Tracy), plus thirteen grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, January 10th at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in West Seattle.

Please share memories, photos, and condolences on the guestbook, located above.

Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle