Joe Gililland (1973)

Dennis' youngest brother, Rob/Robbie died in 2017.  Their oldest brother, Jim, is the survivor of the family.

Dennis attended his 45th reunion in Alexandria in July of 2011, with no indication that there were problems.  in fact, he had a great time and re-connected with many Federals.  Dennis had a lot of interests and local Alexandria history was one of them - he soaked-up everything that I had to offer and wanted to hear more.  A very interesting and smart guy with many friends and we were all upset about his passing.  R.I.P., Dennis.

Joe Gililland (1973)

Russel Strobel shared this photo with me today with four (4) Class of 1971 FHHS Grads. The photo has three grads that are not with us today, including Dennis.  In the photo are (L-R) Bob Spencer, Dennis Brittingham, Russ and Paul Boyce.  All gone too soon.

Joe Gililland (1973)

(Editor's Note:  Todd Hyder and Dennis were co-workers and friends during Dennis' time in Washington state.  Since Todd was not an FHHS student, he contacted me and asked that I add his tribute to Dennis to the "In Memory" section of our website.  We certainly appreciate Todd's kind words and insight into Dennis' life during better times.)

Dennis C. Brittingham came into my life in the early 1980's, and we became friends within minutes of our initial meet-and greet.  Prior to joining Physio Control in Redmond, Washington, Dennis was employed as a mechanical design engineer for Boeing (Commercial Airplanes Division). 

Citing the need for a more exciting career, Dennis was invigorated by the fast-pace of the medical device manufacturing environment of Physio Control, a world-class maker of defibrillators and vital signs monitors.  During his tenure at Physio, Dennis co-invented several innovative and exclusive design features for the company, and there are several U.S. patents that bear his name. 

Later, Dennis would join several other highly talented individuals in a start-up venture that became known as Calypso Medical, based in the Belltown area of Seattle.   

Though Dennis left Boeing, he maintained membership in the Boeing Flying Club, which offered discounts on aircraft rentals to licensed pilots, a certificate he held, as did I.  One of my fondest recollections was splitting the rental cost of a Cessna 172 from the club, which we took turns flying as "pilot in command" over the Olympic Mountains and Hood Canal before returning to base. 

Dennis was also a PADI certified SCUBA diver, and took a bucket-list diving excursion to Roatan, Honduras, the last leg involving a flight on a classic Douglas DC-3, Dennis' favorite airplane of all time.  Though the diving was breathtaking, Dennis told me that "flying in a three" was the best part of the entire trip. 

The annual Seattle-to Portland bicycle race was one of Dennis' most anticipated activities, and he was successful each time in completing the 202 mile course. 

Dennis also had a fondness for tinkering with old Volvos, especially those with the legendary B-20 engine, and was a most valuable resource to anyone who needed tips, or help with locating parts. 

Those who knew Dennis would agree that his impish grin and always brewing wicked sense of humor were everlasting impressions, especially those who may have fallen victim to one of his practical jokes (yours truly included among those who were "pranked"). 

Dear Dennis, you left us all way too soon, but we will always remember you from happier and more carefree times.  Thank you for the laughter, the adventures, and your friendship.  May you be piloting the heavens from the left seat of a DC-3.

Todd Hyder

Hickory, NC