Dennis R. Boles' Obituary
Dennis Ray Boles of Muskegon, Michigan, beloved husband, father, and grandfather left us far too soon. He passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at the age of 68, with his family by his side. Dennis was born on January 3, 1956, in Newark, Ohio to Harold and Esther (Bowers) Boles. He is survived by his adored wife, Darla (Crowner) Scott-Boles; their cherished goldendoodle, Harry; his children, Sara (Boles) Haller (husband Ben Haller) and Michael Boles, and their mother, Margaret Boles; his stepdaughter, Shannon (Scott) Homola (husband Jared Homola); grandchildren Ethan, Mila, Alden, and Samuel; brother David Boles and sister Sharon (Boles) Erwine. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Esther, sister Deborah (Boles) Montesano, and his and Darla’s beloved dogs Larry, Cubby, Jim, and Doug.
Dennis grew up in Portage, Michigan with a loving family who helped him develop into a very well-rounded person. He excelled in school and participated in a myriad of activities, including baseball, wrestling, football, drama, forensics, debate, and student government. After graduating from Portage Northern High School as a National Merit Finalist in 1974, Dennis earned his business degree from Western Michigan University in 1978 and spent 31 years in the Corporate Real Estate, Facilities Management, and Construction field before semi-retiring with a second career as the Box Office Lead for the Frauenthal Center in Muskegon. His career allowed him to travel the world and he felt there was nowhere else he needed to go. Dennis lived in many places throughout his life, including a summer in Australia, but wanted to spend the rest of his days by the beautiful beaches of Lake Michigan.
Dennis was an intellectual with an extensive knowledge base. If he didn’t already know something (and most of the time he did), he would find the answer. He loved sharing his knowledge of history, political events, random facts, and useful information. Dennis was a hard worker; he put a lot of time and effort into his career and his home improvement endeavors. Dennis had an incredible sense of humanity and a love for animals, especially dogs. He was kind to everyone and always had a warm smile to give.
Dennis loved the outdoors, music, sporting events, euchre, travel, all things Michigan State, and dogs. Dennis was a fervent reader and always had a book by his side. He followed politics and current events closely and liked sharing his political opinions, tied in with his historical knowledge. Dennis enjoyed golf in his younger years and riding his e-bike along the beach in his older years.
Spending time with his friends and family was the most treasured part of Dennis’ life. He was a loving and devoted husband. He shared many of his interests with his wife, Darla, and they filled their years together with countless adventures: singing along at concerts, cheering on the Spartans, taking Dennis’ favorite vacation to Italy, and doting on their many canine children. Dennis was also a fantastic father, and a wonderful grandfather. He always knew it was important to be involved, and volunteered his time as a scout leader, sports coach, and even dressing up as Santa Claus. Dennis wanted to share his love of travel with his family and enjoyed being a tour guide to them during the many vacations he planned. Playing with his kids and grandkids was the most intense pleasure of his life and he had fun doing anything that brought them joy. He was always up for a trip to the beach, playing a board game, attending their events, reading them a story, animating a stuffed animal to make them laugh, and staying up late to spend time with them.
Words cannot describe how much he will be missed. He touched everyone with his love, signature laugh, wisdom, and dad jokes.
There will be a Celebration of Life on August 11th, 2024 from 1-4 PM at Margaret Drake Elliott Park at 1431 Beach St, Muskegon, MI 49441. Details will be forthcoming. Please join us as we share memories and celebrate Dennis’ amazing life.
In honor of Dennis and his love for animals, memorial contributions can be made to the Harbor Humane Society, from where Dennis and Darla adopted their first dog, Larry. Arrangements by The Walburn Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., Muskegon, MI 49441, 231-759-8565. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at http://www.sytsemafh.com
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