11/01/2022
Dennis’s soul left the surly bonds of this earth to serve our Lord on September 25th. We held a funeral and reception on October 17th at our Neighbors and Nations church in Buena Park. Dennis was laid to rest the very next day at the Riverside National Veteran’s Cemetery.
Dennis’s life verse was “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He lived that motto during his valiant battle with prostate cancer for the last 2 ½ years and even before that with pancreatitis and other life-limiting physical issues. He wanted so much to stick around to be a blessing to our grandchildren, and so we will try to keep his memory alive.
Pastor Jeff Timblin gave the wonderful sermon and Pastor Josh McKay welcomed us and closed the service in prayer. Worship Minister Justin Bain did a fine job of playing “Deep and Wide” in the original version. This was one of Dennis’s favorite hymns. Dennis’s niece Sheryl Jacobellis read from Ephesians 3, and older daughter Carrie’s husband Darren Wight read a poem called “Gone from my Sight.” Younger daughter Tracy did the touching Eulogy which she composed, after which Justin led us in “It is Well with my Soul.”
Many people paid tribute during the Open Mic time, including great nephew Michael Jacobellis, currently stationed at Camp Pendleton as an Executive Officer in the US Marine Corps. At the end of the service, Christiane gave her thanks to all who attended, and all who donated or plan to donate to the Dennis Salts Legacy Project, Rotary International, or the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
The reception was delightful, with charcuterie arranged by church friends Jan and Bill Noe and sweet treats provided by the church women’s circles and also by the funeral home.
On October 18th, we assembled at Riverside National Cemetery for a formal burial service, followed by a lunch gathering for family members at a local restaurant. The Patriot Guard Riders escorted the hearse to the shelter, where our pallbearers helped carry the casket to its proper spot for the brief ceremony. Afterwards, the family enjoyed lunch at a local Farmer Boys, arranged by a Rotary Club friend.