Dennis Edward Cargill

Dennis Edward Cargill, a beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2026, at Franciscan House in University Place, WA, after a courageous battle with an aggressive cancer, nerve sheath spindle cell sarcoma. Born on December 16, 1960, in Monroe, WA, Dennis lived a vibrant life filled with music, laughter, and love. Dennis was the cherished son of Veda Ann Baldwin and Michael Norman Cargill. He was predeceased by his mother, Veda, his grandmother BettyLou Bussing, grandfather Frank Bussing, and grandfather James Cargill. He leaves behind his devoted wife of over 33 years, Mary Catherine Cargill, and their two children, Maxwell Dominic Cargill and Natalie Rose Cargill. Dennis spent his formative years in Tacoma, graduating from Lakes High School before serving in the US Air Force from 1980 to 1984. His varied career included positions at Guitar Center, Horizon Airlines, and most recently, with the REI Sumner Distribution Warehouse Facilities team. He married the love of his life, Mary Catherine Kleckner, on July 4, 1993, and together they created a home filled with warmth and support for each other and their children. A true music aficionado, Dennis was a long-time guitar player and rock music enthusiast. He loved live performances and marked the events in his life by the concerts he attended. His passion for buying, selling, and exploring musical equipment was legendary, as was his extensive knowledge of guitars and their complex setups. Dennis was known for his quick wit, humor, and vibrant personality. Although he might have seemed a bit curmudgeonly in his later years, he had a knack for forging deep connections with those around him. People gravitated towards his generous spirit and sharp sense of humor. Dennis was a lifelong learner and an early adopter of social media, using platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to connect with friends old and new. His love for adventure was evident in the road trips he took with his family, exploring the West Coast, Yellowstone, and Northern Washington's scenic beauty. Dennis was an avid sports fan, devoted to the Seattle Seahawks and local teams, and he was actively involved in coaching his son's baseball teams. His passion for theater was shared with his daughter Natalie, with whom he cherished attending performances. In his youth, Dennis was an actor himself, participating in numerous productions with the Lakewood Players before taking a break to focus on fatherhood. Dennis was a man of great character, befriending and mentoring many throughout his life. He cherished his role as a father and was actively involved in his children's lives from the day they were born. His family meant the world to him, and he was deeply proud of their accomplishments and the love they shared. A memorial service to celebrate Dennis's life will be held on December 6, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Dystopian State Brewery, 611 S Baker St, Tacoma, WA 98402. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice in Dennis's honor. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dennis's coworkers at REI who generously installed a handicap ramp at their home. They also thank the friends who visited Dennis during his hospital stays and those who supported the family with cards, gift cards, and hugs. Your love and kindness have been a source of comfort during this difficult time. Dennis's legacy of love, laughter, and music will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His spirit will be remembered fondly, and he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community.