Dennis "Denny" Ray Stimson
1943- March 2025
Resident of Ventura, California for 59 years
Dennis "Denny" Ray Stimson went home to his Lord and Savior on March 28, 2025, passing peacefully in his sleep at home after recently completing chemotherapy treatment for pancreatic cancer.
Born in Whittier, California in 1943, parents (Floyd and Dorthy Stimson), grandparents (John & Edith Brandt), uncle (Del Brandt), aunt and uncle (Wilma & Howard Abbott) made the move to The Hart Ranch, later to be purchased and renamed the B/A (Brandt / Abbott) Ranch in the small mountain town of Badger California. Floyd eventually built a beautiful home there, and he, Dorthy, and Dennis moved into it together. The rest of the family remained in the mountains to different homes nearby, each finding their own place to call home. Dennis attended a one-room schoolhouse until high school, when he began commuting over an hour each way by school bus to Orosi High School in Orosi CA. While later attending College Of The Sequoias Dennis and Diann first crossed paths at a wedding, Diann was the maid of honor to her childhood friend Michael McLauglin, while Dennis stood proudly as the best man to the groom, Jerald Werner. Brought together by mutual friends it was the perfect beginning to their own story. The four of them, Denny, Diann, Mike and Jerry, formed a friendship that would last a lifetime. Their bond grew stronger over the years, a rare and beautiful friendship that endured until the very end. Dennis and Diann were married in St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Visalia CA, 1965, shared and committed their lives to the Lord, welcomed 2 children, Darin and Shelley and were happily married 40 years before Diann sadly succumbed to cancer in 2005.
Growing up in Badger, Denny was surrounded by a close-knit family and spent his early years helping at the familys' ranch with cattle, chickens, picking apples and hunting quail with his dad, uncle, and grandfather. While attending college he worked with the US Forestry Service, where he helped mitigate and fight wildfires. Growing up a spiritual connection was formed between the young man and the mountains, a place that shaped his character, values, and sense of belonging and where he learned to find joy in simple things. The outdoors became his sanctuary , teacher, and eventually his love. Not in a fleeting way but, in the kind of love that roots itself in your bones. The kind that calls you back no matter how far you roam.
In 1965, Denny graduated from Fresno State University with a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering. He moved to Ventura California a year later, where he began a distinguished 28-year career as an Electronics Engineer with the Terrier Systems Department at the U.S. Naval Ship Missile Systems Engineering Station. It is there that he met his lifelong friends, bonded by their mutual love of off-roading, dune buggies, and outdoor adventure.
When not traveling for work, he could be found tinkering in his garage, kicking up sand on the dunes, rock crawling in the mountains, or exploring old mines in the desert. A man of integrity, humility, peace, and incredible intelligence, he lived with curiosity, and quiet strength.
Later in life, Denny found love again with his beloved wife Joni (Spier) Stimson. Introduced by her family who happen to also be his schoolmates, they shared nearly 20 wonderful years of marriage. They were blessed with caring, amazing neighbors who shared such kindness and support over the years. Together Joni and Dennis enjoyed a peaceful life filled with cross-country travels, visits with family, quiet days at the beach, and fellowship through Bible study with friends.
Dennis is survived by his devoted wife Joni Stimson, son Darin Stimson, daughters Shelley (Stimson) Melendrez, (husband Jeff Melendrez-son inlaw), Marcie Theissen, and Nicole (Shehan) Redstone, (husband Matt Redstone). He was a proud grandfather to Rachel Cook, Justin Stimson, Jake, Kylie, and Tyler Melendrez, Aaron Theissen, Megan Spencer, Micah Phines, and Evie Winslow. He was also blessed with 6 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him great joy. He is also survived by his uncle, Delwin Brandt and family (who was more like a brother) and his brother and sister inlaw, Keif and Marjorie Melberg and family.
Dennis will not only be remembered for his brilliance and adventurous spirit but also his steadfast faith, kind heart, and deep love he shared with his family and friends. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he helped create.
Two services will be held. The first at Church Of God in Exeter CA, Monday, May 5 at 11 am immediately followed by a luncheon at the church followed by Dennis' internment at Eshom Valley Cemetery, open to all or any who would like to attend. The second service will be held at Ventura Missionary Church in Ventura CA, Saturday, May 10 at 11 am immediately followed by a fellowship tea.
Arrangements are under the direction of Joseph P Reardon Funeral Home & Cremation Service.