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Dennis Ray Horn

September 28, 1942 - May 11, 2016

Dennis Ray Horn Obituary Dennis Ray Horn passed away in Spokane, WA, on May 11, 2016. He was born in Independence, MO on September 28, 1942 to Richard and Pauline (Flamme) Horn. He spent his childhood in Dover, NJ , earned his BSE in Geological Engineering from Princeton University and his PhD in Environmental Engineering from The Johns Hopkins University. He served on the faculties of Northeastern University and the University of Idaho and was a Senior Vice President of a large Boston-based engineering firm. During these years he served as a member of and ultimately chaired the Army Science Board, the 100-person advisory board to the Secretary of the Army. His career in academic administration included serving as the Dean of Engineering, Mathematics and Science at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and culminated with a 15 year tenure as the Dean of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Gonzaga University. He retired in 2012, having ushered the school through a period of tremendous growth and innovation. Dennis was a gentle and kind man who possessed the rare combination of a brilliant mind and an artistic soul. He was a curious, life-long learner with a wide range of interests. In his younger years, Dennis mastered every sport he attempted and was a competitive bridge player. His cars and his newest electronic gadgets were a continual source of fun. He loved to travel and had many great experiences, always planning his trips in minute detail. Dennis was a great cook, he loved to read, had an appreciation for the artistic aspects of architecture, and enjoyed listening to music ranging from classical to country. Along with his wife, Sandra, he built a large, eclectic art collection. Art galleries and museums were among his favorite stops. He was a fan of the Seahawks, the Zags, and Donald Duck. He dearly loved his family, his friends and his cats. Dennis lived his days with joy and a sense of humor, enriching the lives of all who knew him. Dennis is survived by his wife Sandra Horn, Spokane, his six sons, Darrin Horn (Heidi), Kirkland, WA, Kevin Horn, Chelsea, MA, Justin Horn, Auckland, New Zealand, Christian Horn (Bunnie), Meridian, ID, Brendan Horn, Nampa, ID, Colin Horn (Emery),Streetsboro, OH, his stepson Chris Smith, Spokane, stepdaughter Robyn England (Joe), Great Falls, MT, his granddaughter Maddie Angus, Kirkland, WA, his brother Roger Horn (Karen), McPherson, KS and several step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane on Saturday, July 2 at 1:00pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Dennis R. and Sandra W. Horn Engineering in Florence Endowed Scholarship c/o Gonzaga University, Office of University Advancement, 502 E. Boone Avenue, Spokane, WA 99258-0098

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