Blake Dennis

Blake Dennis, 67, longtime resident and beloved coach of Halfway, OR passed away on April 4, 2026. A Memorial Service ~ Celebration of Blake’s Life will be held at the Pine Eagle High School gym  on Friday April 10, 2026 at 11 am followed by a potluck reception at approximately 12pm at the Halfway Grange. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and celebrate Blake’s life.

Blake Dennis was born March 1, 1959 to Barbra and Vernon Dennis in Baker City, Or. Blake lived a life rooted in family, hard work, and a deep love for his community, the outdoors, and athletics. From a young age, football was central to who he was. He played in high school and proudly represented his team in the Shriners All-Star Game in 1977, following in the footsteps of his father, who was part of the first Shriners team, and his older brother, Kirk Dennis.

That proud tradition carried on through his family with his sons, Bryce and Kyle, as well as his nephew Ray Denig. Blake also had the honor to help coach the Shriners team in 1999.

Blake graduated from Pine Eagle High School in 1977 then continued his education at Southern Oregon State College in Ashland, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminology (1977–1981). He later returned to Eastern Oregon State College in La Grande to earn his Bachelor of Science in Education (1986–1987), and continued his graduate studies in education at Western Oregon State College in Monmouth.

Blake began his teaching and coaching career in North Powder, where he taught and coached both basketball and football from 1988 to 1990. In 1995 he returned to Pine Eagle, where he served as a teacher, athletic director, and coach. Over the years, he taught social studies, civics/economics, health/PE, weights and coached football, wrestling, and other sports, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students and athletes.

While Blake loved coaching wrestling and the relationships it built, his true passion was coaching high school football. The game meant everything to him, the competition, the teamwork, and the opportunity to mentor young athletes. One of his proudest moments came in 2005 when he was selected to coach in the 8-man All-Star Game.

Blake met Kellie at a basketball game in Unity in 1988, and they were married on May 27, 1989. In 1990, they moved to Halfway to take over the family ranch, where Blake found joy in the rhythms of ranch life. Each morning, his mule Ginger would loudly greet him with excitement, something he looked forward to every single day.

He had a deep love for the mountains and cherished going on pack trips with friends, especially Dan and Anne Lever. Those trips were filled with laughter, storytelling, and a shared appreciation for the outdoors. Blake also shared a special bond with his horses and mules. When he wasn’t on the ranch or in the mountains, he enjoyed traveling to Hawaii which held a special place in his heart.

Above all, Blake was a devoted family man. He was incredibly proud of his children, Colby, Bryce, Jill, and Kyle, and all his grandchildren. He found great joy in watching them grow, supporting their activities, and celebrating their accomplishments.

Blake will be remembered for his steady presence, his love of football, his dedication to his students and athletes, and the way he showed up for the people he loved. Whether on the field, on horseback, or around a campfire, Blake lived a full and meaningful life that touched so many.

He is survived by his wife Kellie Dennis, children; Colby Dennis, Bryce Dennis, Jill (David) Tanaka and Kyle (Alysha) Dennis and sister, Nancy (Joe) Denig, 8 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Blake was preceded in death by his parents, Barbra and Vernon Dennis; brother Kirk Dennis and infant brother Tony Dennis; grandparents Lorval and Belle Johnson and Uncle Leland Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Pine Eagle Football Program through Pine Eagle Charter School  375 N Main St, Halfway, OR 97834.  Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com