Rick Dennstedt passed away after a short battle with cancer on April 3, 2009. Rick was a San Diego native. He grew up in the College Area, and attended Hoover High and SDSU. As a young man in the Navy, Rick served in Vietnam. Rick's father, an early well-known homebuilder in the region, left an impression on Rick. Rick's career focused on the construction business, managing the Overhead Door Co., working as a general contractor, and owning his own construction business, Pacific Coast Development. He spent almost his entire life in the San Diego area, a place he considered "paradise." Here he found true happiness. Among his many passions was the "beach lifestyle." He was an early member of OMBAC and continued to be a member until his death. Rick was an avid surfer and fisherman, and truly loved the outdoors. His many sports interests included his desire for health and fitness . He was a serious bodybuilder, and an award-winning trap and skeet shooter, competing and winning events throughout California. However, there was nothing more important to Rick than his family and friends. He was a loving and caring father to his now deceased son, Ricky, and a loving husband and family member. Rick had an unending circle of friends, many of whom he kept close throughout his entire life . Rick was known for the generosity and constant support he gave to family and friends, and his ever-present humor and fun-loving way. He will be greatly missed by all. Rick is survived by his wife, Wendy, sister Sherry Zullo, granddaughter Codi, nephews Michael and Mark Spice, and niece Christy Beck. Please join his family and friends as we celebrate his life on Saturday, April 18th, Noon to 4 p.m. at the Brown home, 6151 Malcolm Drive, in San Diego. Send donations in lieu of flowers in memory of Richard A. Dennstedt restricted for melanoma research to UCSD Foundation, Moores UCSD Cancer Center, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, #0658, La Jolla, CA 92093-0658.

Published in the San Diego Union-Tribune on 4/12/2009