Dennis Watson, age 67, died at home in Sequim on Wednesday, December 7, 2016, surrounded by his family. He was known for his commitment to community service, his wry sense of humor and a great head of hair. Dennis was born on October 27, 1949, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and learned the art of gentle torture growing up with three active brothers. He married his wife, Nancy, in 1977 and together, they moved from Minnesota to Sequim in 1978 on a youthful whim.Son Sam was born in 1981, followed by brother Elliot in 1985, and they soon became his partners in travel, fishing, golf and assorted extreme sports, including helicopter skiing and mountain biking. His sons were truly the greatest joys of his life. After careers in boat repair and woodworking, Dennis returned to school and earned a master's degree in social work. He provided mental health services through several agencies across the Peninsula and eventually found his true calling at the YMCA.Dennis helped to spearhead and run the TEAM program, an eight-week session devoted to helping middle school students improve communication skills and build empathy. He was a true believer in the power of team-building and frequently subjected his family and holiday guests to his favorite TEAM activities. (Oh no, not the trust fall again.)Serving on the board of the Y, Dennis was integral to the opening of the Sequim location and was delighted to see the expansion of recreation for Sequim youths. Dennis volunteered in challenging places, including Sri Lanka, Indonesia, East Timor and Uganda, helping train staff working with displaced and abused children and former child soldiers. His teaching style was described as joyful and humble. Dennis is survived by his wife, Nancy; sons Sam and Elliot; daughter-in-law Marianne Condrup; brothers Steve, Doug and Charlie; sisters-in-law Mary, Sharann and Kathy; special cousin Spence Peterson; nieces and nephews (who thought he was a hoot); and many dear friends. An open house celebration of a life well lived will be held Wednesday, December 28, at Olympic Theater Arts, 414 North Sequim Avenue, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.Memorials may be made to the Sequim Y, 610 North Fifth Avenue, Sequim, WA 98382; or Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County, 540 East Eighth Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362. We love and miss you, Dennis, and will keep you close in our hearts forever.