Memorial service will be Friday for Dennis McBride

Dennis Ray McBride, aged 71 of Wayland, died at home Wednesday, surrounded by his wife and three children. Most people who knew him called him Denny, but those whom he loved the most called him Henry, Dad or Grandpa.

Denny was born July 29, 1951 ,to Bernard and Betty McBride. He graduated from Wayland High School in 1969 and lettered in both track and football.

He was drafted into the US Army in 1971 and served his country for two years. He specialized in heavy artillery in the 2nd Armored Division “Hell On Wheels” and spent most of his service at Fort Hood, Texas.

Denny was a gifted electrician and mechanically inclined. He worked for several years as a maintenance technician at Pet Milk and Dean Foods in Wayland. He spent most of his professional career working for Möllers of North America as a service technician and service manager. His work ethic, skill, and expertise meant that he would be sent all over the world by his company to install or repair their intricate machinery.

His travels brought him to five continents and most of the 50 states. He spent considerable time in Canada and enjoyed traveling to Quebec, in particular. He sent his children and grandchildren postcards from all over the globe with little notes about his adventures.

Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Pauline (Hansen), and three children Mark, Adam, and Katie (Ezekiel) Fletcher. Despite long days and grueling travel schedules, he was a supporting presence on the sidelines at his kids’ cross country meets, soccer games, swim meets, band concerts and more.

Also surviving are his seven grandchildren Samantha, Nolan, Sean, Benjamin, Olivia, Laura, and Lillian; and three great-grandchildren Simon, Jonah, and Asher. Despite age and deteriorating health over the past few years, Grandpa would be at events such as football games, tennis matches, orchestra, band, and choir concerts, cheering on his grandchildren.

Denny had many hobbies and interests. He was an avid reader who enjoyed westerns, mysteries, and military history. He loved doing crossword puzzles and sudoku. He was also a coin and currency collector, seeking out rare coin shops and attending coin and currency shows during his extensive travels. He loved model trains and in the 1980s put together track systems in his basement. In the last years of his life, he returned to the basement, setting up his tracks and running his trains once again.

An avid Detroit sports fan, he loved the Lions, Red Wings, and Tigers, in particular. He loved animals and animals loved him, especially his cats, Sassie and Bailey, and all of his grandpups and grandkittens over the years.

Denny was quick to step in and fix anything that needed repair and was generous with his time. He had quiet strength and steady presence. He was a great conversationalist with a genuine interest in others, especially his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Betty; along with his brother, Michael; and sister, Judy.

A memorial gathering and luncheon will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, July 28, at Luella Collins Community Center, 419 126th Ave., Shelbyville. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a memorial contribution be made in his name to the National Kidney Foundation at support.kidney.org.