Bacina Memorial Page

Dennis M Bacina
February 4, 1949 - May 16, 1977

This obituary appeared in The Eugene Register – Guard,
pg. 9C, May 17, 1977 Eugene, Oregon

Dennis M. Bacina of Wakefield Court, Eugene, passed away May 16, 1977 at the age of 28. He was born February 4, 1949 in Eugene and had been a life long resident of this vicinity. He was married to Jeanette M. Desjadon in Reno, August 12, 1974. He was a Vietnam Veteran, attended Whiteaker Elementary School, Wilson Junior High, and graduated from North Eugene High. He was formerly service manager at A. B. Scarlett Company.

Surviving besides his wife, are 3 daughters: Tanya Lou of Drain, Pamela and Michelle, both at home; his parents: Mr. and Mrs. Harry Bacina of Eugene; a brother, Paul R. Bacina of Allen Park, Michigan; a sister, Susan Bacina of Eugene; his grandparents: Mr. and Mrs. Orville Dean, of Eugene.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 18th at 4 p.m. in POOLE LARSEN CHAPEL, with Reverend Don Smith, of Faith Center, officiating. Cremation was held. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the University of Oregon Medical School, for research in Immunology, in care of the chapel.

The Following Is An Account Of
Memories of Dennis Bacina
Shared By His Brother, Paul

Our father was an only son and served in the Pacific Theater during WWII. Raised in Oregon in the rugged outdoors; climbing trees with boot cleats came natural to him. So he was trained as a telephone lineman. Seemed like a great fit…but, when it came time to receive his military orders, anti-aircraft gun operators were needed. And so he was assigned as such in the Philippines.

Dennis also had a love for the outdoors; logging, trucks and other heavy equipment. He enlisted and - A Co., 70th Combat Engineers fit him to a tee. Paul believes Dennis spent 18 months in Vietnam…not being certain of when he got in country. As he was waiting for his aircraft home, Dennis was assigned a detail of unloading 55 gallon drums of Agent Orange. Accidentally one drum fell off the lift and split open – drenching his fatigue pants. The Lieutenant in charge of the detail refused his request to remove his clothes and shower off - saying it was only weed killer.

Upon returning home, Dennis picked up where he left off with his love for heavy equipment, working as a heavy equipment mechanic. What looked like bruises began to appear on his legs and would not heal. His condition worsened and he was diagnosed with an Auto-Immune Disorder of which one’s immune system begins to fight healthy tissue as if it were foreign. In addition, the small capillaries between his arteries and veins were being attacked. The doctors indicated this condition was usually fatal, yet not for Dennis. They could not explain why.

One of Dennis’ favorite spots was Mt. Jefferson in Oregon. While it is the second highest mountain in Oregon, climbing the steepest part near the top requires the use of ropes. While it was a dream of his to conquer that mountain, it seemed impossible with his declining health. The disease had progressed to the point that he was paralyzed from the waist down. The paralysis was caused by his immune system attacking and compromising the nerve sheathing.

During the years his condition worsened, family members urged him to go after the government for his contamination incident with Agent Orange. He was unruffled and his course was steady as he assured them, “It comes with the territory.” Well, with an attitude like that it was only fitting a few of his close friends stepped in to help fulfill his dream. With their determination they proceeded to make the climb and “carried” Dennis to the top of Mt. Jefferson where they placed a bronze plaque!

On May 16, 1977 Dennis suffered a massive seizure and went home to be with the Lord. His ashes were scattered on Mt. Jefferson.

Dennis's Favorite Spot on Earth
Mount Jefferson, Oregon

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