Dennis Arthur Mills

July 18, 1955 – January 27, 2026

Dennis Mills passed away on January 27, at the age of 70, surrounded by his loving family. He was a devoted husband, a cherished father and grandfather, a loyal friend, and led the advancement of technological integration at Lane Community College over his 47-year career there.

Born in Harrison, Arkansas, to Senia Mae and Lewis Arthur Mills, Dennis grew up in Little Rock as a curious child who discovered an early passion for communication technology. He joined the Navy right out of high school and served on the USS Roanoke building his skills as an electronics technician. As a young man eager to start a family, Dennis said that of all the places he had visited, Oregon was where he wanted to raise children.

Dennis raised Jason Phipps, Carina Mills, and Tara Mills to be smart and resilient adults who care deeply for others. He brought a character-defining blend of wisdom, creativity, and humor to all things–most notably parenting–leaving behind a legacy of love and integrity. Dennis did this in partnership with his first wife Rose, and then with Audrey Mills. Audrey and Dennis had 35 years together and celebrated their 21-year wedding anniversary last summer. His grandchildren, Elijah, Gabriel, and Esmerelda, lovingly knew him as “Poppy.”

Dennis believed “there is always something to learn”, a philosophy making him best known for his broad interests. When asked in his last days what he did before he was sick, his first response was "hang glider pilot”. He was a member of the Eugene Symphony Choir, scuba diver, ballroom dancer, downhill skier, yogi, avid hiker, member of the Jung [psychology study] group, and more. His true passion was his work, so much so that he didn’t want to retire. He loved what he did for Lane Community College and said countless times that the college was his playground. He will surely also be remembered for his obsessive interest and love for wine and the deep friendships that grew from it.

Dennis did not want a funeral; he wanted a celebration of life, and his ashes to be spread at the summit of his favorite hiking destination, Mount Pisgah. Details will be shared at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to EOLCOR, who came through for Dennis in his final hours. Please consider supporting their mission in his memory.