DENNIS CARNES

12/21/1947 - 06/19/2023

Dennis was born in Denver but didn’t stay there too long. His dad Norman was a military man and, by necessity, kept Dennis and his brother Bruce on the move. After time in Xenia, Ohio, Ankara, Turkey, and a myriad other places, he ended back in Denver for junior high and high school (George Washington). Since his folks said that “you are going to the University of Colorado or the University of Colorado”, he dutifully headed to Boulder (where he spent somewhat less than all of his time at The Sink) and graduated in a timely fashion. He then went on to Austin for law school, followed by a stint in the Army, before returning to practice in Denver.

While working as a lawyer and later in investment banking, he enjoyed watching Broncos with his family (especially his mom Frances-the world’s greatest ever Bronco fan), religiously attending Nuggets games (until they fired Doug Moe), playing a little mediocre golf at City Park, hiking some not too terrifying trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, jogging in Cheesman Park, and playing Sunday doubles tennis with his wife and friends.

After retiring, he moved to Rockport, Texas, to live on Copano Bay. There, he volunteered for the RockportFulton Good Samaritans, the ACISD Education Foundation, and the Aransas County Democratic Club. Also with retirement came plenty of time to read, focusing on classics for several years (although, he gave up on Ulysses). He also spent time taking good care of his mother-in-law and visiting his daughter and granddaughter in Austin.

With Hurricane Harvey came a move to Houston. Living nearby, he supported Rice University sports, especially women’s volleyball and basketball. Also, he took continuing education classes – trying somewhat successfully to improve his less than fluent French.

Always, Dennis was an enthusiastic traveler. Among his favorite places were Turkey (especially trips there with family), Zimbabwe, Peru, and Southern France. He often wrote notes from his travels that were appreciated by friends and family who were unable to join in the actual adventures.

Dennis is survived by his wife Gretchen Kuhn, his daughter Lee Carnes and granddaughter Chloe Carnes, his brother Bruce Carnes, sister-in-law Lynore Carnes, and nieces Sarah Carnes and Amanda Vavrina.

His family would like to thank all of the fine people at Houston Hospice for their gentle and friendly care.