LEWISTON – John N. Dennis, 67, of West Bath, died unexpectedly Monday, Aug. 7.

He was born in Old Town, on Sept. 7, 1938, the son of Nelson and Elsie Dennis.

He graduated from the University of Maine, with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1962. He had a long career in defense engineering that began at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He later went on to the supervisory of shipbuilding in Bath, where he was promoted to supervisor of mechanical engineering in 1979. At his retirement ceremony in 1993, a high-ranking Navy officer spoke of his accomplishments.

He was an avid bridge player and played in many local groups, including the Highlands and in Brunswick. He was close to earning the life master rank from the American Contract Bridge League at the time of his passing. He enjoyed his involvement as a volunteer judge for the Maine Forensic League. These high school speech and debate competitions were a family event, with three generations involved as judges, coaches and participants.

One of his greatest joys was house-sitting for his children and taking care of (spoiling) the resident pets. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and greatly enjoyed their individuality. John was a unique person who will be remembered for his big laugh, sense of humor and his extensive knowledge of virtually any topic.

He is survived by his former wife, Jackie of Farmington; daughters, Kris Deveau and her husband, Craig, of Auburn, and Sonya Hirsch and her husband, Tyler, of Lewiston; a son, Nathan Dennis and his wife, Kimberly, of Portland; nine beloved grandchildren; and brothers, Jerome Dennis and James Dennis of Old Town.