Dennis Charles McBride was born on August 16, 1944 to Geraldine and Charles McBride. He served in the coastguard in his youth, and told many stories about his time in the service, including his year stationed on the island of Palau in the South Pacific.

Dennis received his PhD in Sociology from Washington State University in 1979. He spent his career as an educator, researcher, and public servant, including holding several professorship positions, consulting on public policy for the "feds" (as he called them) in Washington DC, and working as a Research Scientist for the State of Washington for over 30 years.

Dennis married Barbara Hawkins in 1979, and enjoyed 36 wonderful years of marriage until Barbara's death in 2015. Following Barbara's death, Dennis was fortunate to find love again, with Sunny Burns. He and Sunny enjoyed traveling and outdoor adventures, as well as spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Family was extremely important to Dennis, and he was loved by many, including his children (Mallory and Ben), and his grandchildren (Mallory's son, Harrison, and daughter, Elara). Dennis is also survived by his son-in-law, Alex, and his future daughter-in-law, Mikayla. Additionally, he is survived by his sisters, Martha and Pamela, and over 30 nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.