Dennis Tadao Machida, born Dec. 23, 1946, in Sacramento, Calif., was taken too suddenly March 4, 2005. He lived a full life doing the things he loved with the people he cared most about. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathyln J. Wong, and his son, Nathan – the pride and joy of his life. He also is survived by his mother, Miyako Machida; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Sandra and Geoff Fricker, and Connie and Mel Gon; and nieces and nephews, Nicole Gon, Andrew and Joel Fricker, and Michelle, Melissa, Marcus and Matthew Kwan. Dennis was preceded in death by his father, Hideo Machida.

After graduating from the University of Redlands, he served his country in the Army and was awarded the Bronze Star based on his tour in Vietnam. Following this, one of his most rewarding experiences was as a CORO Fellow in public affairs; a master’s degree from Occidental College resulted from this internship. After earning his law degree from the University of California, Davis, he was employed as the assistant executive officer for the California Coastal Conservancy. His accomplishments in environmental law and public policy continued as an assistant secretary of legal affairs for the Resources Agency in Sacramento. In 1985, he was appointed executive director of the California Tahoe Conservancy by its governing board.

In addition to being a tireless advocate for the environment, Dennis was deeply dedicated to his family. He loved entertaining friends around Lake Tahoe, his football pools, fishing, playing poker, visiting museums and car shows with his family, and playing basketball on the family farm. He was thought of as a dear friend or “brother” to countless friends and family members. His words of encouragement, humor, and generosity will forever be remembered.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. March 11 at George L. Klumpp Chapel of Flowers, 2691 Riverside Blvd., Sacramento. Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. March 12 at Mayhew Community Baptist Church, 3401 Routier Road, Sacramento. Interment will be at East Lawn Cemetery. A public celebration of Dennis’ life and accomplishments will be conducted at Lake Tahoe at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Dennis T. Machida Environmental Fund, 2161 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.