With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Dustin Bryce DeNike, who left us far too soon at the age of 47.
Born in Seattle and raised in Edmonds, Washington, Dustin graduated from Kamiak High School in1996. Dustin carried with him the true spirit of an adventurer. From a young age, he was drawn to the outdoors, to activity, to creativity, and to connection with others. Friendly and outgoing, he made friends easily wherever he went. Always athletic, he enjoyed participating in sports, both for the fun of it and the friendships he developed. He also enjoyed spending time with extended family, especially out at Lake Roesiger, where he spent many happy summers swimming, water skiing, and wakeboarding with his brother and cousins.
Dustin had the rare gift of being both vibrant and grounded – talented, caring and endlessly curious about the world around him. He found beauty everywhere: in movement, in art, and in the simple joy of nature. After graduating from Western Washington University with a degree in Fine Arts, Dustin followed his heart rather than convention. Summers were spent in the Northeast, running wakeboard camps and encouraging others to discover confidence and freedom on the water. Winters found him in the West, teaching snowboarding and sharing love of the mountains- always encouraging, always patient, always with a smile that made people feel seen and capable.
South Lake Tahoe, California became the place where Dustin made his home and built a life he loved. In winter, he worked as a snow sports instructor and trainer at local resorts, guiding countless students and colleagues who looked up to him not only for his skill but for his calm and steady nature. He moved up in the snow sports industry, traveling to resorts across California, the Northwest and Colorado, including a three-season leadership position as the Base Area Manager for Bear Mountain in Southern California. In summer, he devoted himself to service as a wildland firefighter, courageously protecting the land and people he cherished so deeply. It was his crew and the people he worked with that he loved the most about the job. He was looked up to as a leader, a mentor, and a trusted member of his fire crews.
To know Dustin was to feel at ease. In any situation, his presence brought calm and comfort. His energy was magnetic-quietly powerful, uplifting, and genuine. He was a natural leader and mentor, someone who inspired others simply by being himself. Dustin had an open heart and a generous soul. He gave freely of his time, his wisdom, and his kindness. Deeply creative and always forging his own path, Dustin saw the world through an artist’s eyes. He lived life authentically, following where inspiration led him, never afraid to take the less-traveled road.
He is survived by his loving parents, Leslie and Bob DeNike; his brother, Jesse; sister-in-law, Heather; nephew, Emery; niece, Anika; and former spouse, Lea. He is also survived by an extended family who loved him dearly. All who knew him and loved him will hold his light close in their hearts forever.
A celebration of Dustin’s life will be planned for the late Spring of 2026, where family and friends will come together to honor the beautiful, adventurous, and generous soul who made the world brighter just by being in it.