Dear Friends and Family,
As many now know, on June 3rd our father, Dennis Etler passed away. We are still coming to terms with the shock and sorrow of losing him. As we continue to grieve we would like to acknowledge the overwhelming outpouring of love and support expressed by friends and loved ones, near and far. To all those who have reached out with heartfelt messages of condolences over the past week, we are sincerely touched by your words. We are especially grateful to our friends who have been so resolute in offering their time and energy both emotionally and physically.
We miss our dad dearly but take comfort in the deep connections and community he fostered that extended over many decades and generations, spanning oceans and continents. These connections are reflected in his lifelong commitment to humanism, science and social justice, at home and abroad. We know that he had a great impact on many people through his decades as an educator at Cabrillo and Gavilan Colleges and as a mentor to those just beginning their own journey through life.Through friends and colleagues we see the open heart and keen intellect he possessed.
As a scientist studying Anthropology in China, he contributed immensely to the field through his research and writings. He was part of the first American archaeological delegation to receive approval from the Chinese government to access sites that had previously been off limits to foreigners in the People’s Republic of China since its formation in 1949. His findings and research in China were the basis for his Phd. dissertation from the University of California Berkeley.
As a rational humanist and historical materialist he started a local Humanist Club in Santa Cruz where he built a community of like minded activists. Through all his achievements he never hesitated to speak his mind and live according to his principles.
A close friend of his summed it up saying: “Dennis was a man who changed my perspective on the world. He was kind and loving, gentle, and sincere. He could be gruff and straightforward while being unapologetically radical and revolutionary in his worldview, and I will love him for who he was for the rest of my life.”: https://www.facebook.com/drewscottglover/posts/5933225903369202
Our dad was always honest about the stark truths of our world but he was also unconditionally supportive, understanding, patient and compassionate to all people regardless of their station in life.
At the time of his passing he was actively involved with numerous projects and local organizations. He was the Chairperson for the local UN association and getting ready for their annually held Hiroshima Day of Remembrance. He was also a prolific commentator on world politics contributing his perspective to numerous world wide news agencies in regular interviews and articles. He particularly enjoyed studying and talking about the history and politics of China, a lifelong passion of his, having studied and traveled there many times. This passion led him to create a very popular online forum discussing contemporary Chinese society and politics that continues today with over 35,000 members.
In the coming days and weeks we would like to welcome beloved family, friends and community to join us in remembering and celebrating our father’s remarkable life. We miss him deeply but our love for him will always remain in our hearts. Please feel free to share with us any thoughts or memories you have of him here. We are looking to set up a public space to gather and share thoughts and memories. A private memorial will be held for close friends and family. We will continue to update this page with information on additional memorial plans as they develop.
Love and Gratitude,
Sam, Daniel and Tim Etler
We will continue to maintain our dad’s Facebook page and if you would like to reach out to us directly you can send this account a message.
Johnson Choi Biz 