Dennis "Denny" R. Forinash died tragically on July 7, 2017 when he was struck by a car while jogging across a road on an American Airlines layover in Chicago, Ill. Dennis was born in Bonne Terre, Mo., on Sept. 5, 1953, growing up in the home his parents built in his hometown, Irondale, Mo.

Dennis was a 1975 United States Air Force Academy graduate. He married Carla on June 28, 1975, and is the father of a son, David, and a daughter, Erin. Dennis attended pilot training at Vance AFB, Enid, Okla. During his Air Force career, he flew the C-130 at McChord AFB, Wash., the C-9 medivac, Clark AFB, the Philippines, and the C-130, Little Rock AFB, Jacksonville, Ark.

Dennis was hired by American Airlines in October 1988. During his time at American, he flew as a first officer on the 757, the 767 and eventually upgraded to captain on a S80 which was his position at the time of his death. His career at American Airlines spanned for nearly 29 years. In 1990, Dennis joined the 731st Airlift Squadron flying the C-130 at Peterson AFB. While in the Air Force Reserves, he was activated and participated in Desert Storm. He served in the 731st Airlift Squadron until his retirement from the Air Force Reserves in 1996.

Dennis was a family man, a pilot, a traveler, a Colorado Rockies fan, a hiker, a business partner for a dance studio, a skier, a snowboarder, full of generosity and so much more. He had this contagious laugh, even if what he said wasn't funny or didn't make sense you would be laughing along with him without even knowing why. He would call you.. not big into texting.. he preferred to talk with you, even if for just a brief exchange. With that said, he also was the king of butt dialing. Many of those who knew Dennis would get messages of swishing pants and airport announcements in the background.

Dennis was also a connoisseur of great food; he very much enjoyed recreating different food dishes from the meals that he had enjoyed on his trips, and of course enjoying a Tito's on the rocks. He was always willing to give advice and guidance for family and friends; he knew the best way to get you on a flight whether it was for an emergency or just taking a vacation.

Adventurous is another word to describe Dennis. To name a few adventures, he took on the challenge of climbing the Manitou Springs incline, zip-lining, hiking Hanging Lake and exploring multiple National Parks on his vacation travels. He was an avid skier starting from the time he was at the Air Force Academy as a cadet, and then taking on snowboarding in his late 50s.

He would be smiling and laughing, but as soon as the camera came out this stoic look would appear on his face, so we had to catch him in those candid moments to get a really good smile. We will always remember his contagious laughter, silly "dad jokes", unwavering support and love he had for his family. (Written by Dennis' loving family)