Dennis Pike passed away on November 1, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Dennis was born April 3, 1938, in Farmington, ME where he was raised by his parents Courtney and Iola Pike.
Dennis lived a life with a servant’s heart filled with compassion, kindness, and mercy for the community that he loved. His warm smile and caring heart touched countless lives and he will be terribly missed, yet fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Dennis graduated from Farmington High School and enlisted in the US Army Reserves for six years. At a time when young men were being drafted into the military, Dennis seeing it as his civic duty, simply volunteered. After returning from Fort Dix in New Jersey, he attended what is now known as the University of Maine at Farmington for two years but when offered a job as a Farmington Police Officer from the town manager, Dennis took the opportunity in 1966. Dennis attended the very first session held at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. He worked full-time for the police department and part time as a deputy for the Franklin County Sheriff’s department. When a need arose in the police department or the sheriff’s department, Dennis did not hesitate to step in and help at a moment’s notice.
Dennis served in law enforcement for 46 years with the final 12 years serving as High Sheriff of Franklin County from 2001 – 2012. He was recognized for many accomplishments which included starting the K-9 program, starting the bike safety and inspection program at area schools, teaching D.A.R.E. at area schools, and working extensively with the Canadian Border Services Agency on increased border control after 9/11. In 2011, he was recognized by the Quebec Provincial Police for his efforts in covering the US / Canada border crossing and overseeing operations in the area.
When Dennis wasn’t on active duty he volunteered for many things. A few of his favorites were all the local and regional parades. No one loved a parade more than Dennis, leading countless processions for holidays and special events throughout the area, many times driving the County’s Civil Defense Truck built for natural disasters that he personally maintained.
Another passion was being part of N.O.A.A and monitoring and reporting on local weather for over 50 years. He also served as a town selectman in 1998 and served for 15 years until 2013. During that tenure he served on various committees such as Y2K Safety Ordinance, Transportation Advisory, and Recycling.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Orchard Park facilities for the care of both Dennis and Sheila over these last several months. They would also like to thank Sharon Buzzell for the support and care she provided, especially while family was so far away.
Dennis is predeceased by his wife of 51 years Sheila, who passed August 1st of this year. Dennis is survived by his children, daughter Angela Mahoney of South Dakota; son Michael and his wife Kim Pike of Madison; daughter Carol and husband Jim Ouellette of Lyman; his brother Peter and wife Prudy Pike; his grandchildren Charlie, Chloe, Adeline, Noah, and Joshua.
A graveside service will take place Wednesday November 15, 2023, at 1:00 pm at the family plot in Fairview Cemetery in Farmington, ME. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Franklin County Childrens Task Force, located at 113 Church Street, Farmington, Maine.
Arrangements are under the care of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Service 488 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington, ME, where memories may be shared at dsfuneral.com
i knew dennis back in the mid 80″s he was a very good person and would always stop to chat. he will be missed. rip dennis
One of the greatest law enforcement officials l ever met.
Condolences to the family and too the citizens of Farmington…
One of a kind. Our thoughts are with you, Mike and family.
Dennis was a nice man and a great officer will be misssed rip Dennis
Rest in gentle peace, Dennis. You were a wonderful classmate. You served our hometown so well and in so many ways! Rest easy.
Many years ago Dennis was our “paperboy” , and boy did he deliver it correctly! Never cut across lawns or anything that was disrespectful. Many a night when I was out with my grandfather ,( Ralph Morton) Dennis would stop and talk police work and ask all about people and and who lived where, what happened when so and so did that terrible thing back when, etc. I don’t know who enjoyed it more, my grandfather or me! With deepest sympathy, Bonnie Sinski Atwell
One of the nicest guys you could meet. Did his job in law enforcement with compassion and thought….Gonna miss that soft spoken man
I remember doing the bike safety. It was one of the best days in grade school, got to bring your bike to school and show your skills. But no helmets don’t think they where invented yet.
RIP Dennis. my condolences to all your Family I remember you Well.
RIP Dennis Pike. I will always remember your kindness to me during my treatments. Your support, kindness and wisdom was much appreciated at Blaine’s passing. You will not be forgotten.
Mike and family, Our thoughts are with you. Dennis was unique with a never ending smile.
I first met Dennis when I was working for WKTJ in high school. The station manager, Denny Shute – who like Dennis was himself a class act – recommended I record a feature on Farmington’s leading role in enforcement of the automobile junk yard statutes. Not knowing to whom to turn I went to the Town Manager, Harold Bean, and he directed me to interview “Officer” Pike, who had been put in charge of this detail. It was about the first story I had undertaken of the several hundred I have done since. His ever cordial and respectful manner was impressive and inspirational and the beginning of a memorable decades’ long association one can certainly treasure.
Will miss Dennis. Such a gentle soul. I appreciated him so much when he came to Mallett School for our
Bicycle Day. You will be greatly missed, Dennis.
Condolences to all of his family.
A special friend to all.
R.I.P, Franklin Counties last true hero, he was always on the front line, and the most dedicated we’ve ever experienced.
Rest Easy now you’re back with Shelia.
K. Perring & Family
Always an inspiration to all. Gentle, kind nature treated everyone with respect.
Dennis was such a gentleman, I often thought if I was going to be arrested please let it be Dennis doing it.
Dennis was such a kind and gracious man. My sincere condolences to his family.