“He found happiness and honor in being helpful to the world”

I haven’t posted anything for some time, but life events happen occasionally that can prod you out of your lethargy.  

I lost a friend recently.  Dennis Bolz of Wenatchee passed away on February 27, 2025.  The reason this news is related to my book blog is because he played a huge part in turning the Chelan County Public Utility District around after its darkest years under a toxic leader.  Not insignificantly, he was also the father of Mark, perhaps the most perceptive and resilient member of “The Intrepid Brotherhood”.

Dennis was indeed a friend…….. an “amigo”.  A term I am confident he would appreciate if he could read these words.  I think the last time I saw him in person was at a public power event in 2012.  One of the last things he said to me on that occasion was ” you should record that whole saga”.  It took me another eight years, but he told me numerous times that he was glad I eventually did it.

We stayed in contact over the years by phone discussing the book, the podcast interviews I participated in, and my blog posts.  I learned a lot about his experiences in education and the many things he had achieved in that sector.

Our conversations naturally drifted into issues related to the power industry: fish; wind; solar; dam removal; cyber security and system reliability.  The last time I spoke to him was in November and he let me know his own memoir was being edited before publication.  I remember that we briefly touched on the very sexy subject of modular nuclear power generation facilities before he said he had to go.  We agreed we would discuss that more when we resumed.  I waited too long.

The world lost a great man who was forced to exit much too soon.  He left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Stay Courageous,

Gordon