Dennis ‘Paco’ Michael Dubord

Dennis was born May 4, 1954, in Escanaba, to Clifford and Rita Dubord. His parents realized early on that “Denny” was going to be innovative when, as a toddler, he had the cleverness to dismantle his crib.

Everyone in the neighborhood knew Denny! He was the kid with boundless energy and often building something. He regularly spent time in the garage with his dad, taking apart an engine, a bike, or some other machine and putting it back together, a little better. He was a curious kid and was always ready for anything.

Dennis graduated from Escanaba in 1973. At an early age he acquired the nickname “Paco,” which some people only knew him by.

Dennis had a great love for animals, especially horses, and he was any dog’s best friend. He could train an animal skillfully with uncommon natural ability. When the State Fair came to town, if Denny and his horse “Chief” were in the race you could be sure they would be the top contenders.

Dennis had a great respect and love for the outdoors and life in the U.P. He enjoyed spending time in the woods and at camp. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, was a fan of NASCAR, and of course, the Packers. Dennis was a lifelong avid hunter; hunting season was never missed. He also outfitted several elk hunting trips out west.

All of that love for nature paled in comparison to his other love. It all started on his 25th birthday. While out with friends, Dennis spotted a young lady that he had his eye on for a while. He seized the opportunity, perhaps his birthday wish had come true. It turned out the young lady had her eye on him as well and the love story began. Diane Bittner stole his heart and that was that. Dennis married Diane in June of 1980. The years they spent together were happy and fun-filled. Dennis adored his wife and was a gentle, loving husband. He always tried to do the best for her, right up to his last day. He often sent her little reminders just to let her know that she was always on his mind. And in return, Diane was his rock, the person that made him complete and gave him a happy home.

The Dubords made their home in Hyde, where Dennis worked on many creative household projects. Dennis and Diane raised three loving children together. As a proud dad, Dennis adored his daughters, Trisha and Jeni, and completed the family with his “big guy” Kurt. As a dad, he supported and was involved in all of their hobbies and encouraged their continued education. They obliged him by becoming much like him with a healthy appreciation for family, nature, animals, life, and a love for helping others. Dennis was fiercely proud of all three of his children. His family life meant everything to him.

When grandchildren came along, Dennis became Papa to Jackson, Caleb and Lucas, his new “big guys,” and his precious granddaughter Erin.

Dennis was a conscientious and hardworking guy. He gave everything his best effort, which was always above and beyond. After a few other jobs, he made his career with the railroad. Dennis retired in 2014. He could then spend more time doing the things he loved; spending time with family, tinkering on an invention, or just spinning a tale to an open ear. And of course, he took great joy in helping others. If you called him for help, he was practically out the door before you hung up the phone. He simply was a great guy, always willing to lend a helping hand. Family referred to him as “MacGyver” as he could fix, repair, or improve most anything.

He was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Bark River. He was a Ford River Volunteer Firefighter for 35 years and a member of U.P. Whitetails Association. He made the most of his time. Any person or animal that Dennis called family or friend was truly blessed by knowing him.

Survivors include his wife, Diane; children, Trisha (Justin) Izzard, Jennifer (Andy) Sovey, and Kurt (Abby) Dubord; and grandchildren, Jackson and Erin Izzard, Caleb and Lucas Dubord, and granddog Stella; brother, Gary (Shirley) Dubord; and “little sister,” Jean (Randy) Shaum; mother-in-law, Gladys Bittner; sisters-in-law, Sharon (Carey) Prey, Joan (Ric) Larsen, Barbara (Gary) Lynaugh, Marilyn (Kirt) Cossette, Sheryl (Bernie) Weber, and Lisa (Bob) Neuenfeldt; brothers-in-law, Terry (Debbie) Bittner, James Allen, and Mike England; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Dennis in death were his parents, Clifford “Kayo” and Rita Dubord; his sisters, Kathleen Dubord and Susan Allen; and father-in-law, Reinhold “Einie” Bittner.

Visitation will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Bark River, Wednesday, April 21, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow. Father Darryl Pepin will officiate the service.

A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net.

The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.