I worked for Dennis for several years at the Camera Cinemas in the early 2000's. He was a friend and mentor to me and I can honestly say that Dennis had an immense impact on my life. He was a kind man who lived life richly, a patron of the arts who also had great technical aptitude, a 'MacGyver in the Movie Theatre'; always in the trenches, keeping all of our antiquated 35mm film projectors grinding away day in and day out with scant resources, often with nothing more than his wits. 

We are all saddened to hear of Dennis' passing this month as he succumbed to long standing illnesses. However beyond sadness, I was amazed to hear that his obituary in the Mercury News alone cost $2000. Other surprise costs are mounting.  

Dennis was an icon of the San Jose arts community and touched many lives. The availability of decades of foreign and independent film in our community can be traced back directly to Camera Cinemas founders; Jim Zuur, Jack NyBlom, and of course Dennis Skaags. Under Dennis' guidance, the Camera Cinemas made the South Bay Area culturally richer. 

 
And so, I wanted to do something to repay my friend for all that he gave to us. I hope you will contribute and share this request to all who knew Dennis Skaags. All funds raised will go to Susan to be used towards Dennis' debts and final expenses.