Dennis Ray Bakaysa

Clayton- Dennis Ray Bakaysa, age 63, was joyously welcomed into heaven with a greeting of “Well done, good and faithful servant.” He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Deborah Ann Mast Bakaysa, four children, Mary Wann, Nicole Cunningham, James Bakaysa (Serena) and Billy Bakaysa; grandchildren Carlee, Naviana, Calvin, Odie, Abygail, Casey, Sierra and Zaylee; two brothers Bruce Bakaysa (Juanita) and Ronald Bakaysa both of Northern Virginia and brother-in-law Thomas Mast (Cindy) of Maryland. He had three nieces, Melanie Bakaysa, Mary Travis (Paul), Suzanne McGhee (Joshua), one nephew, Ryan Mast, two great nieces and several cousins, aunts and uncles from Niagara Falls and Pennsylvania. Born March 13, 1956 in Niagara Falls, NY he was the second son of the late, Mike Bakaysa and Gloria Louise Bakaysa. Dennis spent his childhood in Niagara Falls on what later became known as Love Canal. He graduated from LaSalle High School, attended 91st Street First Church of the Nazarene, and worked during high school and college summers at McDonald’s. After high school he graduated in 1978 from Eastern Nazarene College Quincy, MA with a degree in Business Administration. Dennis and his brothers were avid sports fans, specifically of the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres and the Washington Capitals. He loved to play golf, decorate the outside of the house with Christmas lights, tinker with cars, and considered yardwork a delight, never a chore. He learned a Godly, selfless work ethic from his dad and passed on that attribute to his family. After college Dennis moved to the Washington, DC area where he worked at IBM and met his beloved wife Debbie through friends. Having courted for eight years, they married in 1992 and adopted their four children in 1999 then made their home in Bowie, MD. In 1990 Dennis began work with the Federal Government’s Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and retired in March 2018 after 28 years. In 2009 they moved to Clayton, NC for a slower lifestyle and more opportunity for their children and found wonderful fellowship in Raleigh First Assembly church, volunteering as small group hosts, and supporting a ministry called Royal Family Kids Camp for foster children. Dennis’ number one priority was his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His wife and family were the most important relationships and were held above work, sports and hobbies. He loved his extended family and enjoyed delving into his family genealogy. Always the coordinator, he helped arrange family reunions, vacations, and small group events. Many a friend learned quickly that Dennis was an adventurous traveler, who loved to drive. He once took a friend on a 2000-mile trek in a span of four days on a split-second phone call and had a blast. His quick wit was his calling card and he loved to make up crazy games to entertain the kids on long road trips. One passion he had was his enjoyment of food as it was a popular topic in most conversations. Buffalo wings were his favorite. He and Debbie have the gift of hospitality with a long-time dream of one day owning a bed and breakfast. They welcomed all to their home continually as Dennis got up early and made visitors a delicious breakfast to begin their day. He volunteered consistently with his church family in Niagara Falls, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina as well as with the Clayton High School band. He was a true servant of the Lord in his attitude and generosity living out Hebrews 13:16 “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” The family will receive friends on August 27th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 1200 Benson Rd, Garner, NC 27529. A celebration of life will be held on August 28th at 1:00 p.m. at Raleigh First Assembly (RFA Church) 2660 Yonkers Road, Raleigh, NC 27604. Private interment after the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Raleigh First Assembly of God (RFA Church), in honor of Dennis Bakaysa, 2660 Yonkers Rd, Raleigh, NC 27604 or Transitions LifeCare Hospice House, 200 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.