Dennis Oliver, public information officer for Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, dies
Dennis Oliver, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency's public information officer, has died after a brain illness. He was 47.
Oliver was admitted to the hospital about three weeks ago, according to TRPA External Affairs Director Julie Regan. He died overnight Wednesday at Carson Tahoe Hospital of an apparent brain virus which attacks the meylin around the nerve cells, said friend Michael Carr.
"TRPA is deeply saddened to share the news with the community of the loss of Dennis Oliver, who was an extremely valued employee of the Agency over the last three and a half years," said TRPA Executive Director Joanne Marchetta. Click here to read the obituary.
Oliver's love for Lake Tahoe combined with his extraordinary writing
skills made him a tremendous spokesperson for the Agency, Marchetta added.
Oliver had been the public information officer at TRPA since August 2007. He lived in Incline Village. The TRPA is a bi-state compact mandated to protect the environment of the Lake Tahoe Basin through land-use regulations.
"His passion for this special place combined with his incredible sense
of humor has left an indelible mark on TRPA and the entire Tahoe Basin," said Regan, who was Oliver's supervisor and colleague.
Carson CIty Supervisor Shelly Aldean, a member of the Governing Board, said she was shocked and saddened by the news.
"This has happened so quickly, everyone on the board is shocked that he passed away," Aldean said. "He had a clear and unwavering dedication to the lake and the Agency's mission and did a very effective job in articulating the Agency's objectives."
Oliver's job not only required him to be the public face of the agency, but he worked closely with other agencies, including the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit of the U.S. Forest Service. News of his death has been profoundly felt by staff, said Cheva Heck, public affairs officer for the Forest Service office in South Lake Tahoe.
"We're very saddened to hear of Dennis's passing and our thoughts are with our friends and colleagues at TRPA during this immensely difficult time," Heck said. "Dennis was tireless in his efforts to tell the story of the Lake Tahoe Basin, and this untimely news is a loss for all of us."
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