Dennis Wayne Hedrick, 59, of Rector died peacefully Monday, Nov. 7, 2004, in El Cajon, Calif.

He was born Feb. 4, 1945, in San Diego, where he attended Hoover High School and Miramar College. He retired from the San Diego City Fire Department, then worked as an Adjunct Professor of Fire Technology at Miramar College.

He also was the director of the Firehouse Museum in San Diego until he relocated to Rector. He was a past Master of Dannelly Masonic Lodge #300 in Rector, a member of Elks Lodge #1812 in El Cajon, San Diego Scottish Rite, Eagles Aires #3715 at Kennett, Mo., a charter member Lions International in Rector, a life member of the California State Firefighters Association and a member of the San Diego Retired Police and Fire Association.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Rector and was chairman of the Rector Zoning Commission.

Dennis had a real passion for people, cooking and food. He also loved dancing to country western music.

He is survived by his wife, Christa A. Hedrick of Rector; a daughter, Leila Pittman of Midway, N.C.; two sons, Dennis Jr. of EL Cajon and Christopher of San Diego; his mother, Melva P. Cooke of Rockdale, Texas; his stepmother, Myrtle Hedrick of Imperial Beach, Calif.; a sister, Claudia Hedrick of Imperial Beach; three brothers, Larry Cooke of El Cajon, Ken Hedrick of Murrieta, Calif., and Donald Cooke of San Diego; three granddaughters, Jenna, Victoria and Christina, and a host of nieces and nephews.

The date for a celebration of his life will be announced later.

He suggested donations to his favorite charity, the Make-a-wish Foundation.