Terrence Michael Dennin

Terrence Michael Dennin, a Lake Placid native and true world citizen known and loved for his irreverent wit and warm heart, died of natural causes at his home, the Grand Prix Motel, in Keeseville, NY, on October 26, 2023. Terry was born on February 1, 1949, the son of Helen (Smith) Dennin and Frederick Stephen Dennin. He is survived by his wife and companion of over 11 years, Silvia Marina Vidal Dayan, of Buenos Aires; his daughter Regan Eldridge of Auburn, Maine; three stepchildren, Vladimir Reinharz and Judith Charlotte Reinharz (Samuel Poirier, husband) of Geneva; and Gabriel Oscar Castillo Vidal of Ottawa; and five step-grandchildren. Terry also leaves behind four siblings, Kathleen Ruth Dennin, of Yonkers, NY; Frederick Stephen Dennin (Anne Dennin,) of New York City; Gregory Moore Dennin (Peggy Dennin) of Lake Placid; and Richard James Dennin (Michelle Dennin) of Framingham, MA, along with seven nieces and nephews. Terry grew up in Lake Placid with his sister and brothers, attending St. Agnes School and Eagles Scouts, playing tennis at the St. Moritz Courts across the street from where he lived, and ski jumping under the guidance of coach John Viscome. He graduated from Northwood in 1967, attended Fordham College and received a BA from Plattsburgh State University. He managed the popular Spot Restaurant in Lake Placid and presented Bo Diddley in concert at Plattsburgh State. By the early 70s he headed west, exploring Arizona and Alaska before settling down for close to 20 years in San Francisco. In the City by the Bay, he drove a cab and hosted countless visitors over the years with his longtime companion of that time, Bonnie Cohen, who died in 2006. In 2007, Terry returned to the Adirondacks where he cared for his parents and took over management and later became owner of the Grand Prix. He came to embrace his role as friend and father-figure to the eclectic community of residents there. Terry enjoyed cooking—smoked pork and barbeque were his specialties—and genuine, down-to-earth rock and roll, the louder the better. He attended many concerts over the years, from legendary shows at NY’s Fillmore East to the Pogues at Roseland Ballroom with nephew James and, most recently, an “outlaw cruise” with his beloved Marina, featuring Lucinda William, an all-time favorite. More than anyone or anything, Marina opened up Terry’s life over the past decade. They travelled the globe, from Paris to South Korea, Montevideo to Bolivia, and in her home country, Argentina. Together, they kicked up the dust with family and an extended circle of his incredible friends, including Gerry, Tommy, John, Bill, Mike, Mary, Rocket, Jan, Sam, Adrienne, and members of his beloved Cartel: Kate, Sonia, Tommy, Sylvie, Jorge, Nico, Eli, Mimi, Juju, Jon, Raquel, Virginia, Juliana, Amy, Matthieu, Luc, Calvin, Antonella, Otto, Charlotte, Claudia, Steve, Monica, Ernesto, Natalie, Max, Claire, Emeline, and Meryem, among many others, as Jen. Terry’s connection with Regan crowned his happiness. Terrence was truly one of a kind. His laughter and amazing stories will be remembered forever. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made in Terry’s memory to Planned Parenthood or Doctors Without Borders.