Dennis Dix, Former OPEI President, Passes Away

Dennis Dix, who served for nearly 30 years as the president of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), passed away December 12.

Dix, who joined OPEI in 1972, was instrumental in establishing the association’s first headquarters building in Alexandria, Virginia, and in launching OPEI’s tradeshow in Louisville, Kentucky.

“As the generations roll along, some stand ahead of others leaving a legacy of goodwill, strong leadership, and always doing the right thing in their actions more than their words. Dennis was both at an emerging time for the industry,” says Dan Ariens, chairman and CEO of Ariens Company, and show chairman for OPEI.

“From safety standards, to organizing and formalizing the young industry, he put in place an organizational structure which is still in use today, and when he retired he left us a financially strong association,” Ariens continues. “The trade show he and his contemporaries organized is still a very significant source of revenue for OPEI and today one of the top 10 in the country.”

“Although I didn’t know Dennis personally, I was exposed to his legacy each and every day,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of OPEI and the TurfMutt Foundation. “The association’s significant financial structure and foundation is a statement to his longtime leadership and vision.”

A memorial service will be held March 19, 2022, at 10 a.m. at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 2589 Chain Bridge Road, Vienna, Virginia. OPEI reports that details on charitable memorial contributions will be shared when available.

OPEI
www.opei.org