Local spokesman dies from brain virus

Dennis Oliver, a spokesman for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, died Wednesday night after battling a brain virus.

He was 47.

Oliver was at Carson Tahoe hospital for two weeks prior to his death.

"His health decline was so rapid that those of us who were with him during this time are still coming to terms with it," wrote friend Michael Carr on his Facebook wall.

Oliver's love for Lake Tahoe combined with his extraordinary writing skills made him a tremendous spokesperson for the TRPA, said Joanne Marchetta, Executive Director of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.

"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," Marchetta said.

In addition to his work with TRPA, Oliver also ran for the Incline Village General Improvement District during the June 8 primary. He did not receive enough votes to move on to the general election.

"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 Julie Regan, External Affairs Director and Oliver's supervisor and colleague.

Funeral and memorial plans have not been announced.