June 23, 2023 – The BETA MAX family experienced a great loss last week. BETA MAX HOISTS founder Dennis Mannion passed away on June 16, 2023. Mr. Mannion was not only the founder of our company, he was a family member, friend and a true gentleman.
Dennis Michael Mannion was born in Laurel, Nebraska on October 3rd, 1940, to Paul and Antonia Mannion. He was the second oldest of 13 children.
In 1958, Dennis left farm life and headed west to California via trade school in New York where he met the love of his life, Frances Jordan, in 1961. His career took him from Southern California, to Dallas, TX and ultimately to Melbourne, Florida with a year spent living in Surrey, England along the way.
Leaving corporate America in the early 1980’s, Dennis went into business for himself and started Beta Max in 1985. BETA MAX HOISTS, Inc. has been a decades-long supporter of the scaffold, access, and construction industries and of the SAIA. Dennis was one of the earliest A92.10 sub-committee members for Transport Platforms and in 2007 he was presented with SAIA’s Unsung Hero Award.
Dennis had an incredible desire to learn and build and he continued that trend right up until earlier this year. Retirement for him meant more hobbies than you could keep track of, and he always had a passion for helping others. His volunteer commitments included St. Vincent de Paul, The Knights of Columbus, Meals on Wheels, and several others.
Dennis’ greatest joy was his expanding family including his children Jeff Mannion (Alex), Tami Hamilton (Gray) and Denise Rowell (Tony). He has 9 grandchildren, Lauren Parvin (Daniel), Lindsay Harris (Matt), Thomas Hamilton and Kayla, Tanner, Cameron, Ava, Gavin & Tatum Rowell. The babies always got top billing in Dennis’ life, and he was blessed with 7 great grandchildren before he left this earth. By his side for 60 years was his wife, Fran, who was happy to either travel the globe with him or simply go to their Georgia cabin, and she will forever be grateful for all the adventures they shared.
