Dennis Overend was born in Vancouver and was raised there and in the North Okanagan, but spent the summers of his school years living life outdoors and enjoying his family's cabin on Mabel Lake. He attended high school at Vancouver College, and enrolled at the University of British Columbia. In the summers Overend worked in forestry but realized that his lack of aptitude for science impacted his aspirations to be a forester. Instead, he decided to try law and obtained his LL.B. from UBC in 1962.
Mr. Overend articled at Gowan & Butts in Vancouver, and once called joined Davidson and Company in Vernon. His practice focused primarily on criminal matters, but dealt with all matters in general areas of law. In 1979, Overend was appointed to the Provincial Court of BC, sitting in a variety of remote locations around the province. He recalls having the good fortune to sit in the remote northern communities of Atlin, Lower Post, Cassiar, and Dease Lake, as well as the coastal communities of Bella Bella, Bella Coola, and Klemtu. He retired from the Provincial Court in 2005, but remained a deputy judge of the Territorial Court of the Yukon until 2010.
After retiring Dennis Overend dedicated his time to the outdoor practices he enjoyed as a boy. He continued to maintain his property in Enderby, bringing great enjoyment to his grandkids with Tractor rides. He continues to golf and fish. As well, Overend volunteers his time extensively helping to teach English to second language learners during both travels and times at home at the nearby Okanagan College.