Dennis Dilley

Dennis Lee Dilley, beloved father and friend, passed February 23, 2019, at his home in Farmington, Utah. Dennis lived a quietly colorful life, sharing his experiences with a twinkle in his eye and a bent towards helping others. Born May 30, 1932, in Aberdeen, Washington, the only child of Otto Lee and Harriet Eudith Dilley.

As a boy, he cycled to the shoreline to see soldiers and troop transports. When he carried a Japanese incendiary home to show Mom, she immediately grounded him for life. Dennis started out by working for his dad, at age 15, when he learned the logging business from the water up, and graduated from Eatonville High School. While at school he perfected his photography skills, learning both from his amateur dad and teachers. It happens that he unknowingly photographed his future wife, as the lower school was right next door.

Dennis served in the Korean War, as a Crypto Mechanic (i.e. code machine technician) in the US Air Force. He was the last Tech in the country, helping other branches and ultimately carrying the armistice agreement to the General in charge.

After the war, he met Judie Baker, who would be his wife of 57 years, while attending the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. They married August 3, 1956. Dennis graduated with a BS in Business and a secondary degree in English Literature.

Dennis worked for Smith-Western Co for 20 years, as a sales representative and postcard/calendar photographer. He created the logo for Expo ’74 world’s fair, Spokane, Washington. Afterwards, working for Volvo International and other car dealerships, as well as pursuing a penchant for crafting gourd art, chainsaw sculpture and painting.

in 1978, Dennis overcame a lifelong struggle with alcoholism and was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The rest of his life was spent working to help other addicted people and give back where possible.

Dennis and Judie retired to Union, Washington, where Judie passed August 23, 2013. He spent his final days volunteering in the community, moving to Farmington in 2015.

Dennis was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and survived several setbacks, including a stroke and heart attack, surprising all with his ability to bounce back and pass his infectious optimism to those around him. He was able to live at home, with the helpful assistance of home health, visiting in-home care, and family.

He always said he would be walking and talking one day and gone the next, and so it was. We miss him and stand dumbfounded, but are so glad his passing was as speedy as he wanted.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, spouse, and one grandchild (Jessica) and survived by his five children, Michael L (Elizabeth), Boise, Idaho; Kevin P (Terry Yaeger), Superior, Montana; Patricia A Andersen (Steven), Farmington, Utah; Colin D (Julee), Gilbert, Arizona; and David D Bannon (Elaine), Chester, South Carolina, 15 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, March 30, 12:00 noon, at the Farmington Utah Northridge Ward building, 1885 Summerwood Drive, Farmington.

A luncheon will be served immediately after the Service, for friends and family.

Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.