John Holden Dennis Jr. passed away peacefully in his daughters home the evening of Tuesday March 19th, 2024 with grandchildren, children and his loving wife, Shauna, by his side until the end.

John was born to Kathleen Mary Dennis and John "Jack" Holden Dennis Sr on April 21st, 1950 in Oakland CA. He lived a remarkable life through his final days.

Dad had quite the extraordinary life....never a dull moment and always eventful. He was raised by his parents, and had 3 sisters: Anne, Margaret "Peggy", Eileen and one brother James. His father was employed by the US Customs and Dad followed on that route for his career.

Dad met his wife, Shauna, of 49 years and they married in San Diego CA on June 22nd, 1974. They were sealed for time and all Eternity with their children, John Holden Dennis III, Carlye Lynnette Dennis, Jenee Marie Ricks, and Mariessa Anne Akers on June 21st, 1980 in the LA Temple.

Dad enlisted into the Navy and served in Vietnam like the true hero he was and still is to all of us. When Dad got home, he went to college and worked in medicine until he got hired with US Customs in San Diego. Dad then went on to work for the government with US Customs and retired in 2006 in Houston TX. Dad took positions all over the country to continue to dedicate his life to our safety. We lived in California, Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, Virginia and Texas. Eventually, he called Utah home for the last couple years. Nothing drove Dad crazier in the last few years than watching the news and seeing what was being undone on the border that he worked years to keep secure for his family, friends and grandchildren.

Dad was diagnosed with bladder cancer in the summer of 2018. He fought the biggest battle of his life. He had both his bladder and kidney removed, underwent years of chemo, and multiple rounds of radiation. He truly would have done anything he could to prolong his life and spend more time with his loved ones.

One of Dad's biggest fears was leaving Mom behind. There was nothing Dad loved and enjoyed more than Mom, his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. Family brought Dad the most joy. When we would ask "what sounds good for family dinner on Sunday", Dad replied "I don't care what we have to eat, I just love having all the kids around." Although he really prioritized the company, it really started aggravating Dad when nothing sounded good to eat and he couldn't eat his normal 8-10 tacos. That was frustrating! Dad loved watching war movies and really liked watching the John Wick series with his grandsons!

Dad had one heck of a sense of humor! Grandkids said some of the things they will miss most are: His witty comebacks, infectious laugh, jokes, teaching him how to implement a solid 'roast', his 'stach'", when he would always 'dap you up', the fact that he was always in a good mood, how he wasn't scared to say what was on his mind no matter what other people thought about it, that he always participated in the games we would play at family dinner making them that much more fun, his patience, his endless stories from back in the day, the faces he would make at people, and his writing abilities. He was always there sitting in the background and enjoying life. These are just a few things he will be sorely missed for.

One of the last things Dad said was: "You can't stop people from doing stupid things. You gotta live with it." Always giving sound advice.

We are grateful to know that this isn't the end for us. We are thankful for the Covenants dad made and kept that gives us light and knowledge knowing we will see Dad/Grandpa again because our family is Eternal.

Dad is preceded in death by: John Holden Dennis Sr (Dad), Geraldine Florence Black (Mother in Law), Robert Hal Black (Father in Law), Ciara (granddaughter) and Gary Waugh (Brother in Law). Dad is survived by: Shauna Denise Dennis, his loving Eternal Companion, children: John Holden Dennis III (Anne), Carlye Lynnette Dennis, Jenee Marie Ricks (Ryan), Mariessa Anne Akers (James), Grandchildren: Jacob, Jonathan (Katelyn), Joshua, Jackson, Jeremy, Katarina (Brigham), Taylor, Caleigh, Calyse "Leelee", Teagan, Brodee, Bobby, Keagan and 2 great grandchildren Alayah and Amaya. His mom Kathleen Mary Dennis, siblings: Anne Avalos (Frank), Margaret "Peggy" Maraghe (Genghiz), Eileen Waugh and James Dennis (Teresa) and so many nieces, nephews and extended family who loved him dearly.

Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Meetinghouse 60 E 1600 N Orem, UT 84057 @ 11am on April 19. Memorial to follow at Camp Williams 17111 S Redwood Rd Bluffdale Utah @1pm with a family/friends luncheon to follow after.

We are grateful for the doctors and nurses at Herman Memorial in Woodlands TX, Huntsman Cancer Institute in SLC, University of Utah Hospital in SLC, Utah Valley Hospital in Provo and Applegate Hospice for their nonstop care when Dad was being treated over the last 6 years.