Our tenacious, courageous and larger than life Dad and Grandpa Dennis “Denny” Steven Engh, 78, passed away on May 13, 2018 with his most precious possessions, his family, by his side. He was born on September 19, 1939 to Henry Carl “Hank” and Dorcas Ardella “Della” Engh. His childhood was spent at Engh Floral working with his parents and his brothers and sisters which instilled in him the value of hard work, and a life-long love for gardening and the beauty of flowers.
He continued his work in this field until just last year, when his health finally made him give up his shovel. He was very proud of his heritage and the lessons he learned as a young boy that he carried with him throughout his life. He attended Olympus High School and studied at the University of Utah.
He married Judith “Judy” Allred Engh in the Salt Lake Temple on July 11, 1963. This began a 53-year long partnership that blessed the lives of their family and friends until the death of his beloved Jude on September 1, 2016. At a very young age Dennis was severely burned and told he would most likely lose his legs, or at the very least not walk again.
His fighting spirit started during the many days, months and years of surgeries and pain. Yet, not only did he walk – he became an accomplished athlete. His time on the mound as a tenacious fast-pitch softball pitcher was among his favorite memories.
At the age of 44, he pitched the semi-final game at the National Fast Pitch Championships in Bloomington, Illinois – and won. Dennis was a hero to many. Time after time he extended a helping hand, a last dollar, or open door to someone in need.
His can-do spirit and eternal optimism was unmatched. There was no mountain too high for him to climb if he could just figure out a way to work hard enough to succeed. This optimism and dogged determination stayed with him until his last hours when he continued to insist he was fine.
Although his body had given out on him he was still determined to go to one last softball game and dinner with the family. His devotion to his wife, children and grandchildren was extraordinary. After long days of work he was still up for a grandchild’s sporting event, dance recital or birthday celebration.
There was no other place he would rather be than within the circle of his family. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a deep abiding testimony of the gospel. He knew our Savior and tried to emulate his compassion for others.
He served a faithful mission for his Church in the Norway, Oslo Mission that not only honored his heritage, but continued a life-long love for the land and its people. He served in many positions in the Church including as a Bishop and continued to touch the lives of “his youth” until his last days. Dennis is survived by his five children: Heidi Rockwood (Frank), Heather Barney (John), Holly Kingdon (Greg), Darin Engh (Melissa), Amy Rich (Matt); 17 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; and brothers David and Dan, and sisters Jeanette and Judy.
Funeral services will be held on Friday May 18, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at the LDS Chapel located at 4568 South Holladay Blvd. Friends and family can visit Thursday evening 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, and at the church Friday morning 10:30-11:30 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be at the Holladay Cemetery.
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