Dennis Maurice Bringhurst

Dennis Maurice Bringhurst left this life the way he lived it, on his own terms. He passed peacefully, held by his beloved wife and family in the home he built with his own hands in Sandy, Utah on July 19th., 2025. He was 81 years of age and left behind a legacy of devotion, unspoken love, hard work, knowing looks, blunt truth, and a sense of humor that often needed a warning label. As he put it shortly before the end, “There’ll be none of that bullshit, talking about me like I was a damn saint.” Duly noted, Dad.

Dennis was born in Murray, Utah on August 6th, 1943 to Ellis Vern Bringhurst and Oceal Noack Bringhurst. He was the second of five children who were raised on Creek Road in Fort Union. He learned the value of hard work living on a 10-acre farm. They grew up poor but never knew it, they had food to eat and clothes to wear.

Dennis considered himself a lucky young man at a church dance when he caught the attention of the prettiest girl in the place. He lured her in with his crooked smile, tall stature, shady jokes, and his ‘63 Chevy. He married the love of his life, Randy Lee Witt Bringhurst October 6th, 1964. He was always proud of his wife and carried a photo of her in his wallet to show her off. The love they shared brought three children into this world; Kristine (Nanos), Leslie Ann (Lolly/Lucy Mae), and Dennis Maurice (Densle).

For 61 years, they were devoted partners in every aspect. Side-by-side they watched their family grow, worked, played, and adventured. They built their own home together and filled it with laughter, stories (accentuated by finger guns), hidden lessons, news, and family memories.

In his younger years Dennis could be found hunting and exploring the outdoors with family and buddies in the mountains of Utah. He shared stories of their shenanigans throughout his life.

His growing family took yearly vacations to Lake Powell. Don Williams and Barbra Streisand's voices played on the radio while his laughter echoed from the cliffs as he taught unsuspecting family members the value of ‘Indian Soap’.

In 1973 Dennis joined the Utah Highway Patrol. He worked in many different areas throughout the state and retired as a Sergeant after 26 years of duty. In 1986, he survived being shot in the line of duty, where he returned fire & disabled the suspect. Dennis earned a Distinguished Service Award as well as a Purple Heart. He was appreciated for the camaraderie he built during his career and the lasting friendships he fostered until the end of his life.

As life went on, Dennis and Randy spent summers hunting and exploring Canada and fishing in Alaska. On long fishing trips, he took canned peaches to eat because ‘John Wayne liked that’. Together they would fish and Randy would photograph the local wildlife including whales, eagles, and bears. Her photographs from their adventures still adorn the walls of their home.

Dennis was known for being a masterful craftsman. He was a brickmason by trade for years. The art of woodworking was passed from his father to him and his brothers. He also passed the skill to his son and some of his grandkids. He had an eye for quality workmanship, was meticulous in everything his hands touched and insisted the same of others.

He & his family spent countless hours in his wood shop. Among other items, they made flutes, pipes, long boards, cutting boards, coasters, tables, chests, shelves, bird houses, toy cars & trucks. Much of the furniture in their home was built by his hands. Many family and friends have received treasures from their shop. They donated toys they made to Primary Children’s Hospital. Dad showed his appreciation to many of his kind caregivers with handcrafted wooden gifts.

Dennis enjoyed building, restoring and showing his classic trucks with his son Dennis and grandsons Jordan and Beau. They are something to admire. Collectively they worked on a ‘51 Chevy Resto Mod, ‘55 Chevy Restoration, ‘51 Chevy Survivor, and ‘31 Ford Model A Pickup Survivor.

Dennis kept life long friends (including his siblings) who he valued. He enjoyed long, reminiscing phone calls with them. Even in the last months of life they met for sushi or at diners for lunch with the Creek Road Gang, his siblings, and his old Highway Patrol buddies.

Dennis was always helping someone on the down-low. If someone was in need, Dad was there to give them a hand-up, but not a hand-out. He didn’t want to talk about it or get credit for it. He loved to take on a challenge. He was a wise problem solver. Sometimes his solutions created more problems, but things always finished better in the end. He was discerning, quick to evaluate and slow to trust. But if he knew you (and liked you), you never went without.

Dennis had a knack for defying the odds - his family says that he must have had nine lives. He survived cancer, being shot, lit on fire, electrocuted, falling from scaffolding, car wrecks, motorcycle wrecks, and being hit by a car. His resilience became legendary and some thought he may have been too ornery to die. Though his final goal was to outlast his sweetheart by just one day, heart failure claimed him at the close of his ninth and final life.

Dad’s most cherished accomplishments were his marriage and his family. He leaves behind his wife, Randy, and their three children: Kris (Bill), Leslie (Karson) and Dennis (Stacy). He was a proud ‘Grumpa’ to nine grandkids; Zach (Samantha), Melissa, Landon, Carly (Tim), Kyra, Dalton (Sophie), Jordan, Breedh (Dakota), and Beau. He adored his eight great grandkids; Olivia, Eric, Hayden, Quentin, Duncan, Frankie, Tayzleigh, Ender, and one on the way. Dennis is also survived by his siblings; Ellis (Linda) Bringhurst, Lynda Bennett, Garry (Sheila) Bringhurst and sister-in-law Kathy Bringhurst.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ellis and Oceal Bringhurst, brother Larry Bringhurst, sister Julia Zahnie Hadley and brother-in-law Joe Bennett.

He may have made his exit, but Dad’s voice still lingers - usually in the sound of any number of Dennis-isms. (Atta boy, girl.)

His love is built into the backbone of our lives - sturdy and unshakable. We will miss him deeply—but we will carry him with us, always.

We appreciate hearing from so many who wish to honor Dad. He firmly requested no funeral or “bullshit” memorial service. Rather, we will have an intimate family gathering on his birthday. Please share memories (saint-talk at your own risk) by posting messages and photos here. To all who laughed, worked, shared stories or simply showed up - thank you for being part of Dad’s adventure.