Gene Allan Denning, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away at home with his loved ones at his side on August 29, 2021 after a courageous battle with dementia.
Born in Salt Lake City, Utah on September 26, 1940, to William Vernal Denning and Kathryn Poor Denning. Graduated in 1958 from Olympus High School, Married Beverly Jean Horrocks on March 17, 1961, later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on August 22, 1975. Received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Utah on June 6, 1969. From the American Institute for Property & Casualty Liability Underwriters, he received the designation of Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter, C.P.C.U., on September 12, 1974.
He was a member of the Army National Guard 144th Evac. Hospital and was activated for one year full-time duty for the Berlin Crisis in 1961.
Gene’s career was devoted to the insurance industry. He began underwriting for CNA Insurance, was Assistant Vice President for Fred A. Moreton Company, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Utah, Vice President of Johnson & Higgins, and President of AFS Insurance, captive insurance agency of Associated Food Stores. He taught insurance courses for Brigham Young University Extension Division and the Utah Surplus Lines Association.
He adored his family and loved every moment he could spend with them. He enjoyed any opportunity he had to help them and others with projects. His favorite vacations were ones where he could have his family travel with him. He was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Valley View 7th Ward and served in numerous callings, last serving as a primary teacher, which he said was his favorite calling.
Preceded in death by his father and mother, and his brothers, William V. Denning, Jr., Stanley McMurrin Denning and Gary Gayle Denning. Survived by his wife of 60 years, Beverly, daughter, Tracy Burke (Maury), and son, Michael Troy Denning (Lindsay); seven grandchildren, Joshua Richards, Ryan Richards (Courtney), Ashley Denning, Nicholas Denning, Jonathon Denning, Jaren Burke and Cayden Burke and two great grandchildren, William and Cameron, brother, Stephen Lynn Denning (Lorie), nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to express their appreciation to Bristol Hospice for the loving care provided to Gene. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation at alz.org.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 4, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. at the Valley View Stake Center, 2250 East 3900 South, Millcreek, Utah. Friends and family may call Saturday morning from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the same location. Interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah.
