Dennis was born in Salt Lake City, UT to Wallen and Barbara (Greenwood) McMillen and had a happy childhood growing up in the Sugarhouse area. Known to most as “Denny”, he and his younger brother, Gene, were always “up to something” and quite mischievous. Dennis attended South High School and excelled in school, particularly in mathematics and sports. He was on the high school golf team and utilized his 6’7” height by playing Center on the varsity basketball team, which won the Utah State Championship in 1957. Sadly, his Father passed away from a heart attack when Dennis was only 17 years old. He had to grow up quickly, suddenly needing to work full time while also finishing high school to help support his Mom and brother. After high school, Dennis attended the University of Utah, graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He married Joan Shaughnessy on April 12, 1961 in the Salt Lake Temple (divorced in 2004).
After graduating from the U, Dennis and Joan decided to settle and raise their family in Northern California. It was here that Dennis began a long and successful career with Bechtel Engineering Corporation, commuting into San Francisco daily for over 40 years. While raising and supporting 4 kids in Concord and then Moraga, CA, Dennis worked as Project Manager for many hydroelectric power plants in various states across the country and throughout the world.
In early 1993, Dennis was given a big opportunity to manage the Design and Construction of the Cardiff Bay Barrage in Wales, UK. Dennis married Julia Williams from Pontyclun, near Cardiff, South Wales on November 11, 2006. Traveling back and forth between the UK and the US was challenging over the years, especially with his long legs; however, Dennis endured many long flights across the pond, trying to be present for important family events like graduations, baby blessings, weddings, and even swim meets as much as possible.
Dennis was an extremely likable and outgoing person with a great sense of humor, kind eyes, and a contagious smile. Known as Papa/Papa D/Poppa to his grandchildren, he tried to be involved as much as he could in their lives and loved spending time with each one of them. He was an avid golfer all of his life and enjoyed reading, listening to jazz music, and following many Bay Area sports teams. After living in Wales for over 30 years, it was only natural that Dennis would discover a “new” sport and become a big fan of rugby.
Dennis is survived by his wife Julia, children Sherrill (Doug), Kristine (Todd), Eric, Shauna (Wade), stepdaughter Zara, 11 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his twin baby boys David and Thomas, parents Wallen and Barbara, brother Gene (Carol) and his first wife Joan.
Funeral services to be held Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary (3401 S. Highland Dr. Millcreek, UT). Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 am followed by the service in the Wasatch Lawn Chapel at 11:00am.
