Robert Joseph Denning

Robert J. Denning, affectionately known as Dad, Papa, and Babe to his beloved wife Holly Denning, placed an exclamation point at the end of his life when he passed away on February 7, 2025, at the age of 72. Bob was a passionate writer who enjoyed using words to craft engaging stories and clear instruction manuals and presentations. His dedication to the power of words was evident in his book-length texts. This passion was not surprising, given that he earned a degree in Communications from Drake University in Iowa. Later, he ran his own business, Pivot Institute, where he taught communication skills through storytelling.

His daughter, Meredith Parker (Donny), fondly recalls countless chairlift rides during long ski days, where she would give her dad a location on a map, and he would improvise a story filled with characters, experiences, and vividly described landscapes. One of the most memorable stories was about Ireland, his ancestral homeland, highlighting its stunning architecture, rolling green hills, and, of course, a good Irish pub—even though Bob didn't drink. This magical tale ultimately led to a surprise trip that Bob took with Meredith and his son Michael Denning (Renee). Bob had a particular fondness for surprises.

Born on June 21, 1952, in Denver to Hugh and Rose Mary Denning, Bob was the middle child, with an older brother, Dale Denning (Sandy), and a younger brother, Kevin Denning (Beth). He first married Debra Schubert, with whom he had two children, Meredith and Michael. Later, he married Holly Denning, gaining two additional stepchildren, Tonya Major (Jack C.) and Tony DeRisio (Jacquie). While Bob enjoyed his life’s story, his favorite chapter in life, without question, was that of being a Papa. The birth of his first grandchild, Madison, added new meaning to his narrative. As more grandchildren arrived—Jack C. Jr., Nicholas, Joellen, Rori, Noah, Luciano, and Matteo—nothing brought him greater joy than listening to their stories and being part of their chapter.

When he wasn't cheering on his children and grandchildren at swim meets, soccer games, piano lessons, or basketball games, Bob loved to travel with Holly to his favorite place on earth, the Grand Tetons. They cherished countless road trips, filled with deep conversations and storytelling, visiting Grand Teton National Park every summer they could to connect and revel in God’s beauty.

Bob’s funeral will be held on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 4pm at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, located at 4500 Wadsworth Blvd. in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. In his final chapter, Bob will be scattered to rest in the running waters of the Grand Tetons. In tribute to Bob's love of a good story, we invite donations to be made to Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp (http://www.rainbowtrail.org/), allowing his legacy to continue by helping create the life stories of others.