Obituary: Dennis A. Peacock

Dennis A. Peacock "Together Forever" Dennis A. Peacock, age 51, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2005, after a valiant 14-month battle with Pancreatic Cancer. We are comforted by the knowledge that he is in the presence of our Savior and has been reunited with his brother, Michael, who preceded him in death by only a few months. Shortly before his passing, Dennis was blessed to be able to help complete his brother's temple work. This sacred opportunity brought him much joy and comfort. The family thanks all who made it possible, particularly our dear friend and Bishop, Wain Mecham. Dennis was born on April 26, 1953 in Price, Utah to Vernon Ralph Peacock and Norma Rae Asay. He was raised in the White City/Sandy area and graduated from Hillcrest High School, where he excelled in baseball. He also attended Salt Lake Community College. He married Patricia Rae Holdaway (Peterson) in September of 1972. They were later divorced, but remained united in devotion to their three beautiful children, Brooke, Mindy and Denny. Dennis married his soul mate and sweetheart, Cheryl Ann Jensen, on March 30, 1990 and became a "Dad" to her young children, Corey, Nikki, Chris and Cara. Dennis and Cheryl were sealed for eternity on January 11, 1997 in the Bountiful LDS Temple. They worked hard at creating a loving, blended family and were blessed abundantly in doing so. Dennis was a member of the Kearns 34th Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where he currently served as First Counselor in the Bishopric. He had a strong testimony of the gospel and a deep love for his "Ward Family." Dennis was employed with Wasatch Property Management and loved his many wonderful associations there. He told everyone he had "the best boss and the best job in the world." We are extremely grateful for the generosity and support of his employers, Dell Loy Hansen, Jonathan Bullen, John Miller, Paul Willie, and Bob Saxton. A special thanks, also, to Anita Lockhart, the rest of the Wasatch Gang," and to the Mayor, City Council and Staff of Taylorsville City for their love and concern. Dennis adored his wife, Cheryl, and was an affectionate, attentive and thoughtful husband. They were the best of friends and will remain so for eternity. Dennis was a devoted father and so proud of his seven children. No sacrifice was too great for their well-being. He spent many happy hours with family and friends golfing, hunting, camping, and fly-fishing on the Provo River. Being a Grandpa was the highlight of his life and he found great joy in telling stories to his little granddaughters, Sarah and Allison. He looked forward to meeting his unborn grandchildren, too, and enjoyed being "Papa Dennis" to his "borrowed" granddaughter, Alysa. He loved playing with his nieces and nephews, who adored their Uncle Dennis. He had a special way with young people and established wonderful relationships with the neighborhood children and the youth in his LDS ward. He promises to watch over all of us from heaven... and Dennis always keeps his promises! Dennis had a passion for sports and loved coaching his children and attending basketball, baseball, and football games with his family. He was an avid Utah Jazz and University of Utah fan. He always opened his home to his children's friends and was a "Second Dad" to Ethan, Tyler, Jeremy, Aleena, Brett, Ryan, Matt, Malarie, and many others. He had a great love for the outdoors and took pride in keeping an immaculate yard. Dennis was a gifted artist and shared many paintings and works of art with his family and friends. He will be remembered for his affectionate nature, tender heart, sense of humor and ability to live life to the fullest. His favorite saying was "Life is Good." His Christ-like example of generosity and service is a legacy that we will forever treasure. The family extends deep gratitude for the tender care rendered by those at Utah Cancer Specialists and through Odyssey Health Care, most especially Lori Luke and Russ Labrum for their compassionate hospice services. Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl Ann Jensen Peacock; his adoring children, Brooke Lynn (Ethan) Wehrli, Mindy Rae (Tyler) Kelsey, Dennis (Denny) Vernon Peacock, Corey Bruce Preece, Nikki Ann Preece, Christopher Jordan Preece, and Cara Shellene Preece (Jeremy); his sweet grandchildren, Sarah Nicole Wehrli, and Allison Rae Wehrli; unborn grandson Dennis Gage Gregersen, loving parents, Vern and Norma Peacock; devoted sisters, Pamela (Don) Sheppard, and Connie (Kirk) Parker; his wonderful in-laws, Paul and Pat Jensen and family, and many dear aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and his beloved older brother, Michael Vernon Peacock. We will miss Dennis so much, but are grateful for the sure knowledge that we will be with him again someday. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2005, at the Kearns South Stake Center, 5905 South 4015 West, at 12:00 noon. Friends and family may visit at the church on Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. or Thursday at the church, from 10:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m., prior to the services. Interment will be at the Larkin Sunset Gardens. www.larkinmortuary.com You'll always be our hero, Dennis!