Born March 17, 1916 in Porterville, UT to Thomas and Elizabeth Phillips. He claimed to be "the only Irishman in the family". He peacefully passed away on May 18, 2011 at home surrounded by his family. He was 95. He enlisted in the US Army and served in Fort Lewis, Washington. Dennis married Bernice Marie Bolton April 19, 1941. Later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. They moved to California where he worked at North American Aviation building aircraft for World WarII. During the war, he was an Air Raid Warden in their district. After the war, they returned to SLC and Dennis found work with Fruehauf Trailer Co. where he was known as "Slim". His reputation for honesty and integrity led many customers to request "Slim". He retired as shop foreman after 35 years. Dennis loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, camping and hiking. He taught his family to love, care for, enjoy and appreciate nature. He enjoyed working in his workshop and had a great talent making projects from wood. He loved his family the most and relished the time spent with them. Dennis instilled a great work ethic in his posterity. He gave many hours of service to many people. He is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in many callings, including a temple ordinance worker at the Jordan River Temple. He was the last surviving sibling in his family. Preceded in death by his wife Bernice, daughters, Patricia Craven and Cheryl Phillips and grandson, Stephen Pidcock. Survived by sons, Brent (Debbie) Phillips, Roger (Sue) Phillips, Neil (Lori) Phillips, Kirk (Julie) Phillips, and daughter Denice (Jeff) Walker, along with 22 grandchildren and 25 greatgrandchildren, family and friends. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Taylorsville Park Ward on 1550 Lovely Road, Taylorsville. Viewings will be held Friday, May 20, from 6-8:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 E. 10600 S. Sandy and from 10:00-10:45 on Saturday prior to services at the church. Interment will follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery.
Published in the Deseret News on May 20, 2011.