Dennis Milton Brighton Ward's Obituary
Dennis Ward
Sandy, Utah
Our sweet, loving, funny husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend Dennis Milton Brighton Ward passed into eternity on February 9, 2021, in the presence of his family at his home in Sandy, Utah, after a courageous battle with prostate cancer.
Dennis was born on September 6, 1945, in Preston, Idaho but soon moved to Boise. He attended Boise High School where he was a two-time state wrestling champion. After serving a two-year church mission in southern Brazil, he wrestled for Boise State University where, in 1968, he finished 7th in the national wrestling tournament. Dennis was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; he enjoyed many callings throughout his life and especially loved serving alongside his beautiful wife Judy.
He is survived by his wife Judy (Meriwether), children Jeremy (Darcy), Jason (Becky), Jon (Heather), Alisha, Detrick (Chelsie), Zachary Bird (Nia), Ashley Lamond (Eric), 21 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and 15 siblings: Bill (Caryl), Christie Tanner (Parkes), Kim (Kathy), Juliet Komp (Gregg), Jeff, Kelly (Jona), Kit (deceased), Meggan (Kip), Marilyn Mecham (Ron), Marsha Jones (Gary), Maxine Barnett (Scott), Stan Brighton (Kay), Steve Brighton (deceased) (Becky), Rulon Brighton (Trina), and Joel Brighton (Julie).
In 1968 he married Christine Beal, of Arco, Idaho. They had three sons: Jeremy, Jason, and Jon. Dennis also served in the Marine Corps Reserve.
He later moved to the Salt Lake Valley where he married Demetria Meredith of Roanoke, Virginia, in 1981. A daughter, Alisha, and a son, Detrick, were born to them.
Dennis was a lifelong entrepreneur who loved trying his hand at many different business opportunities. As a youngster he sold everything from sacks of manure harvested from the family farm, to nightcrawlers sold to the local anglers, and gopher tails. While other high schoolers were reading comic books, he was reading books on sales. As an adult he was dedicated to the closet organizing industry where he thrived for 36 years: his own company, Closet Organizers for 27 years, and 9 years designing for Classy Closets. Each of his children worked for his company, teaching them valuable lessons in work ethic and business, while allowing for a meaningful opportunity to work together.
In 2006, Dennis married his love Judy Meriwether of Sandy, Utah, who completed him. They enjoyed each day together but found their greatest pleasure in being grandparents and serving others. Judy loved everything about Dennis with all his quirks and silliness, and his unique family. They had a wonderful marriage and many beautiful memories together. Thank you Judy for loving him.
Dennis was a people person. He touched many lives with his exuberant personality. He never met a stranger, just a friend he hadn’t spoken to yet. He brought a smile and a laugh to each person he encountered, freely sharing joy with everyone. He always had a joke ready, and never ended a conversation without a laugh.
Dennis was extremely talented. He loved to paint, was a natural at drawing cartoon caricatures, and even wrote poetry. He enjoyed going to Jazz games and went on many cruises. He loved to play the harmonica, enjoyed golfing, and also taking motivational classes and seeking new business ventures. He was continuously striving to become better even during his final weeks. He exemplified forgiveness and genuine kindness.
Dennis left a powerful legacy of faith in Jesus Christ demonstrated through his life of service and goodness to others. Those who knew Dennis sensed the powerful healing and transformation that the Savior had made in his life.
The family would like to thank Quality Hospice Care and Huntsman Cancer Center. A special thanks Becky, Becky 2, Alexis, and Ruth.
There will be a viewing on Friday, February 19th from 6 to 8pm at the church building located at 240 E. Greenwood Circle (7570 South), Midvale, UT. The funeral service will be held in the same location on Saturday, February 20th at 11am; however, physical attendance will be by invitation only, due to COVID restrictions. The funeral service can be streamed live online at that same time at http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/Events/midvaleutaheaststake.
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