Douglas Alan Denney

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Douglas Alan Denney was born February 17, 1955, in Billings, Montana, the son of Lynn Alan and Maralyn Carroll (Moss) Denney.  He passed away on September 7, 2023, in North Platte, Nebraska, following a lengthy battle with cancer.  He was 68 years old.  

Doug’s early childhood was spent traveling through many states due to his Father’s job with an oil company.  In 1963, the family settled in Holyoke, Colorado, where they bought and his Mother managed the Dairy King Drive-In restaurant.  

The Denney children, five boys and two girls, attended the Holyoke schools, with Doug graduating with the class of 1973.  He next graduated from Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado.   

When Doug was in grade school, Scoutmaster Pete Knight introduced him to Boy Scouts and by working hard, he attained the rank of Eagle Scout.  While still in school, he worked for the Knight family in their home improvement business. Always one to be industrious, Doug began installing carpet while in college in Sterling.  His expertise assured him the opportunity to carpet many houses while still maintaining his college courses.  After returning home from college, he started his own business, Home Interior Specialists.  One can only imagine the number of houses in Holyoke that were made better by the improvements he completed through his outstanding attention to detail and craftsmanship. Many have received a gift made of wood that he meticulously crafted. His wood and iron projects were of exceptional quality.  

Doug was always willing to help others, whether physically assisting, offering advice or contributing in some other generous manner.  Helping for Doug, was an act lived out daily.  

Doug valued strong lifelong friendships. His sphere of friendships were of the widest variety.  He had fishing friends, hunting friends, farming friends, friends in the glass and sculpting communities and friends in the dog show community.  These friendships were a reflection of Doug’s caring nature, his intellect and ability to speak on a wide range of topics and interests.

One of Doug’s most cherished interests was 1967 Plymouth Barracudas.  He loved cars and continued to pursue this love throughout his life.  He also enjoyed driving his Dodge Ram pickup and each year traveled many miles in it.

Doug enjoyed hunting pheasants and big and small wild game.  An occasional coyote hunt was always welcomed.  He had a true passion for fishing.  This year marked the 30th year for his annual trip to Alaska to fish for sockeye salmon and halibut.  His wheat harvest crew always knew that on July 23rd he would be leaving for Alaska and if harvest was not completed, the crew knew to finish without him…always to be rewarded with fish upon his return.  

To prepare for harvest, many hours were spent in his Caterpillar Challenger tractor as he was fastidious about his farming operation.  He realized that the soil on his farm was a precious commodity and he cared for it as such.

Doug enjoyed collecting glassware and if a glassware show was nearby, chances are he would be attending.

A number of years ago, Doug acquired his first Bedlington Terrier dog.  His dogs were more than pets, they became a near obsession.  First there was Blu, then Romeo, then Paris (who came from Sweden), then Betty White who he affectionately called Baby Girl, then Sophia.  The last dog he acquired was named Spider Monkey.  He enjoyed showing his dogs in dog shows in many states and overseas and was excited when they won awards. They were his constant companions.

Doug appreciated all types of cuisine.  When traveling, he enjoyed trying unique foods from multiple cultures.  Sushi and Indian were among his favorites.  His love for food carried into cooking for friends and hunting groups.  His smoked meats, fried halibut and barbeque were a welcome treat. He also made outstanding jerky.

Doug is survived by his loved ones, Mandi Henderson, Weston Finch, Curtis Finch; his sister, Lana Mekelburg; his brothers, Greg Denney and Jeff Denney and many other relatives and friends.  He also leaves behind his beloved dogs, Sophia and Spider Monkey.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Lynn and Maralyn (Moss) Denney; his siblings, Terry Denney, David Denney and Deanna Buhr.

Some loved ones come and go but others remain in our hearts.  Doug is one who remains.

Memorials may be made to the Amherst, Colorado, Volunteer Fire Department.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.