Michael Thomas Dennehy

Michael (Mick) Dennehy, of Butte Montana, passed away at his home on November 26, 2021 in Thornton, Colorado from an unexpected heart attack after an extended illness. This stubborn Irishman with a twinkle in his eye and that leprechaun smile will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, and friend to those who loved and knew him. He was born on January 22, 1942 in Butte, Montana to Henry (Himey) and Marg Dennehy. He attended St. Mary’s grade school, and graduated from Boys’ Central High School. In January of 1964, he was inducted into the US Army. After completing boot camp in Fort Ord, CA, Mick was stationed with the HQ and HQ, 1st Brigade, 7th Infantry Division, US Army, in Camp Kaiser, Korea for 19 months. During this time, his company was located north of the DMZ and he held an S2 (security clearance). In 1965, the 7th Infantry Division received its distinctive unit insignia, which alluded to its history during the Korean War.

Mick started his career as a hard rock miner in Butte, Montana where he performed various jobs including supervisor. He also worked as a Sandhog on BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) and in 1971 was an instructor in Butte’s Miner Entry Training Program at the old Boys’ Central High School. Mick began with the Mining Enforcement Safety Administration in 1973 serving in various capacities including his final position as Assistant District Manager in the Rocky Mountain District. He held each position on MSHA’s (Mine Safety Health Administration) MNM (Metal/Nonmetal) rescue team including team trainer, member of the MNM National Rescue Planning Committee, judge and coordinator for the Bench Technician Team Competitions at regional and national contests, and aided in the Belle Isle Salt Mine disaster in 1979. His career culminated with the outstanding award where he was named to the 2013 Metal and Non-Metal Mine Rescue Hall of Fame.

Mick was a reserved and private man with a profound belief in the Catholic faith. He met his devoted wife, Linda, at the Elk’s Hall in Butte, Montana at a New Year’s Eve party in 1968. Little did they know that this random encounter would lead to a life where their love would grow and their faith would deepen for over 51 years. Their love story together created a beautiful family of eight children: Nicole, Heidi, Michael, Brian, Anthony, Sean, Chris and Shane. To be married for over 51 years and raise a family of eight is out of the ordinary today. We were extremely fortunate and blessed to witness a loving, spiritual marriage that faced trials and tribulations, and yet they came together and stayed together through it all.

Now our dad wasn’t always this reserved, stubborn, and private Irishman with a tough outer shell. He was an amazing and involved father who would do anything for his children. All of us could count on him to get us through the tough times and we knew that. We grew up Catholic and went to church every Sunday. When we say every Sunday, that even meant going to church when we were camping, in our camping clothes, no shower, smell and all. We looked like hillbillies, but our dad was bound and determined to instill the Catholic faith in each of us.

He traveled quite a bit while we were growing up and even though we didn’t see him daily, we knew and felt his presence from the out of town phone calls where he would talk to each of us kids, and the small thoughtful gifts that he would bring back to us upon his arrival home. If you can believe it, this man would lay down on the carpet and play steam roller with us. For those who don’t know what “steamroller” is, our dad would lay down on the carpet and roll back and forth while we jumped as he tried to steam roll us. Then there were the multiple fishing trips to Vega Dam and long hikes to the Monument to wear us kids out so mom could get a break from all the craziness. Dad would line us up and race us in his cowboy boots and, boy, do you want to talk about the fastest man in the West. And of course, the many wrestling matches and football, baseball, soccer, and rugby games of my brothers that he loved to attend for many years. We hope this gives a glimpse of who our dad was and how much he meant to each of us. He was a proud Irishman with a heart of gold who loved his wife and family. Our mom and dad chose each other, they traveled a journey together in this life and their journey will continue into the next life with God in Heaven. We love you. Thank you for all that you have done for all of us over the years and making us who we are today.

Mick was preceded in death by his son, Anthony Dennehy, parents, his brother, Con Dennehy and sister, Jewel (Dennehy) McElhenney (Ted). Also, father and mother-in-law, Bert and Jane Mehrens, brother-in-law, Bill Mehrens (Shirley) and Sister Jane Albert Mehrens. Mick is survived by his wife, Linda Dennehy (Mehrens) of Thornton, Colorado and his children - Nicole Boscia (Tony), Heidi Munger (Greg), Michael Dennehy, Brian Dennehy (Leslie), Sean Dennehy (Ashli), Chris Dennehy (Veronica) and Shane Dennehy and 13 grandchildren - Conor, Lexy, Madison, Chloe, Brynna, Caitlyn, Boden, Liam, Michael, Fiona, Waylon, Gunner and Seamus and 3 great grandchildren - Aiden, Mia, and Jameson.. Also surviving are brother-in-law, Ron Mehrens (Carolyn) as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Satish Garg and Dr. Richard Johnson for their extraordinary care and deep friendship during the past years.

The visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 from 4:30-7:00 pm with rosary at 6:00 pm, in the Olinger Funeral Home (10201 North Grant Street, Thornton, CO 80229). The funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 am on December 9, 2021 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary (11385 Grant Dr, Northglenn, CO 80233). Interment will follow with military funeral honors at Fort Logan National Cemetery (4400 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO 80236) with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth online at the link below or call 913.758.6507 in honor of Mick Dennehy.