Dennis Reed Draper

Dennis Reed Draper (78) passed away in Taylorsville, UT, on May 10, 2024, from natural causes. Born April 3, 1946 in Mount Pleasant, UT, to Reed Heber Draper and Maxine Olsen, the oldest of five children. Dennis enjoyed a childhood filled with all his favorite outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, and camping, both in Magna and with extended family down in Sanpete County. He attended Brockbank Jr. and Cyprus High School, where he met his future wife, Halene Pullum. They married in West Valley in 1967, becoming the parents of five devoted daughters: Denise (Shayne) Aguilar; Dayna (Wade) Meier; Sara (Chris) Harding; Katie (Christian) Egan; and Shayla (Trevor) Stone. Although they later divorced, Dennis and Halene remained friends and unitedly supported their children and grandchildren at all events and functions, including a family dinner just days before he passed.

Following high school, Dennis served in the U.S. Army Reserve before beginning a 34-year career with Mountain Fuel/Questar, as a technician and later a supervisor. After retiring, he kept himself busy for 10 more years delivering home medical devices for Intermountain Healthcare. With both companies he was noted for his loyalty, work ethic, and friendship.

As a father, Dennis taught and coached his five daughters and their friends in softball for years. Although far more time was devoted to hours of dance concerts as each daughter danced from ages 3-18. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren have continued this tradition and he has attended faithfully. His daughters were his greatest joy, pride, and meaning in life. Each holds fond memories of growing up with sports, fishing, and camping, and the life lessons he so carefully taught them that would help them become the successful, happy individuals and mothers they are today. He would do anything for them, most notably just being there over and over again for more than 50 years, whatever the event or occasion. Despite the effects of Alzheimer’s, he knew them each personally and clearly to his last days.

Dennis is known as a great neighbor and sincere friend to so many. He was the very definition of an introvert, avoiding crowds and busy social scenes, but making many fast friends from one-on-one interactions and continually demonstrating his loyalty to neighbors and friends. He would willingly give to and serve in almost any way those he loved—traits that showed up even in the memory care facility where he spent his final months. He demonstrated this quality within his own family as well, supporting his mother in caring for his father with Alzheimer’s for a decade, then devoting countless hours to his mother in her own aging and dementia for many years after his father passed.

He joked that he loved animals more than people (and it may have been true), always having one or more dogs and cats who were faithful companions. Every pet he ever owned was either rescued or found his way to him through others. He walked his dogs each day (a habit that kept him physically healthy all his life) and made numerous sacrifices for them, typically putting their needs above his own. He loved and fondly remembered each one and felt a profound loss as each passed.

With a wonderful sense of humor and quick wit, Dennis was a tease and loved to make others laugh. He was a master storyteller and delighted his family and friends with tales from his life, finding humor and joy in everyday experiences that were told over and over again. His laugh was hearty and infectious, making being in his company a true delight.

Physically healthy and active all his life, Dennis loved fishing from his earliest days, was an avid racquetball and tennis player, and golfed into his later years. Many of these activities he enjoyed with family members, including and especially his grandchildren.

Dennis led an intentionally simple life, never owning nor desiring a computer or smartphone or most anything else of any worldly interest or value. He was adamant about a couple simple life rules, like the Golden Rule. But just as important to him was the specific rule of never eating in front of someone else who wasn’t also eating. He would emphasize this throughout his life and to his last days, he was so sensitive to the feelings and comfort of others. Unless his daughters or guests had food also, he wouldn’t dream of taking a bite!

Over the past 22 years he has been blessed by the companionship of Leanna Tolman, whose hand he lovingly squeezed in his final hours. Dennis’s daughters want to thank Leanna for her years of devotion and love, including her tender time and care to the end.

He is survived by three of four siblings: Kathy (Bob) Thomas; Gary Draper; and JoAnn (Steve) Sandall; as well as all five daughters and spouses; 24 grandchildren (including 11 partners/spouses); and 10 great-grandchildren with two more on the way, whom we expect he is lovingly greeting.

Preceded in death by his parents, Reed & Maxine Draper, and sister Karen Draper.

Dennis’s family wants to thank the staff of Meadow Peak Assisted Living; Wendy Selmos and the hospice team for their good care of him in his final days; and Angelina Helm and the team at Valley View Funeral Home.

All services will be held at 4322 S. 5400 W., West Valley City, beginning with a viewing on Wednesday, May 15, 6:30-8:30pm. Another viewing will be held the following morning, Thursday, May 16, from 9-9:45am, followed by the funeral service at 10am. The interment will take place later that afternoon at the Moroni City Cemetery, Sanpete County, Utah.