Denny Bearden Obituary (1950 - 2006)

“Gentle Giant” Denny passed away Monday, Feb. 13, 2006, from complications of a spider bite and auto immune hepatitis. Born Mar. 22, 1950, the 2nd of three children to Kenneth and Louise Bearden. Denny attended Judge Memorial High School where he played baseball, was an All-Stater in golf, varsity basketball and football. His excellence in football and golf launched his careers. He attended the U of U on a football scholarship. He then went on to play semi-pro football (Las Vegas Casinos) and pro football (Detroit Lions). While at the U of U, Denny met Sherrie McClaskey and they married in Idaho Falls Oct. 15, 1975. They stayed in Idaho and worked in the McClaskey family business for several years. In 1978 they returned to Utah where Denny embarked on his new career as a PGA golf professional. Together he and Sherrie managed courses in Soda Springs, ID, Roosevelt, UT, Wendover, NV, and Manti, UT. His passion for teaching impacted his students and instilled in them a love and respect for him and the game. Denny was currently teaching drivers education and coaching the SLCC golf team. The spider bite combined with his chronic hepatitis devastated his body, and the hope for a liver transplant became unrealistic. His untimely death came as a shock to his family and friends. He had a huge heart, a tender caring nature and a kind and gentle soul. He lived life well. We will miss him. Denny fought his battle with hepatitis for over twenty-five years with extraordinary care by Dr. Hal Cole. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at LDS Hospital (sixth floor ICU and eighth floor east) for their excellent care and compassion during this hospitalization. Survived by his wife, Sherrie; mother, Louise; two brothers, Kelly and Shannon; his two 4-legged furry kids, Ollie and Natty; Jack and Beulah McClaskey; sister-in-law, Marilyn (Mick) Bart, six nieces and nephews; eighteen great nieces and nephews; and one great-great niece and nephew. Preceded in death by father, Kenneth; and sister-in-law, Deanne McClaskey. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 18th at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 So. State St., Murray, at 11:00 a.m. Viewing Friday evening 6-8 p.m. and Saturday one hour before services. Interment at Oakley Cemetery following services. Because of his uninsurable status due to hepatitis and to help defray expenses incurred during his four-week hospitalization, the family requests (in lieu of flowers) contributions in Denny’s memory be made at the U of U Federal Credit Union, 7220 So. Highland Dr., SLC, UT 84121.