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Dennis “Denny” Jay Earhart, 77, passed away at his beautiful home in Ajijic, Mexico, surrounded by dear friends and the love of his life Shaun on Aug. 30, 2024. His passing was lovely and peaceful which, if you knew him, you know he was always kind and polite and he left this earth the same way.
He was born on Sept. 25, 1946, to Roland Earhart and Mignon “Minnie” Murphy in Powell, Wyoming. He was welcomed home by three older brothers Darrell, Neil and Larry. Denny grew up on the family farm and learned the value of hard work and loyalty at a young age. He participated in 4-H and was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He attended school in Powell and graduated from high school in 1964. He served as student body president. After high school, he attended Northwest Community College for two years and then attended the University of Wyoming where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1968. After graduation, Denny and two friends went biking in Europe for two months. This is when he discovered his love for traveling.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1971 and was drafted into the Vietnam War in 1969. He held high honors as a sergeant for the 1st Calvary Airmobile. While at war, he was bitten by an insect that caused a severe infection in his arm. The bite was treated at base camp but put him at risk of losing his arm, so he was evacuated and hospitalized for treatment. It’s been said that the bite saved his life. After returning home in 1971, he lived in a cabin on a river and worked for the Wyoming Employment Security Commission as an interviewer for two years.
Denny was incredibly intelligent and loved learning. During his lifetime, he worked 15 years in Washington, D.C., first as a legislative assistant and administrative assistant of Teno Roncalio’s congressional staff, then as a governmental affairs consultant/lobbyist on energy, natural resources and environmental issues. In 1985, he partnered with Ralph Becker to open Bear West. He worked with his Bear West colleagues on a variety of projects including public involvement aspects of public resources; land and resource planning; project planning and NEPA compliance projects. In 1988, he relocated to Salt Lake City and continued his partnership at Bear West until 1998. He loved to visit and share fun facts about history and geography. You always learned something interesting while talking with him. He was well-traveled and educated.
In 1992, he met his lifelong best friend and partner Shaun in Salt Lake City. They built a beautiful life together and enjoyed traveling any chance they got. Some of their favorite trips were annual trips to Maui and Leigh Lake in Teton National Park. Their love was kind and beautiful. Denny was welcomed into Shaun’s big family who loved and adored him. Together they had four fur babies Brittney, Brandy, Chai and Beau. He adored his fur babies and provided much tender care to them.
After retiring from Bear West in 1998, Denny and Shaun wanted to live out a dream of owning a market. Together they built a beautiful market in downtown Salt Lake City. Denny was a wonderful handyman and woodworker and added his special touches to “The Market.” In 2006, they moved to Las Vegas and Denny was able to work from home as an independent consultant.
On Feb. 24, 2017, Denny and Shaun were married in Las Vegas, Nevada. Denny and Shaun were inspired by each other and always valued each other’s company.
In 2019, Denny and Shaun wanted to cherish the time they had left together and go on an adventure, so they moved to Ajijic, Mexico. In Mexico, Denny made friends at every turn, and everyone always called him the most polite and sincere soul. His favorite saying was, “Everyone deserves justice and to be treated with love and respect.” He lived by this motto and, therefore, made a huge impact on many lives.
Denny is survived by his husband Shaun Dalton of 31 years, his brothers Darrell and Neil (Bonnie) and sister-in-law Sharon (Larry’s wife), his mother and father-in-law Clark and Caroline Dalton, sisters-in-law Gina (Gary) Mayer, Nanette (Les) Davis, Kaylee (Tom) Acklin and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Larry and sister-in-law Freda (Darrell’s wife).
Denny would not want us to be sad, so we ask that you remember him for the amazing man he was, honor him with a toast, and celebrate the life he lived. Salud!
