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Joseph Catten Obituary
Joseph Dennis Catten left us on September 1, 2014 at his home in Riverton, UT, after a short battle with ALS.
Dennis was born in Magna, Utah, on March 17, 1936. He was the fifth of nine children, but the first who asked "why" when given instructions. As a teenager, he and his friends did things while at Cyprus High School that are still laughed about around town. Dennis served in the United States Army, and then graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Accounting. He married Bonnie Barber, raised three children, then later married Marva Pittman and adopted three more.
Dennis was the nucleus of a family that stretched across states and oceans. He coached little league baseball, laughed the loudest in any situation, called his children and grandchildren every day, and helped people with any kind of problem- from taxes to relationships to roofing. He was the kind of guy who handed you his fishing pole as soon as he got a bite; although he made sure to specify that it was called "fishing" and not "catching." Not a stranger to trouble, spoiled plans, and tripped feet, he had the ability to summarize an entire philosophy on life with a smirk and a shrug. He was a master storyteller and an even better listener. He taught us that anything could be fixed with kind words, family, and duct tape.
Survived by wife Marva Pittman Catten, children Melisa and Neill Smith, Michael and Michele Catten, Corey and Michelle Catten, Steve and Steph Pittman, Lesia and Dan Patterson, grandchildren Tyler and Lindsey, Justin and Lara, Shannon and Mike, Landon, Nic, Alec, Jonathan, Mori, Josh, Sophie, Emilie, Haleigh, Spence, Nikki, Bella, Max, Parker, Jack and six great grandchildren.
Preceded in death by parents Joe and Mollie Catten, siblings Gene Catten and Joan Anderson, and daughter Amy Hofheins.
Celebration of a life well-lived Friday evening, 5:00 until dawn at 4906 South Fairview Drive, Holladay, Utah. Please join us to share a memory, a laugh, or a hug in honor of Dennis.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Catten
Jeff Davis
September 8, 2014
Hey Mike, Melisa and Corey,
You father was one of my favorite friend dads while I was in high school. To me, he was a great example of a man who loved and taught his children well. He was always supportive and funny and friendly and encouraging. Cheers to a good man.
Hugs
Charlie & Tena Larsen and boys
September 8, 2014
Haleigh and Jonathan,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Thank-you for sharing your sweet grandfather with the rest of us. He was so kind and loving. We love you guys.
Farhad Omana
September 5, 2014
Mike, Michele and family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of Dennis. From what Corbin has told me over the last few years he was a great guy and had such outlook on life. A wonderful role model. I know he had a very positive impact on Corbin and I'm very appreciative of that. I know along with you Corbin will keep those memories of Dennis close in his heart.
Eric Catten
September 5, 2014
He could have been my father, brother or my best friend, he was all three and loads more. Love you Dennis.
Thom Mori
September 5, 2014
On behalf of the Mori, I extend our heart-felt condolences. I have very fond memories of Dennis and the family. I grew up knowing Dennis and he was quite a special person. Please accept our feelings of loss and know Dennis will always be in our hearts and memories.
Brian and Jodi Hoskins
September 5, 2014
Lesia and Dan. Our prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time. Just know that your special memories and your father will live in your heart forever !! Brian and Jodi Hoskins
September 5, 2014
Mike, Missy, and Corey,
We send our love and prayers to you and your families. Your dad was a great man and a true friend to all. We are thankful for his friendship and the good memories.
May the Lord comfort and bless you,
Blaine and Judy Olsen
Thom and Wendy Pronk
September 4, 2014
Corey, Mike and Missy. My best memories of Dennis are the simple ways he always made me, and everyone, feel welcome. My heart goes out to you guys. All our love from Alabama.
September 3, 2014
Melisa,
I just heard!! MY condolences to you and your family. If there is anything I can do let me know.
Heidi Trieu
Maridawn Wadsworth
September 3, 2014
Missy, Michael and Corey, we are so sorry to hear of your fathers passing. He was such a kind man. It was a pleasure knowing him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorry.
Sending lots of love.
Gladys Wilson
Maridawn Wadsworth
Toni Robertson Erickson
September 3, 2014
I am so sorry Mike, Melissa and Corey!!! Your dad was such a great guy!! I know my little sister Molly loved him very much and he was an amazing father figure for him!!! Please know we send love and prayers for your family!! Love always, Toni Robertson Erickson
Ron Johnson
September 3, 2014
Dennis is one of the finest individuals I've known. It has been many years since I ran around with Melisa, Corey, and Mike, but I'll never forget his wit, humor, wisdom, and generosity. I always had the greatest respect for Dennis and truly enjoyed his company. Also, my mother, Angie Johnson, went to high school with Dennis and absolutely admired Dennis. Our thought and prayers are with Melisa, Corey, Mike, and the family.
Dan Talbot
September 3, 2014
Sorry for your loss. Dennis and I were good friends. We didn't get to see much of each other after I moved to Arizona. We did a lot of fishing at Fish Lake & water skiing at Haines Lake. I will always remember him and the good times we had together. God bless you and your families. Dan Talbot
Lori Back
September 3, 2014
Corey and Michelle, I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't have the pleasure of attending many functions that Dennis was a part of but I do know he was a big part of your lives. Please know there are prayers and comfort being sent your way. You both are strong and have support all around you. Love you, Lori
September 3, 2014
OMG, what a shock. Dennis was a wonderful man in all respects. Condolences to the family.
Loretta Catten Poe, Mesa, Az.
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