It is with a mournful heart that we celebrate the life of Dennis (Denny) Gill Jr, born on September 25, 1971, in Ogden, UT, a boy who grew to a man who was the shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on earth concluded very unexpectedly on December 1, 2025, leaving a void in the hearts of his family, friends and many more whose lives were touched by him.
On May 27, 2006, he married the love of his life, Autym Smith, in Jackson Hole followed by a week-long honeymoon in Yellowstone National Park, a place they would return to several times over the years. Their love was the kind that grew deeper each of the 22 years they were together. They treasured the love of their son, Coda, and grew as a warm loving family.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Autym, his parents, Dennis Sr. and Cindy, his sister Krista, his children Coda, Cayden and Kyleigh, Camden Henderson whom he took in as his own and his niece Shadee (Brian) Potter whom he watched over like a daughter. He is also survived by his grandchildren Emryn, Haven and Hailo. He will be greatly missed by his in-laws Stuart and Nadine Smith and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Lance and Andrea Smith.
Dennis attended schools in the Ogden area graduating from Bonneville High School in 1989 and maintained lifelong friendships with many of his school mates. He then obtained his Master Journeyman Certification as an Electrician and later becoming a Lead Production Controller at HAFB where he befriended many co-workers and gained many friends. We express our deepest thanks to those friends and co-workers who were there for him providing aid and assistance at the end.
The word "polymath" is a term that is defined as "a person of wide-ranging knowledge or learning" and it describes Dennis perfectly. He always looked for new things to learn and over the years had taken on so many different interests. From designing and building a doorbell for his room when he was just 10 years old to his latest ventures of cultivating and growing Bonsai trees, lathing jewelry and other fine projects, etching, 3D printing, all types of woodworking including beautiful cabinets, intricate detailed frames with inlays using exotic hardwoods, just to name a few. Over the years he has shown his talents in learning and playing guitar, didgeridoo, piano, and other instruments along with building computers and fixing almost anything that broke (and if he couldn't fix it, he would research it and keep at it until he could). From mountain bike riding to geocaching, to home remodeling, it seemed there was no challenge too big and nothing that he couldn't take on and conquer.
Dennis discovered fishing and it quickly became one of his favorite pastimes. Starting with regular fishing, then finding that it didn't offer much of a challenge, he went on to study fly fishing and mastered that. When he needed a new challenge, he went on to master tying his own flies. Still trying to learn more, he went on to learn the ancient skill of Tenkara fly fishing which he also mastered in no time. He was amazing and extremely intelligent. Once he created a goal, he would successfully complete it and then just make another goal and get going.
Dennis was a rare soul and not often do people find themselves lucky enough to encounter someone like him. A man of many skills and talents. A man who loved his children dearly and always tried to be there for them no matter what. A man who embraced becoming a grandpa and became a monumental part of their lives. A man who was always thinking of others and who would be there to help them at the drop of a hat. A man who was faithful and loving to his wife making sure she had everything she needed and reminded her daily how much he loved her. A man who respected and cared for his parents both as a son and as a friend. A man who had a sense of humor that would come out of nowhere and leave you laughing for hours. A man who was quiet yet powerful, deep yet sensitive, caring and considerate but most of all, one of the best people you could ever know.
Dennis' memory will continue to be a source of admiration and inspiration to his family, friends, and all who knew him and the echo of his laughter will forever resonate in our hearts.
We invite you all to join us in celebrating Dennis' life on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 11:00 am MST at Myers Mortuary, 5865 S. 1900 W.,
Roy, Utah, 84067. Burial will be at Huntsville City Cemetery, E. 100 S, Huntsville UT following services.
In commemoration of Dennis, we encourage everyone to share their favorite memories and photos of him on his memorial page. Let's remember him always and continue to carry his spirit in our hearts.