Dennis Ray Goyn

Obituary

Dennis Ray Goyn

April 27, 1939 – September 25, 2025

Dennis Ray Goyn, 86-year-old Worland resident, passed away peacefully at Billings Clinic on September 25, 2025, with family right beside him.

Dennis was born on April 27, 1939, to Chester Ronal and Mildred G. (Clark) Goyn. He grew up on the family sheep ranch in Collbran, Colorado. He attended a small country school before attending Plateau Valley High School, where he graduated in 1957. If he wasn't in school or doing chores, he was out hunting mountain lions and bobcat with his trusty hound dog. Following graduation, he enrolled in Mesa College for one year, then transferred to Colorado State University where he received his degree in Wildlife Management. In the middle of his education, he married his high school sweetheart P. Darlene Durfee on December 27, 1959, in Collbran.

Fresh out of college, degree in hand, he went to work for the U.S. Department of the Interior in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1961 brought a change in location when the couple moved to Wyoming with their infant son, Lanny. They first lived in Casper and then Rock Springs, welcoming a second son, Ronal. 1963 brought them to their forever home in Worland, where their family became complete with the birth of Darrin.

Dennis was the supervisor of Predatory Animal Control. When he wasn't working, he could be found following his boys around with their various activities, including 4-H and sports. He taught them the art of being a good shot and took them camping often. Being outdoors was Dennis' second home. He loved hunting, fishing, camping and spending time with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He always had a dog by his side and in his later life began journaling about each of his beloved pets with remembered stories of each of them.

He was always willing to help out, wherever needed, but he did not like being on the receiving end of that help. His wife often told him that it was important to let others feel that same warm feeling he got when he was assisting others. Talking one-on-one with another, Dennis was comfortable and engaging, but if there were too many people, he was happy to fade into the background and just listen.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his beloved wife, Darlene, sons: Lanny (Maryann) Goyn of Ft. Collins, Colorado, Ronal Goyn of Worland, Darrin (Barbara) Goyn of Sheridan, Wyoming; sister, Sue Winn of Boise, Idaho; grandchildren: Jack Goyn, Mike (Mandy) Goyn of Ft. Collins, Brooke (Jeremy) Packett of Battle Mountain, Washington, Brady (Katherine) Goyn of Billings, Montana, and Abby (Nathan) Clark of Casper, Wyoming; Step-grandchildren: Katrina Romine of Las Vegas, Nevada, Jami (Kevin) Kessner of Sheridan and Shay (Clayton Barrows) Romine of Golden, Colorado; great-grandchildren: Indy, Eleanore, Julian, Landon, Addison, Ruby, Geneva, Lorelai, Alvin, Lewis, Evelyn : Lexi, Ella, Lilly, Conrad, and Norman.

Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.