Dennis Lowell MacKay

Dennis Lowell MacKay, 71, of West Jordan, Utah

Our Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather left his earthly home on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Dennis was born on April 22, 1954, to Lowell Stewart and Gaynell Call MacKay, the oldest of nine children. He grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he cherished time with his grandparents and loved playing with his many cousins.

At age 16, Dennis moved to Salt Lake City to live with his uncle, Keith, and aunt, Ardith. He graduated from South High School and worked at State Stone before answering the call to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was a devoted and hard working missionary; he often said that his mission changed his life, teaching him discipline, faith, and how to become a better man and disciple of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Not long after returning home, Dennis agreed to a blind date arranged by his aunt and cousin-a decision that would shape the rest of his life. He met Jolene Ellis, the love of his life. They were sealed for time and all eternity on March 3, 1977, in the Salt Lake temple. Together, they built a beautiful life, centered on faith, love, and family. They welcomed seven wonderful children into their home and were later blessed with twenty-one grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Dennis loved his family deeply. He was grateful for the example of service shown by his parents and grandparents, and he carried that legacy forward throughout his life. He was an extraordinary father-steadfast, patient, and devoted. His love was especially evident as he tenderly cared for his son, Chase, for nearly 25 years. He was deeply proud of his six sons and one daughter and the remarkable adults they became. He also had great love and respect for each of the wonderful son and daughters who joined the family through marriage. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, playing card games, dancing with the littles, and taking an active interest in their hobbies and activities. Dennis was happiest when everyone was together-gathered for Sunday dinners, camping trips, vacations, and especially Jeep adventures. Dennis loved the sport of rock crawling in his Jeep, mostly because his family was with him. His family was truly his happy place.

For 50 years, Dennis worked in a variety of trades, including homebuilding, concrete work, countertops, and stone. He could fix just about anything, especially everything his kids broke. He was always a hard worker and a great provider. Dennis made many lifelong friends throughout his career, and he cherished those relationships.

After retiring from Delta Stone, Dennis became a master gardener-trained, as he liked to say, through the "College of YouTube." He poured his heart into growing hundreds of vegetables for the family garden and cultivating flowers for the beds around the home. He grew so much that he supplied many of his children's gardens and even several friends' gardens. Tending and maintaining his gardens became a full time labor of love, and he found deep joy in nurturing life from the soil.

He served faithfully in his church callings and truly loved those with whom he served. During the last 18 months of his life, he and Jolene lovingly served together as temple workers in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple, cherishing that sacred time with one another. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to family, neighbors, friends, or anyone in need. His quiet strength, steady work ethic, unwavering integrity, and generous heart blessed countless lives.

Dennis will be remembered for his integrity, devotion to his family, his love of the outdoors, and his lifelong commitment to serving others through Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Jolene Ellis MacKay; Kyle (Jennifer) MacKay, Kirk MacKay, Chad (Brenda) MacKay, Chris (Candis) MacKay, Shaun (Brooklynn) MacKay, Cherie (Bryson) Llewellyn, 21 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his son, Chase MacKay, and granddaughters, Nevaeh and Rebel MacKay.

Family Viewing Saturday, March 7, 2026, 9 am-10 am at Premier Funeral Home, 67 E 8000 S, Midvale, UT 84047, followed by Internment at Riverton Cemetery, 1500 W 13200 S, Riverton, UT 84064.

Memorial Service to celebrate his life, March 7, 2026, 2 pm Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel, 9386 S 4000 W, West Jordan, UT 84088.

The stories and memories shared about Dennis mean more than words can express. If you are willing, we invite you to use the QR code or link below to share a memory and help us continue celebrating his life.

https://amemoryintime.com/c/dennis-mackay