Dennis Ray McGowan

Dennis Ray “Magoo” McGowan

Our fun-loving husband, father, brother, and uncle, Dennis Ray “Magoo” McGowan, passed away on December 27, 2025, at the Aviva at Fitzsimons recovery facility following a battle with pneumonia and several persistent health issues. While we will miss him deeply, we are grateful for the release from the pain he had endured.

Dennis was born on September 3, 1943, and grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, with his younger brother, Chic. They were the sons of Elizabeth and Udell Parker. Dennis, nicknamed “Magoo,” attended Granger High School and enjoyed wrestling, being the manager of the football team, and pulling a lot of pranks.

Following high school, Dennis entered the Navy Reserve, serving two years of active duty during the Vietnam War. Throughout his 10-year career, he rose to the rank of petty officer second class and was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a Navy Unit Commendation. He held a deep, lifelong pride in his service and his country.

After his military service, Dennis built a long career in automotive management, beginning at Lincoln Johnson Ford in Salt Lake City. After moving to Colorado, he was the parts manager for both Honda and Ford dealerships until his retirement.

Dennis was loved by his brother, Chic, and always enjoyed traveling to Utah to visit with his family. His nieces and nephews appreciated his sense of humor and his generous nature.

Dennis fittingly met Lorraine Ross on a golf course in Copper Mountain, Colorado. They married in Las Vegas on March 9, 1996. Blessed with a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor, Dennis ensured their many years together were defined by laughter and a lot of golf.

Dennis enjoyed camping, fishing, golfing, snowmobiling, and watching his Denver Broncos play football. He was always happiest when both he and the Broncos had a good game. He also loved dogs, and we are sure he is in heaven right now playing with his beloved golden retrievers, Jessica and Samantha.

The family is especially grateful to Scott Crosley and Bud Goldberg for their friendship to Dennis and for all of their help. Dennis loved you both!

Dennis was preceded in death by his daughter, Holly McGowan; his parents, Elizabeth and Udell Parker; his brother-in-law, George Weinrich; and his parents-in-law, George and Florence Weinrich. He is survived by his wife, Lorraine Ross McGowan; daughters, Deborah (Pete) Walter and Stacy Ross; his brother, William John “Chic” (Alice) McGowan; his sister-in-law, Pat Eller; four nieces and nephews; and five grandchildren.

The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the people at the Denver Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center for their care of Dennis throughout the years, as well as those at the Aviva at Fitzsimons recovery facility for their recent care.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on January 13, 2026, with a viewing an hour prior (beginning at 10:00 A.M.) at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home, 9998 Grant Street, Thornton, CO 80229. Committal services at Fort Logan will be held at 2:00 P.M. following the funeral services. A celebration of life will follow at The Ranch Country Club from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Humane Colorado or the American Heart Association.