Merlynn Densley

1943 - 2026

Merlynn Duane Densley

1943 - 2026

- Merlynn Duane Densley, age 82, was surrounded by his family on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, when he passed away peacefully of complications relating to neuroendocrine cancer.

Merlynn was born in Murray, Utah, on March 19, 1943. He was the older of two sons born to Aaron Duane Densley and Ida May Cooley Densley. He always held a strong work ethic and a determination to learn new skills. This became evident at a young age as he worked hard to fill his Boy Scout sash with merit badges and earn his Eagle Scout award. When his last badge required him to improve his swimming skills, he not only took a swim class to earn the certificate, he was also determined to take life-saving courses to certify as a lifeguard. This extra effort paid off as he met his first love, Nancy, at the Murray pool while lifeguarding – Nancy, the girl in the green swimsuit.

Merlynn grew up in Riverton and graduated from Bingham High School in 1961. Following graduation, he served a mission in Finland for 2 1/2 years and loved his time serving the people there. After returning home, Merlynn married his sweetheart, Nancy Sullivan on September 10, 1965, in the Salt Lake Temple. From there he began an adventurous 20 year Navy career as a naval officer that would take his family all over the U.S. and the world. Merlynn wrote, ""During the time I served in the Navy, I was blessed with both of our great children, Michael and Angie, and I was able to complete MS and PhD programs at the University of Cincinnati and get some invaluable job experience. We were able to provide church service everywhere we lived in many different capacities, and we made some wonderful friends who continue to bless our lives!""

After retiring from the Navy as a Commander, Merlynn worked as an environmental consultant for IHI Environmental. He provided the plans for asbestos removal for many structures in the Salt Lake Valley and throughout the United States. He had many happy memories from the friendships he made there.

Merlynn loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and had a strong testimony of our Savior. His Christlike attributes helped him whether he was serving as a bishop or a being a loving home teacher. He also enjoyed family history and understood the importance of family on both sides of the veil.

Merlynn led his family by example and loved and served each one of them. He was happy to spend time with them, helping with projects both in their homes and out in their yards while teaching about different plant varieties. Many other great memories came from time spent during holidays and vacationing together.

After losing his beloved Nancy to cancer in 2008, Merlynn was blessed to have another love, Laurie Erickson, enter his life. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on December 4, 2010, and spent fifteen tender and happy years together. They were able to spend their married life serving others and enjoyed many adventures.

During the ninth month of this new marriage, Merlynn was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer in his liver and pancreas. He spent countless hours studying the disease, and when there were no support groups in the Intermountain area, he and Laurie started the Utah NET Cancer Support Group. They loved the wonderful people in this group, and Merlynn became their advocate as he helped educate them through his own research and by inviting medical professionals to teach the newest findings.

Merlynn is survived by his loving wife, Laurie, his two children, Michael (Amy) Densley, Angie (Todd) Maresca, along with his brother, Ron (Annette) Densley. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Hailey, Brandon, Courtney, Alison, and Anthony, who love their Papa with all their hearts!

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy Lee Sullivan, and his parents Aaron and Ida Densley.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Lewis for his care, friendship and expertise. Merlynn admired you so much and was so grateful for all you did for him. We are also grateful for the staff at Intermountain Medical Center who showed such care and compassion towards Merlynn and his family as they attended to him during the last eleven days of his life.

Aloha Oe, Merlynn. Until we meet again. We love you.

If you choose to do so in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/neuroendocrinecancerfoundation.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Ridgecreek Ward, 5735 S. Fashion Blvd., Murray, Utah. Funeral services will take place the next day at the ward building on Monday, March 2, 2026 at 12:00 pm with a viewing prior from 11:00 am to 11:45 am. Interment will follow services at Murray City Cemetery.

Webcasting will take place on his memorial page at:

https://jenkins-soffe.com/obituaries/merlynn-densley