Dennis Clapham (Denny)
1939-2020
Our hearts are broken as we mourn the loss of Dennis Clapham, who passed away early May 6th, doing what he loved, biking in Millcreek Canyon. At 80 years old, he went after life head on, never waiting for it to come to him.
Dennis was born in Salt Lake City. He spent his youth roaming the fields and swimming the ponds and creeks of Holladay.
He married his teenage sweetheart and love of his life, Irene. Over 62 years together, they built a beautiful home and family, where everyone was welcomed and loved. They never missed an opportunity to attend the activities and milestones of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were always cheering at every sports game, play, dance recital, and graduation.
Dennis was passionate about the outdoors, whether fishing and hunting along the Wasatch Range, hiking in the Wind Rivers with the youth, or weeks spent at the beach with Irene. At over 50 yrs old, he and his climbing buddy, Steve, hiked the highest peak in all 50 states, in addition to Mt. Kilimanjaro. He completed the Marine Corp Marathon with daughter and grandkids. He competed in multiple Senior Games (cycling), and never passed up a ski date with his children and grandchildren. Spending time in the outdoors with loved ones brought him his greatest joy.
Dennis was founder and President of Ram Construction, which he started with his brothers 41 years ago. They created a successful business based on his core values of hard work, honesty, and integrity. Dennis passionately continued to work every day up until his accident. Retirement was not for him.
Dennis had a deep love for our country and was proud to be an American. He treasured his membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and held many callings in The Canyon Rim 1st Ward and Stake. His testimony never wavered, and he faithfully served in countless capacities until the day he passed.
Dennis is survived by his wife Irene, children, Teri (Darryl), Jeff (Terri), and Kris. Grandchildren, Tyson, Jessica, Nick, Max, Summer and Macall. Great Grandchildren, Matt, Katie, Hayley, Kason, Jayde, Colton, Ryker, Rhett, and Roman.
A memorial service will be held graveside Monday, May 11, at 11:00am, Wasatch Lawn Cemetery/Millcreek. In light of Covid-19, face protection and social distancing is required. To watch Dennis's service live, visit Facebook.com/wasatchlawnmemorial. To leave fond memories/condolences and view a tribute to Dennis, visit www.wasatchlawn.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from May 9 to May 10, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Clapham

Sponsored by Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary.

8 Entries

May 15, 2020

Dear Clapham Family!

We Express our Sincere Condolences to you and your Family for the Great Loss of Denny. Many Fond Memories of your Family over years are still with us all.

We are Forever touch by your Kindness, Friendship and Love over the span of many years. Your Family has Greatly touched hundreds of people with your Genuine Christ Like Example to all who have had the pleasure to cross your paths with you.

With Heart Felt Condolences we Express our Love and Prayers to be with you during this Difficult Time. May God Bless You All!

Danielle Haslam , Bonnie Haslam R. Kim Haslam
Mark S. Haslam

Denny Beverly and Stan Clapham Christmas 2019

Linda Fullmer

May 11, 2020

Denny... you will be missed by so many. For all your friends and family I cry for each and every one. From hot rods in your younger days to establishing a first class company...Ram Construction with your brothers Stan and Steve. learning the building trade from your father who was a carpenter who could build anything... "No I cant do that" was not in your vocabulary. I could always call you or Stan with questions on who to use for this or that job. Afraid of nothing, jumping down a hole and crimping off a leaking gas line on our State Street job. You turned your nose at salad preferring a good hamburger. I will miss you coming by the office just for a visit. Good night my friend & uncle.... Fly with Heavenly Father and his Angels.

Christmas 2019 Denny Mom and Stan

Linda Fullmer

May 11, 2020

Jimmy Cannon

May 11, 2020

My prayers go to the family. I am an od friend from the Kenwood St days. Many fond memories of our days in the neighborhood. Also days when I would ride my bie to hishouse afterhemoved and catching frogs in Cottonwood Mall site.

Jennifer Pollock

Planted Trees

May 10, 2020

Dear Clapham Family,

My heart aches for you and I know words of sympathy can only scratch the surface at easing your pain. Although I've been in California for over 30 years, the memories I have of Dennis as a kind, generous and cool youth leader are still vivid to this day. I'm grateful to have seen him in recent years when he attended memorial services for our mom and dad.

I thoroughly enjoyed the video you published, admiring all he accomplished incredible family, climbs and numerous other hobbies. He truly lived a full life that I'm sure you're all proud of.

Over the past few years, I've been working on converting old 8mm film into digital and sharing them. One that stood out to me included Dennis as a youth leader of our Venture Scouts on a trip to Lake Powell. I've added it as a new page on my family pics website. https://ferrevideopics.weebly.com/canyon-rim.html I hope you've be able to catch of glimpse of what he was doing, and putting up with, as he took time away from his life at home to share with us kids

Sincerely,
Randy Ferre

Greg Wyner

May 10, 2020

I turned from a boy to a man under Denny's leadership. He never babied us and we revered him. It hurts to know he's gone. Till we meet again.

Greg Wyner

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results