Dennis Lamar Lazenby

Dennis Lamar Lazenby

September 18, 1937 – January 17, 2025

The world lost one of the greats when Dennis Lamar Lazenby, 87, of Francis, Utah, saddled up for his final ride on January 17, 2025. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. Born on September 18, 1937, to William Lamar and Izelma Lazenby, Dennis was raised on the family ranch in Tabiona, Utah, where he developed a strong work ethic and a deep love for the western way of life. From an early age, he helped his dad and brothers milk cows every morning and cared for the sheep and workhorses before most folks had their boots on.

At the age of 23, Dennis married his sweetheart, Carole Brown, on January 20, 1961. Together, they built a beautiful life full of love, laughter, and memories, farming and supporting each other through 64 years of marriage.

Dennis was a man who wore many hats and always made sure his family was supported. He worked at the Nevada Test Site during the atomic bomb era, spent years mining in Park City and other regional mines, and worked in the sawmill and construction industries, but his true passion was ranching and horse trading. In 1968, Dennis and Carole purchased the family farm in Francis, where they lovingly cared for the land ever since. He and Carole irrigated it with precision every summer, ensuring there was never a dry spot to be found. A natural at wheeling and dealing, Dennis never missed a horse sale and loved nothing more than finding a good horse. Even into his later years, he was still herding cattle on U.S. Forest Service land, riding his beloved roan mare.

Dennis loved life and never missed an opportunity to saddle up his horse for a ride or take a trip to the horse sale with his son, Tom. He was always busy, never idle, and embraced every moment. Whether it was riding in the mountains or working on the farm, Dennis found joy in doing what he loved.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Carole; his children, Lesa (Greg) Ballard, Stacy (Lamont) Lundgreen, and Tom (Teana) Lazenby; as well as 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable joy and pride. He is preceded in death by his youngest child (Baby Lazenby), his parents, William Lamar and Izelma Lazenby, and his siblings, Shirley Muir and Jay, Ray, and Jackie Lazenby.

Known for his firm handshake, kind smile, and warm heart, Dennis always made time for a visit over a cup of coffee (though not too strong). He was a man of integrity, humility, and grit, happiest with family gathered around the table, enjoying the simple pleasures of life. He truly loved life and lived it to the fullest.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 25, at 11:00 a.m. at the Oakley Red Barn (4300 North UT-32, Oakley, Utah 84055). Interment will follow at the Upper Francis Cemetery.