Danney Dale Cruz
August 21, 1958 - December 15, 2017
Danney Dale Cruz, 59, of Taylorsville, Utah, passed away Friday, December 15, 2017. He died peacefully in his home of Heart Disease.
Danney was born on August 21, 1958 to Daniel and Josie Cruz. He was called Dale among those closest to him. He had a younger sister, Julie Miller (Kelly), and two younger brothers, Randy Cruz (Christine) and Juan Francisco Cruz.
He graduated from Cottonwood High School in 1976. He married Jacque Larsen in 1977 and they later divorced. He cared very much for Jacque and to the day he died, he would do anything to help her. Together they had three daughters, Tiffany Spencer (Glen), Candice Alba (Matthew), and Amanda Hawthorne (Christopher). He never remarried.
He worked as a Database Administrator for Mountain Bell, US West, Prime Option, Bausch and Lomb, American Stores, Albertson's, Rx America, and Salt Lake County. He made many of his closest friends at work.
At 45 years old, Danney suffered a heart attack and had a quadruple bypass surgery. It never slowed him down, and he continued to live life to the fullest.
Danney was always there to lend a helping hand. He got some of his greatest enjoyment by being there for others. He was always helping his daughters with whatever they needed. From remodeling projects, car troubles, and help with moving, to assembling toys for his grandchildren, and financial assistance, if he was able to help, he was the first one to offer.
Danney loved music. He felt it deeply in his soul. His life was the greatest soundtrack. All of his fondest memories were associated to a song. He loved all music from the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Tom Petty to Pearl Jam, and Green Day. He knew every word to every song and loved going to concerts. Some of our greatest memories with our dad are going to see live music with him.
Danney loved to tinker. He could fix anything and had every tool to complete any project. You could call him and sure enough he had the exact thing you needed. If for some reason he didn't, he was on his way to get it.
Danney was an avid gun enthusiast. He loved shooting trap. He enjoyed shooting in the Round Robin and Turkey shoot every year. He spent a lot of time at the Holiday Gun Club, Lee Kay, and Magna Gun Club with family and friends.
Danney loved to ride his Harley Motorcycle. He loved the sun on his face and the wind in his hair. You always knew when he arrived by the roar of his motorcycle. He went on many rides and one of his favorite trips was to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Later on in life, Danney became an avid golfer. He golfed in many men's groups and enjoyed every chance he had to go golfing. One of his goals was to be able to golf at least one day of every month for a year. This year he was finally able to do that. So much fun was had on the course laughing and joking with friends and family.
Throughout the years, Danney struggled with alcoholism. For the past five years, he has been living a clean and healthy life. It was one of his greatest accomplishments. We are so proud of him for making that change.
Danney's greatest joy in life was his grandchildren. He loved every second he got to spend with them. He was their beloved "Pa Cruz". He had one grandson, Jackson Spencer, and five granddaughters, Portia Spencer, Ava Alba, Lilly Hawthorne, Madelyn Alba, and Violet Hawthorne. He went on vacations to Disneyland, went to Bees and Dodgers baseball games, to see the Airshows, and many road trips with them. He was so proud of all of their accomplishments, and he supported them in all of their activities. They were the light of his life. He was very sentimental and he kept all of the drawings and cards they made for him. Violet died as an infant and now that he has passed on, he is just relishing in the chance to get to know her and be her grandpa.
Danney was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Cruz, and his granddaughter, Violet Hawthorne.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, December 23, 2017 from 12:00 – 2:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking on the north side of the building.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in his name to Primary Children's Hospital.
We thank you for all of your love and support.
In Loving Memory
I'm so sad to know you are gone from us Danny. You were always such a great guy to be around and you were such a hard worker!! R.I.P. my friend!!
Dave Pettingill
Draper, Ut
Danny will be missed by all of us that knew him!
Wilkes Walker
Layton, uT
Sincere condolences to Danney's family. He was always such an uplifting and enjoyable person. He will be missed.
Dick Willardson
Salt Lake City, UT
Josie & family: So sorry to hear of your son's passing. I pray that God will grant you the serenity and peace that you need to get through this. Stay strong and know that you are remembered in my thoughts and prayers.
Peggy Mena
West Valley City, UT
There are some people that God put on this Earth that you know will change how you see the world. Danny was one of those people. From his organized golf bag to his color coordinated outfits Danny was a class act. If I had to choose someone to spend the day on the golf course or ski slope I would choose Danny. He would find your ball and dare that black diamond with you. I still have one of the text messages Danny sent to me. I never erased it even though it was sent months ago. Danny just had a way with words that made you treasure them. If we all took time to be a little more like Danny The world would be a better place. What a privilege it was to have him for a friend. May God bless his beautiful family and give them comfort.
Amy Boynton
Kansas City, mO
I shot trap with Danney for many years at the Holladay Gun Club. I enjoyed his friendship during those years. Always a very personable guy. Condolences to his family.
john kiser
Holladay, UT
I worked with Danney at Ma Bell, he was a crazy guy to work with. So full of energy! Although he left the company sometime in the 90's, our paths would cross over the years. It was always a joy to catch up with him. He loved his ?girls' so much & spoke fondly of them. To his family, I'm sorry. I know these words are inadequate, but I am truly sorry for what you're experiencing right now. I hope you find comfort in your memories of him. He will always be in my heart. Good Bye Danney, Rest In Peace, my friend ❤️
Sharon Peake
Holladay, Ut
Danney was a hell of a nice guy. Mother's day he would pass flowers around to ladies at the county. Danney was in some of my gym classes and he work hard pushing the limits. He was a class act with humor and help to others. I will miss his gentle manners and smiling face.
Stephanie Woody
SLC, UT
So, so sorry and sad to hear of Danny's passing. Loved hanging out, laughing and listening to music with him.
Shari Johnson
North Bend, Wa
Dear Cruz Family, I am deeply saddened to hear of Danney's passing. He has been a member of our Tuesday Night Golf League for many years. Danney could light up any group with his unique personality and friendship. He was especially kind and attentive to my handicapped son, Bryce. He will be greatly missed by our group. May the blessings of peace and comfort be yours at this difficult time. Sincerely, Jim McKean
Jim McKean
Cottonwood Heights, UT
I am saddened to hear of Danney's death. I met him in 1982 when we bought homes in the same neighborhood. We became good friends and he was there if you needed him. For each of my children he bought us diapers and formula and we were so thankful. He was always one of the 1st to get his tax returns đone. We had many great times together while i did his return. I send my love and thoughts to his family and may he Rest In Peace
Rick R Florez
Taylorsville, Ut
Dear Cruz family, I am so sorry to hear of Danney's passing. I will always cherish memories of his friendly, enthusiastic charm. We worked together at Salt Lake County and there were several occasions where a a single daisy would be placed on my desk (& others) as a symbol of friendship. It's amazing how his small acts of kindness brought such a big warmth in my heart. He will truly be missed.
Dani Weigand
SLC, UT
I am so sorry for your loss, and ours too. We played golf together in our Tuesday night Telco league. I always had fun with Danney. I would tease him about his tongue stud and he always had a good comeback. He has always reminded me of my oldest son. I will miss him. Steve Meyer
Steve Meyer
Murray, Ut
Danney was the biggest fan of my yoga classes. He didn't miss many of them. I remember one class he had taken the day off work but came back in to the county offices just to take my yoga class. He said the yoga helped with his golf game. I really appreciated his support as I was learning to teach yoga. I am going to miss his enthusiasm and his monochromatic workout clothes! He was such a helpful guy, always doing something to brighten someones day. Danney was a great guy that will be missed by me and his fellow workout buddies at the fitness center.
Lizel Allen
SLC, UT
I just found out about Danney's passing and my heart is so sad. I met Danney at Salt Lake County where we both worked; I would run into him in the hallway on his way to the gym and he always had a smile and a wave for me. Sometimes we were in the same yoga class laughing about what the instructor would challenge us to do. We shared not only the same employer (the County) but also sobriety! I was so happy to find a fellow recovering alcoholic that worked here. Whenever we'd see each other it's like we had a special connection. Thank you for blessing my life with your smile and your presence Danney. I will miss you. Julie
Julie Peck-Dabling
Holladay, UT
I just learned of Danney's passing and am so sad. I was fortunate enough to call Danney a friend when we both worked at Qwest. Danney was so many things - tender, funny, sweet, sensitive, thoughtful and smart. I can picture him coming to my desk with flowers and a card, pregnancy news and yep - an occasional dirty joke. A time that comes to my mind most cleary is when he brought family pictures. The love and joy in his eyes brought tears to my eyes. He was so proud of you all. My life was made better because Danney Cruz was a part of it. May Mother Earth embrace Danney in her loving embrace.
Judy Rose
Salt Lake City, UT