Dennis Michael Reeves

Dennis passed away on November 18, 2025, of complications from colon cancer.  Born November 3, 1959, in Salt Lake City to Pat and Mary Reeves, Dennis was the oldest of the five Reeves children.  He graduated from Judge Memorial High School and received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona.  After many years in industrial sales, he spent a good part of the last few decades behind the bar at several local watering holes, most recently at the Eagles Club in Murray. 

Dennis’s life forever changed for the better with the birth of his beloved daughter Carin in 1999.  She was his pride and joy.  He was an involved dad, coaching her basketball teams when she was younger and cheering her on in her many athletic and creative endeavors since. Dennis was a talented artist, and he passed that gift along to her. 

His love for sports – both playing and watching – was a constant in his life. After playing football, hockey and golf in high school, he continued to be an avid golfer throughout his adult life, even with the constraints that resulted from his illnesses. Hyper-competitive, Dennis was quick to complain when the golf gods didn’t cooperate and never willing to concede a gimme.  He energetically rode the ups and downs of his beloved LA Rams, was an active supporter of the Utah Jazz as well as teams from the University of Utah and University of Arizona. He was excited about the return of pro hockey to Salt Lake City and he and Carin were lucky to enjoy a recent Mammoth’s game together.  

Dennis’ other passion was spending time in his garden. He started plants from seeds and delighted in sharing the bounty of vegetables he produced at harvest time. He surprised us all when he started planting flowers as well, and he was particularly proud of the many varieties of tulips and dahlias in the yard. While physical activity became increasingly difficult over the past several years, his garden remained a refuge until the end.   

With a wry sense of humor, his cryptic and matter-of-fact observations of the world would bring a smile (and often a groan) to his audience. Despite his gruff outside demeanor, he was fundamentally a very loyal and caring person. Being the only Reeves sibling who lived in Salt Lake, Dennis spent a lot of time with his mom in her later years and was a great source of comfort to her. He also loved and cared for his Aunt Kath dearly and was both a regular caller and visitor despite his own physical challenges.  Many friends have since told us about the quick notes or calls he made to them when they lost a family member or fellow friend, and how much that meant to them to know that he cared enough to reach out personally.   

Dennis is survived by his daughter Carin; his siblings Tom (Jules), Kathy Bracco (Mike), and Mary Jones; his Aunt Katherine Lords and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jim.

A celebration of life will be held in Salt Lake in the spring of 2026. Please check back for service details.

In lieu of flowers, please think of Dennis as you plant your own flowers or tend to your vegetable garden.