Leland Dennis Ii

Leland Dennis II, age 73, died on June 26, 2014, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was born on September 26, 1940, to Leland Samuel Dennis and Montra Bryant Dennis in Galveston, Texas, where he spent his early years. He always kept the way of life that his parents and Galveston instilled in him to the end, and he was a Texan in every sense.
As a young man, Leland attended St. Stephens Episcopal School in Austin, Texas, later graduating from Mercersburg Academy in Pennsylvania in 1959. He came to love camping, hunting and all outdoor activities with his father and at Camp LaJunta, in Kerrville, Texas, where he spent his summers. Leland was a true outdoor sportsman, and his passion and respect for the outdoors has certainly been left with the many friends and acquaintances he touched over the years on his adventures.
He graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans in 1963 with a B.S. in Geology. He affiliated with Kappa Sigma fraternity, which led to life-long friendships and reunions. (Despite his best efforts, Leland somehow survived college.) He served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Transportation Corps in Germany from 1964 to 1966. He married Thayre Marie Bailey on January 22, 1966, in Crailsheim, Germany, where Thayre was a secondary school teacher for military dependents. During these years, Leland climbed on many of Europe's tallest peaks and grew to love the mountains and Europe. Leland graduated from The University of Texas Law School, Austin, Texas, in 1969, after which he and Thayre lived in Dallas, Texas from 1970 to 1980. He was with the law firm of Francis and Francis, and enjoyed Bent Tree Country Club and The Dallas Gun Club. Leland grew to love dirt bike riding and motorcycles during this time. In 1980, Leland, Thayre, and their three-year old son, Tyler, moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where they began a 35-year love of Utah and their association with The Cottonwood Club. Leland practiced law until 2002, but his real passion remained the outdoors. Leland enjoyed golfing with his friends at "The Club", Payson, and elsewhere. He loved skiing at Alta where he was a parent supervisor for The Cottonwood Club youth ski program for many years and gained life-long friendships with many at Alta. He had a passion for Utah's West Desert and spent many of his days exploring the Deep Creek Mountains and other remote spots. Lake Powell left wonderful memories for Leland, as did in later years riding through the west with his BMW motorcycle group. With adventures to South Africa and South America, he was always exploring somewhere.
He is survived by his spouse, Thayre, and son, Leland Tyler Dennis, of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Leland was a wonderful father – he was very proud of Tyler. He left a spirit for life unique and different with everyone he touched – especially his innately kind nature coupled with a constant sense of adventure – and a good time was always had by all. A Celebration of Life will be held on his behalf on Sunday, August 10, from 5:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at The Cottonwood Club, 1780 Lakewood Drive in Holladay. In his memory, for those that knew him just keep a little of his spirit with you in your own adventures.