Obituary of Gary Lloyd Dennis

Gary L. Dennis, 62, of Twin Falls took the Hot Rod Highway to heaven to meet up with old friends and relatives early Saturday morning, January 26, 2013. Gary was born February 1, 1950 in Kalispell, Montana to Vernon and Evelyn Dennis. Shortly after Gary's birth, his mother, Evelyn, passed away and Gary went to live with his Aunt Celestia (Mom) and Uncle Burr Dennis. Gary attended school in Twin Falls, graduating in 1968 from the Twin Falls High School. He worked while attending school at the Stinker Station, Richfield service station and for Tolman trucking company in Twin Falls. He was drafted into the army in November 1969 and spent a year in Vietnam before leaving the service in October 1971. After leaving the army he worked for several years at the Blue Lakes Trout Farm as a mechanic. He then went to work for Twin Falls Truck and Equipment where he began to learn body work and painting. In 1991 he left Truck and Equipment to open his own shop. He began custom bodywork on trucks and cars with many of his creations winning numerous awards at car shows and rod runs through the years. He continued to live his dream until ill health forced him to retire in late 2012. Gary was an avid hot rodder from his teen years until his death. From the time his brother sold it to him when he was 13, his 1934 Ford pickup, "built Chevy tough" was driven to rod runs and get-togethers. Gary was a charter member of the Early Iron car club for many years until his pickup went in for repairs and didn't make it back on the road for several years. This is when his next big adventure started- raising his children and enjoying his grandchildren. Gary married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Carney, in September 1970 in Twin Falls. They were blessed with four great children. Shawn came along in 1975, Timothy in 1976, Tay in 1981, and Jennifer in 1982. Gary was a loving parent and a great teacher to his children, spending many years taking the boys to scouts and his girls to 4H and spending time in the shop patiently showing them how to weld, paint and work on cars. Gary had a way with animals. They instinctively trusted him and knew he was a friend. Gary was the friend who would go out of his way to help anybody in need, including complete strangers who would often become friends for life. Gary's sense of humor was always the first thing that people would come to know about him. His joking and sarcastic repartee would unexpectedly make new acquaintances into old friends instantly. Gary had a warm and loving heart and will be very missed by all who knew him. Gary is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Carolyn, sons Shawn of Nampa, Tim (Tina) of Twin Falls, Tay (Jared) Brackett of Rogerson, and Jennifer (Chase) Quesnell of Twin Falls, grandchildren, Justin and Kevin Dennis of Eugene, Oregon, Kyeshia and Aliah Homolka, Ashtyn Dennis, Alexis, Makayla, and Emily Boswell, Twin Falls. Gary is also survived by his brother, Truman (Dixie) of Twin Falls, sister, Wilda Lehmann, of Wendell, brother Wayne (Ann) of Buhl, sister Clara (George) Kimpton of Twin Falls, sister Nelma (Paul) Plante of Boise, brothers Monte Dennis, Tampa, Florida, Mitch Dennis, Montana, and Ray Dennis, Twin Falls, sister-in-law Pattie Dennis, Hollister, Idaho and many nieces, nephews, in-laws and close friends. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Evelyn, his "Mom" Celestia and Uncle Burr Dennis, and his brother Keith Dennis. A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, January 31, 2013 at Rosenau Funeral Home in Twin Falls. Arrangements are under the direction of Dustin Godfrey and the staff at Rosenau Funeral Home.