A bright light and true gentleman, Dale Eric Ensign, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 26, surrounded by his wife and children. He had fought a heroic 19-month battle against esophageal cancer. Eric was a man who was full of faith and fully trusted in his Heavenly Father’s plan for him. He once said, “My life has been so richly blessed and there are so many who have lived hard and difficult lives. If I can take this for one of them, I am happy to do it.” Eric Ensign was described as a man who was “blessed with an unusually kind and sensitive heart and a loving spirit of gentleness that endowed him with a gift to be able to connect with people almost instantaneously.” All who knew him felt of his love. He will be sorely missed.
The son of Joyce Murdock and Milton Dale Ensign, Eric was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on April 28, 1953. Although born in Utah, he was raised in San Francisco, CA, and later in Cody, Wyoming. Though opposites, San Francisco and Cody provided Eric with joyous memories and experiences that forever shaped his life. Eric described San Francisco in the 60’s as a magical place filled with exploration. His family moved to Cody, WY for his middle and high school years, and it was in Cody that Eric developed a love for basketball, golf, pheasant hunting, and Yellowstone National Park. He played on the Cody High basketball and golf teams.
As an adult, Eric returned often to San Francisco taking family members to a Giants Baseball game, or to have Wonton Soup at his favorite restaurant in Chinatown, or even to visit his childhood home in the marina. Additionally, whenever he needed to describe to his children how to do something, he always said, “Let me show how we do things in Cody.” Eric’s parents instilled in him a strong work ethic, a sense of independence, and a desire to follow the Savior Jesus Christ.
Eric was a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ throughout his life. As a young man, he served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Australia and was quickly identified as one with leadership skills. Heavy responsibilities in Australia later prepared him for a lifetime of steadfast church service.
Eric met the love of his life and eternal companion, Lisa MacCabe, on a blind date, in Rockville Maryland during the summer of 1975. After a courtship at BYU, they were sealed for time and all eternity on June 18, 1976, in the Washington DC Temple. Their 47 years of marriage were filled with joy and were tender and sweet. They welcomed seven children and raised them with patience, love, unity, and a focus on the discipleship of Christ. Their children often heard their father say, “I don’t want there to be any doubt that I love your mother.” He proved that with his every word and action. Family was his love. Just two days before his passing, Eric said to Lisa, “I may not have given you everything, but I am leaving you with 7 magnificent children.” Eric and Lisa have 18 grandchildren.
After graduating from BYU his professional career was comprised of managing commercial real estate. He was an accomplished negotiator and after every business meeting, all involved left feeling they had gotten the better end of the deal. He was hardworking and trustworthy.
Eric served in a variety of church callings and assignments including Sunday School President, Young Men’s President, Bishopric Counselor, Bishop, Member of the Stake High Council, Stake Presidency Counselor, and along with Lisa, President of the Ohio Cincinnati Mission. He wrote in his journal that having Lisa as his missionary companion was a dream come true. He loved serving and seemed most comfortable in a suit and tie. A cancer diagnosis shortened his service in Ohio, but when asked what he loved the most about his mission, he replied, “The missionaries.”
Eric was a man without guile. Even as he fought cancer, he remained positive, optimistic, and cheerful. He often downplayed his pain and continued to focus his attention and service on others. His example of compassion and discipleship impacted all who had the privilege to know him.
Eric is survived by his wife Lisa, and their seven children: Amy (Taft), Mckay (Molly), Taylor (Alisa), Grant (Jill), Tanner (Michelle), Camille, Hunter (Bailey), his father Milton Dale Ensign (Elaine), siblings Erlynn Lansing (Chris), Clint (Cindy), Jonathan (Tracy), his half-sister Heather Gordon (Corbin) as well as step-siblings Robert Pusey (Cari), Lisa Howe, Lynne Johnston (Mark), and Lance Ensign (Lisa). Eric is preceded in death by his mother, Joyce Murdock (Sidney), and his half-sister Celeste Ensign.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Vaia Florou and all those at Huntsman Cancer Institute, Huntsman at Home, and CNS Hospice for their professionalism and compassionate care. We emphasize appreciation to family, friends, and neighbors for expressions of love and support. Though our hearts are broken, our faith in the Savior provides us comfort in knowing that we will all be reunited with ‘The Man from Cody’ once again.
Viewing and Funeral Services will be held at the Stake Center located at 9880 South 3100 East. Sandy, UT 84092
Viewing: Thursday, April 6, 2023, from 6:00-8:00 pm
Viewing: Friday, April 7, 2023, from 9:30-10:45 am.
Funeral Services: Friday, April 7, 2023, at 11:00 am.
Internment to follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery: 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, Utah
I have felt the love and leadership of Dale through his family and especially his lovely granddaughter, Hazley. She was my trainer in the New Jersey Morristown Mission and I am grateful every single day that the Lord put her in my path. I know that the love I felt from her stems from the legacy that Dale put forward to his children and grandchildren. Although I never got to meet him in person I am deeply grateful for the life that he lived and for the gospel truths that he taught to his family. My heart goes out to you all through this time of grief, God bless each and every one of you.
President Ensign, you are one of the greatest men I have ever met in my entire life. You taught me so many things including how to work, pray, obey, and laugh. You taught me that variety is the spice of life. You taught me that a great teacher is a Christlike teacher. You taught me that I can learn and grow just like you did. You showed me love and compassion during my lowest moments as a missionary. You laughed with me and you cried with me on various occasions. Your influence on my life is something I would never give up. You helped me become the man I am today and for that I am forever grateful.
We miss you already, Eric. One of the most gracious and humble men I have ever known. Love
I will forever love and admire Eric Ensign. What an amazing man. A legend! He showed great interest in my life which began during his service in our Stake Presidency when I was just a teenager. He kept tabs on me from high school up until the present. He would invite me to his rotary club lunches, or to play ball with him at the rec center. (We always ran the court when we played together!) He is so encouraging to anyone who had the great honor to know him. I will never forget after a lunch we had years ago, Eric telling me as a mid-20 something kid, who was trying to find his way in the world, “Denny, I believe in you, you will do great things”. I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT.
Thank you Eric. You will be missed by so many. You lived great. With such dignity and love in your heart. What an amazing life and legacy! God bless you. God bless your family.
I loved serving with President Ensign. Sister Ensign and President Ensign were such a good team. I am so sorry for your loss. We will meet again.
I had the opportunity to have had President Ensign as my mission president. He was such an inspiration to me! I learned from him to always be positive no matter what the circumstances are! Staying positive brings so many blessings and joy in life! President Ensign was the most kind and loving person I’ve ever met. He made sure each and one of his missionaries were loved and that we knew it! I am so beyond grateful and blessed to have known him!
I am so sorry to have heard of his passing! He will definitely be missed by so many! Hope his loved ones know that they are in our prayers and thoughts at this time!
So sorry for your loss prayers for you and your family
For the Ensigns:
I feel extremely blessed to have served under your leadership during one of the most difficult and joyous times of my life. I know I was assigned to labor in the Ohio Cincinnati Mission to meet the two of you. Your faith, love, and kindness in all you do shows proudly your deep devotion to and love for the Savior. I can never forget the tender care President Ensign showed me and the abiding patience he displayed. He is truly one of the greats and I am grateful for the ways in which he strengthened my testimony so that I can know, without a doubt, that I will see him again. I love you both, President and Sister Ensign.
I was privileged to serve with Pres. Ensign as the stake RS president in Dayton, Ohio. I simply love him! He was so kind and funny. He made me laugh and smile every single time we met at our monthly missionary council. Once when my camera wasn't working for a Zoom meeting during COVID, he asked me if I was in the witness protection program. I couldn't stop laughing! He was always thinking of others and loved his missionaries dearly. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.
With much love and many prayers for the family.
Julie
I'm so sad to hear of your father's passing. You are such a wonderful
family and I know your dad was an
outstanding example for all of you💕
My deepest condolences.
Sincerely,
Margaret Foote
I was so sorry to hear of Eric’s passing. The Lord needed him. As sad as it is we will all be called home in due time. Aren’t we blessed to have eternal marriages? If you would like to catch up sometime I’m at fearing7@gmail.com
Sincerely, Judy Smith Fearing
Sister Marsh here from the cincinnati ohio mission 🤍 I’m sending love from florida to utah to the ensign family. I wish I could be there to give hugs. President Ensign changed my life and he was such a great man and I know he’s continuing the work in Heaven 🤍 My heart and prayers goes out to the family I love you all!
We are so sorry for your loss. We love your family.
We had the privilege of serving with President and Sister Ensign in the Ohio Cincinnati Mission. What an honor it was to serve with them. President Ensign truly possessed the pure love of Christ. You could always feel his love and confidence in your service. He had a big heart, big hugs, and was one of the kindest most loving people that we have ever known. He was truly a man of Christ.
Lisa, Grant, Tanner, Amy, Camille, Hunter, Taylor, McKay, and your sweet families. I am so saddened by this news and im so sorry for the pain you all have been experiencing. Your family has been and always will be a shining example of love and dedication to the Lord our Savior and His gospel. Eric was and is firmly in my memory as one of the most admirable and strong men of the world. His loss is being felt! I'm praying for your broken hearts and I know Eric will be working as diligently on the other side to help and guide your beautiful family through this earthly experience as I remember him doing so while he raised you kids with Lisa. Lisa I love you and my heart is breaking for you, I can only imagine the feelings you're having at this time. Please know you are all cared for so much and that we are thinking of and praying for you. Love, strength, peace and well wishes...from Mollie and family
Dear Lisa and family,
We send our deepest condolences. We loved serving with you and President Ensign in the Ohio Cincinnati Mission. He was so warm and welcoming and appreciative of everything we did. What a wonderful mission president he was! We will forever be grateful for everything you both did for us as senior missionaries and also all the young missionaries. He was a wonderful example of Christ's love to all of us. A great man has just been taken home.
Our love to you, Myron and Beverly Francom
Bishop Ensign married Jay and I back in 1991. So sorry for your loss. He was a nice man.
Dear Lisa and family. We are saddened by the news of Eric's passing. He has been such a positive influence in the lives of so many, ours included. His family have long been fiends with the Spencers--our parents having known each other for many years before our shared time in the Stake. His warm smile and personal interest will be long remembered. We know you will be reunited in due time and that you will continue to feel his loving concern and guidance in your lives.
Eric was one of the best! He will be missed by all who knew him!
We miss you Eric. What a great example of service and Christlike love you've left for us.
Eric was an incredible man and true disciple of Christ in every interaction. He had a way of making everyone feel seen and loved. Whether sharing little candies with the kids at church, bearing powerful testimony or simply running into him at the grocery store or car wash he always took the time to share his love just as Christ would do. We were blessed to know him. He will be greatly missed until we see him again. We love you Lisa and Ensign family.
Eric Ensign is one of the best men I have ever known. He was a true gentleman. As a teenager I watched the respectful way he treated his wife. I have tried to follow his great example with my wife. My many interactions with Eric were always uplifting. I have the upmost love and respect for this great man. He will be missed.
Dear Lisa and family,
We are so sorry for your great loss. Eric was always a warm loving friend to each of our family members, reaching out and welcoming in his words and his deeds. David enjoyed serving with Eric in the Elder's Quorum and greatly benefited by his example and kindness. We will miss him, as we know you, our ward, our community, and this world will miss him.
Love, Dave and Toni Ryser
Amy, Taft , and Family, we send our love and prayers for you and all your family at this hard time. May God bless you and comfort you.
Bishop Ensign is one of my heroes to this day. I’ve always wanted to be like him. I always felt his love for me like we had a special connection. He is still a powerful influence in my life today.
As a senior couple we were privileged to serve with President Ensign and his dear wife Lisa. He taught us to “Work,Pray,Obey and Laugh”. We felt truly loved! Until we meet again you are in our Hearts! We love you.
Ensign Family, I am so sorry to hear about Eric’s passing. What a great guy he is, and what a beautiful life he lived. I will always remember his fun, friendly outgoing nature, such a loving, neighborly guy. I will be praying for your family ❤️🙏🏼
Dear Lisa,
I’m so sad that I was out of town for the service. Though it has been many years, I still remember the examples that you and Eric (Bishop Ensign) set for me. I’m grateful for your kindness to me as I was growing up and for the impact you have both had on my life. Praying for peace for you and your kids during this tender time. — Cindy Bishop Davis
What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful faithful priesthood leader, father, husband, grandfather, cousin and just an all-around friend. So very grateful for the atonement of Jesus Christ. Just knowing we will be together in the eternities. This is only but a short separation. (Although very tough) for us to go through. Eric Ensign is my cousin. A wonderful cousin at that. We didn’t see much of each other growing up, it was always off and on. We did meet up at several Ensign or Larsen reunions, occasional holidays or short vacations to Cody Wyoming were always a big hit. Eric had a way of making you feel welcome, warm and wonderful. You would leave his presence always wanting for more. Eric made you feel special, he had a very special “that something” inside of him which can only be described as a “gift from God.” He was given gifts of the spirit, special talents and abilities from our Father in Heaven. You would know that in an instant as soon as he shook your hand, gave you a very spirited “Hello” or a Big Hug from this man. At all times and at all places you were the only one he cared about. Eric would always put others ahead of himself. He was selfless, courageous, kind and always positive. I am being just one of the many cousins would always emulate him. He was so talented! Matter of fact we would emulate the entire Ensign Family. They are all such good examples of what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is. There is a special place in heaven for Eric. I like others will be looking forward to seeing him again. I am so grateful to have had the privilege of being his cousin. My love to all of you! Sincerely and Respectively, Steve
Dear Lisa and Family, How our communications systems have shut down since COVID - we still learn, months after a death or other life event, that we have missed a celebration of a life - such was the case with Eric. We are so sorry to have missed the notice of his passing. What a class act he was - everything that was included in the obituary...and MORE, much more! I love the blessing of sharing good books with Eric - and loved every one of his "good reads" that he shared with me. I also remember playing golf with him early one spring. He was the host and said, at the beginning of the round, "There are only two rules: (1) I make the rules and (2) you get all the mulligans you want!" Needless to say, that was one of my favorite rounds of golf. He was a friend, a wonderful Rotarian, an example of goodness and Christlike faith and he will be sorely missed. We send our love to you and your family - even at this late date. Charles and Zella Dahlquist