1939 ~ 2025
Denis Pingree Smith
February 25, 1939-July 26, 2025
Denis Pingree Smith was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on February 25, 1939 to Joseph Fielding and Ruth Pingree Smith. He was the middle child of seven. He grew up in Salt Lake City and Centerville, Utah, and Honolulu, Hawaii, where he graduated from Punahou High School before leaving for the mainland to attend college at the University of Utah. In 1959, he was called to serve a 2-year, LDS mission to the British Isles, where he served in England and Ireland under three different mission presidents as the mission split twice during his service. Denis enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1963 and was top of his class at Field Artillery Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma in 1964. He married Nancy Lingler in 1965 in the Laie, Hawaii LDS temple. They had five children together. In almost 25 years of marriage, Denis and Nancy moved their family 16 times as Denis served two tours of duty in Vietnam, and later became a commercial airline pilot for the likes of Wien Air Alaska, Saudia Airlines, America West Airlines and United Airlines, retiring in 1999. From 1989 to 2014, Denis was married to Ruth B. Waggoner and they lived in Golden, Colorado. In 2018, Denis moved to Cedar Hills, Utah where he worked as a school bus driver for the Alpine School District until last year when he experienced some health problems. He passed away on July 26, 2025, at the age of 86, from sudden cardiac arrest.
Denis is survived by his five children: Shauna Zukle, Kevin (Liz) Smith, Ida Anderson, Denis (Denise) Smith, and Marshall (Alison) Smith. He also leaves behind former spouses Nancy Lingler Smith, Ruth B. Smith, siblings R.P. Joe Smith and Pauline S.J. Zaugg, as well as 15 grandchildren, 4 (soon to be 5) great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Denis will be missed. His family is grateful that they will see him again through the atonement of Jesus Christ. “Aloha Oe, until we meet again.”
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 2nd, 2025 at the LDS Chapel @ 4355 W. Cedar Hills Dr, Cedar Hills, Utah. Visitation from 9:00-9:45 AM. Service from 10:00-11:00 AM. Interment will take place at Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy, Utah.
To virtually attend the funeral service, Please go to the “Watch Services” button at the time of the service.
My condolences to you and your family. He certainly served his country for many years and in many places 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your father. May you find comfort in the cherished moments you shared together, and may his memory bring you peace.
One of my happy memories is when he would see us walking our dogs and always had a treat for them.
Ida I am so sorry for your loss! Please know that he will always remain in your memory forever.
Cuz Fred Davis
Ida,
I'm so sorry for your loss. May all of your memories be good ones, and your mutual love live forever in your heart. We met with Fred Davis in Winchester, IN several years ago, discussing and researching Davis family history. I really enjoyed visiting with you and making the rounds of Winchester Davis sites.
Shauna, although we know through the plan of salvation we will our dads again, getting used to not having their earthly influence is tough. I'm glad you have such support from your family during this time of mourning. Love you to pieces.
I am very sad to hear of Denis' passing. My great friend of 40+ years, a staunch pal, a partner in tennis, a trader of jokes to pass the time and a kindred spirit. I shall miss on this earth without a doubt but am really happy to share a love of Jesus with you. Till we meet again, your good friend Gerry. My heartfelt condolences to the whole family.
There is nothing like. Daddy's love for his daughter. My heart breaks for you loss. Isaiah said Hod will comfort us as a mother comforts a child. May you experience Hos comfort in the days to come.
Sending our love and prayers from New Zealand. We have fond memories of our “Uncle Denis” as we grew up knowing him. We particularly remember our trip to stay with him in 2010 for a few weeks. He drove us across from Denver to Utah and back again and it was a road trip I don’t think either of us will ever forget. I know he was a great friend to my father over the years and will not be forgotten in our family.
Love from Lisa, Stacey and the Ryder/Christensen family
What a beautiful funeral for Denis! I have wonderful memories of Denis. My cousin Denis was quite a bit older than I and lived far away in Hawaii. But when he would visit us he was this tall, handsome, blonde, well spoken, fun cousin who was always interested in all of us. He gave big hugs and even though I spent very little time with him throughout my life , I knew and felt the strong family ties. We knew he loved us and we loved him. He is a special, strong and valiant spirit. And his precious family's tribute to him was exquisite.
Love, from Allyson Beecher Smith