Eric Dennis Emken passed away after a brief illness on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at home in St. George, UT, surrounded by family. Dennis was 84 years of age, or as he would say, 588 dog years.

Dennis was born in Hanford, CA, on June 28, 1939, to Eric Henry Emken and Dorothy Johnson Emken. He graduated from Excelsior Union High School, Norwalk, CA, in 1957.  Denny received his Associate of Arts degree from Cerritos Junior College in CA in 1959, where he played on the college's first football team which went on to the Junior Rose Bowl in Pasadena.  He continued to play football for Cal State Los Angeles and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1962.

Dennis was a high school educator, coach, and counselor.  Denny loved coaching football and wrestling and returned to coach at both Excelsior Union High School and Cerritos Junior College.  He taught Health and Science and was a Counselor at Excelsior Union High School and a Counselor at La Mirada High School for many years.  He was a mentor to many during his years of working in the CA public school system.

Denny was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed deep sea fishing, hunting, boating, camping, and traveling with his Labrador Retrievers.  He was the founder of Marshland Labrador Retrievers and had a positive influence on the breed.  He loved all of his Labs, and you could always find CH Marshland Blitz, CH Marshland Bakela, and CH Marshland Gabriela by his side.  After living most of his life in California, Dennis and Pam retired to St. George, Utah, in 2005 where they made many close friends, human and dogs alike.

Denny is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Pamela J. Emken; his children: Elizabeth Emken Swartz and her husband Craig, and Eric Douglas Emken and his wife Merrell; their mother and former wife Dorothy Neblett; his grandchildren: Alexander Swartz, Hayleigh Swartz, Emmaleigh Swartz, and Axel Emken; his siblings: Michael (Judy) Emken, Gary (Sherry) Emken, and Cherie Keegan; as well as many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.

There will be a Celebration of Life in St. George, UT, after the Christmas holidays.