Dennis Murdock

Our father, Dennis Glen Murdock, passed away June 26, 2023, in St. George, Utah, at 86 years of age. He was holding the hand of his wife and surrounded by family.

Born January 17, 1937, in Yuba City, California, to Glen Arthur Murdock and Fern Marie Hiatt, he is the older brother of Larry and David. At eight years old, he contracted rheumatic fever and had to stay in bed for nine months. He was given a puppy that became his constant companion during this time. Dad developed a life-long love of dogs and was never to be without one. He often bore his testimony of his gratefulness to God for having survived this experience.

In Dad's youth, his family moved to Vale, Oregon, where he helped his father run a service station, learning car repair and maintenance. It was in Vale he developed a love of the outdoors: camping, fishing, hunting, ranching, and horses. His high school years were spent in Livingston, Montana, where Dad was all-state in football. He also served as class secretary at Park County High school, graduating in 1955. He left Montana for Boise, Idaho, where he was the color commentator at Boise College for the school's football team. Later in life, he would commentate for the Monticello High School football and wrestling teams.

In 1957, Dad started a two-year mission in the Great Lakes Mission, headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Though he didn't know it at the time, his future wife and love of his life, Janet Sue Anderson, was serving in the same mission at the same time. They would not meet until after the completion of their missions while they were both attending Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. They married on September 6, 1960, in the Idaho Falls Temple and have been happily married for 63 years.

Dad became a prolific learner. He completed a double major in economics and political science as an undergraduate. He went on to earn a Masters in Religious Studies, and a Doctorate in Education in Curriculum and Instruction, all from BYU. After college graduation, he started his career as a seminary teacher for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, teaching in Utah and Idaho. After a move to Lacey, Washington, he spent 14 years there as a teacher and seminary coordinator. He finished his career as the Institute Director at the University of Oregon in Eugene, retiring in 1999. Totaling nearly 40 years in teaching, Dad also counseled, loved, and mentored countless teenagers and young adults over the course of his career.

In his church community, he held a variety of callings but especially loved the scouting program, and his service for 14 years in two stake presidencies in Eugene, Oregon. Dad would go on to serve three more missions with mom. First as a religion teacher at BYU in Laie, Hawaii, next as a spiritual advisor at West Ridge Academy where his son Jeff was a therapist, and last at the Church Employment Center in American Fork, Utah.

Dad's greatest role was as a husband and father to eight lucky children. He was our favorite teacher, protector, loyal, and completely committed to his family, students, church and friends. His enthusiasm for the Seattle Mariners, Seahawks, and SuperSonics infected the whole family. He could tell a great joke, laugh the loudest, and loved a tall tale. Dad made sure we knew his priorities in life were God first, mom second, his children third, and he never missed a chance to bear his testimony of his love for his Savior.

Dennis is preceded in death by his sons Todd, Danny, and Jeff, and his brothers David, and Larry. He is survived by his loving wife, Janet, his children Steve Murdock (Laraine), Chad Murdock (Janet), Randy Murdock (Paula), Launa Simmons (Travis), Julie Stout (Kelby), daughter-in-law Michelle Murdock, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Family and friends may attend a viewing to be held Friday, July 7, 2023, at 9:00 am at the McDougal Funeral Home at 4330 S Redwood Road in Taylorsville, Utah, with the funeral services to follow at 10 am. The interment will take place at the West Jordan City Cemetery, 7925 S 1300 W, West Jordan, Utah. Arrangements are made under the direction of McDougal Funeral Home, 801-968-3800.

Those wishing to view a livestream of the service remotely may use the following link:  https://vimeo.com/event/3552209