Gregory Lee Denney

Gregory Lee “Greg” Denney, 70, of Easton, passed away at his home on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 due to probable heart failure.

Greg was born on August 31, 1950 in Renton, Washington, the youngest of three boys born to Robert and Doris (Jane) Denney. He grew up in Renton next door to the family’s small grocery store and butcher shop, and later graduated from Renton High School in 1968.

Following graduation, Greg married Sue Provine and they had two sons together – Scott and Jason – who joined Greg’s oldest son Jeff. The marriage ended in divorce. Greg then moved to Cle Elum where he met Lynda Moore, his wife of 32 years. Greg and Lynda were married on February 13, 1988. The couple made their home in Kent for a few years before returning home to the family cabin on the river in Easton, which Greg and his two brothers built in the early ‘70s.

At a young age Greg started working in his parent’s grocery store. Following high school he went to work in the construction industry, and then as a truck driver and eventually a dispatcher for Renton-Issaquah Freight. After moving to the Upper County in the early ‘80s, Greg bought and operated the Longhorn Tavern in Cle Elum and later the Easton Saloon. He rounded out his work history by earning a real estate license. It was his proudest profession.

If Greg could spend every day in the mountains, he would. He loved spending time at the river, driving in the hills and playing with his dogs. His greatest joy was time with family – especially his grandchildren who, thanks to Greg, all know how to perfectly skip a rock, float the river and will forever cherish memories of Christmas Eve at the cabin. Greg had an especially close relationship with his grandson Gavin. Greg was his role model, mentor and best friend.

Greg led the family on many trips, including close-to-home destinations such as Leavenworth and Sea Side, or more adventurous excursions to Disneyland, Sea World and Mexico. From hunting camp with his grandson to time spent with his granddaughters at Gonzaga Family Weekend, The Pendleton Rodeo and even a tea party at the American Girl Doll Store, Greg never passed on an opportunity to enjoy time with his family, no matter the occasion. He went the extra mile to make every trip memorable, like the time he rented a surprise hot rod Camaro for the weekend or brought supplies for s'mores on the beach. Greg made friends wherever he traveled and never missed out on a chance to be the life of the party. He genuinely loved people and his bright smile, sense of humor and contagious laugh will be missed by all who knew him.

Greg was preceded in death by his daughter, Shawnie Denney; brother Tim Denney; and his parents. Greg is survived by his wife, Lynda Denney of Easton; children Jeff Denney of Kent, Scott Denney of Easton, Jason Denney of Lake Tapps, Lee (Melissa) Moore of Cle Elum and Dayna Ridlon of Roslyn; grandchildren Chris and Amanda Moore, Kassidy and Kaytlin Kauzlarich, Kamryn Ridlon and Gavin, Brandon, Danielle and Bradley Denney. He is also survived by his great-grandson Eli Moore and brother Robert “Bob” Denney of Ridgefield, Washington.

A bonfire celebration of Greg’s life will be held at the family cabin when it is safe to gather. Memorial contributions in Greg’s honor are suggested to ARRF Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 670, Roslyn, WA 98941.

Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Cle Elum has been entrusted with caring for Greg’s family. Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com.