Jack Denning

Leland John “Jack” Denning, 83, longtime resident of Roslyn, passed away on Monday, April 4, 2022 at the Kittitas Valley Hospital in Ellensburg.  A graveside service with military honors will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at the Roslyn Cemetery Kiosk with a reception to follow at the Roslyn Eagles.

Jack was born on November 20, 1938 in Hamilton, Montana to Doward & Margaret (Davies) Denning.  The family moved west to Woodinville, Washington during World War II and then eventually to Roslyn where Jack attended and graduated high school from Cle Elum in 1956. Following graduation, Jack enlisted in the United States Navy and served for almost three years, receiving an honorable discharge in 1959.

Upon his return home from the service, Jack met Pat Neiland at a dance.  After a long courtship, they married on May 7, 1963 in Everett.  They made their home briefly in Woodinville and then Malden, Washington before making Roslyn their permanent home in 1967. They were blessed with three children - Leann, John and George.

Jack worked for the Milwaukee Road for 17 years before the company filed for bankruptcy.  He then went to work for the state highway department as an equipment operator and snow plow driver.  He retired from that position in the early 2000’s.

Following retirement, Jack and Pat bought a cabin on Williams Lake near Cheney.  Jack enjoyed working to improve the cabin and many great family memories were made there.  He stayed active by volunteering part time for Klink’s Resort at Lake Williams and also enjoyed pheasant hunting, camping and fishing. He was a longtime member of the Roslyn Eagles.

Jack was also a dedicated public servant to not only the citizens of Roslyn, serving on the city council before being elected twice as mayor (during the “Northern Exposure” years), but also serving on the Kittitas County Fair Board.  Additionally, he was a 30 year-plus member of the Roslyn Volunteer Fire Department.

Jack is survived by his wife, Pat, at the family home in Roslyn; daughter Leann Solene and her fiance Dave Matthews of Duvall; sons John (Kim) Denning of Fremont, California and George Denning of Duvall; grandchildren Lynell (Cameron) Hilsmann of North Bend, Kailey Denning of Everett, Lauren (Zachery Hill) Solene of Post Falls, Idaho and 1st LT Mitchell Denning, US Army, stationed at NATO Headquarters in Turkey.  His sisters Dorothy (Ted) Johns of Woodinville and Betty (Larry) Gibb of Buckeye, Arizona along with seven nephews and five nieces also survive.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marlene Deane, brother Richard “Dick” Denning and one niece.

Memorial contributions in Jack’s honor are suggested to any charity or cause that benefits the residents of Upper Kittitas County.

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