Denney, a Gold Cross recipient, passed to the Adytum on High on Jan. 12, 2009, at age 76, from complications from a stroke. He lived in Orange County with his second wife Vira, and had been retired after working as a trial attorney for many years. He was buried at sea on May 24. “He was a people person, he loved people,” Vira Denney said. “He was very outgoing.”
Denney was born in Indiana, and he had five children with his first wife. He was married to Vira for 33 years, who helped to raise their children.
Denney was involved in mock trial and debating as an undergraduate and played on the Bruin tennis team during his early years. After college, he served in the U.S. Navy during peacetime of the late 1950s and was stationed in San Diego and Pt. Hueneme in Ventura County. He served as a communications officer, and he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.
After discharge in 1956, Denney graduated UCLA Law School in 1964. He was a solo practitioner and practiced in criminal law, family law and real estate until retirement in 2002. He also was a cancer survivor of 25 years, and he stayed active in work until age 70 and hobbies until his health deteriorated in recent years.
Denney loved sailing and fishing off the coast and off Catalina Island, and he also helped to found the O.C. Wheelman, a bicycle club. He rode in 100-mile “century” races and rode into his 60s, with a favorite ride from Newport Beach to Laguna.
Denney was a loyal Bruin through the years, a big admirer of Bruin coach John Wooden, and rarely missed watching a football or basketball game. His wife, Vira, can be contacted: (949) 733-1933.