Dennis Eugene “Denny” Finley
1939 – October 27, 2025
Denny, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, peacefully departed his good life on October 27, 2025, in Lakewood, Colorado. Born in 1939 in Murdo, South Dakota, Denny lived good life built on hard work, family, and friendship.

He was married to Nora “Annie” Sloan for 61 years until her passing in 2022. Together,
they loved and raised five children together they created good lives, plentiful memories of camping, Jeeping, and family gatherings.

Denny began his career as an over-the-road truck driver before joining the Denver Fire Department, where he proudly served for 28 years. On his days off, he worked as a carpenter, teaching his children the value of craftsmanship and teamwork as they built the family’s mountain home in Gilpin County.

A lifelong car enthusiast, Denny built 11 classic hot rods, including his prized 1932 Ford Coupe. His weekends were often spent at car show with his son Mike — a shared passion that became one of the highlights of his life. In 1991 Denny spearheaded the Hot Times Cool Cars Show hosted for 16 years at the Arvada Center. His years as a firefighter had created a desire to do something for children he saw who were burn victims, seeing those kids was always hard on him, he had small children at home. By combining his passions, cars and service, the show raised millions for the Burn Unit at Children’s Hospital.

As the family grew, Denny took great joy and pride in watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow, cherishing every visit and social media update that kept him close to them. His home was always open, his love never wavered.

In 2023, Denny met Nancy Harrison of Wellington, Colorado. The two shared a love of travel, camping, and family. They married that September in the Poudre Canyon by the river. Denny taught Nancy to enjoy car shows, and Nancy filled their home with warmth, laughter, and her wonderful cooking. Family breakfasts became a cherished tradition.

Denny will be remembered as a kind, helpful, and loyal friend — someone who never hesitated to lend a hand, and greeted others with a smile. His love, humor, and generosity touched everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his wife Nancy, and her family, his five children— Maureen, Michael, Jeanne, Julie, and Matthew and their spouses and children, many grandchildren,
great-grandchildren, extended family, and dear friends.

Denny’s legacy lives on in the beautiful mountain vistas, cool cars, the kindness of true friends, the blessing of family and smart aleck responses.


Please join family and friends in Celebrating Denny on November, 15th at the Denver Fire Department Federal Credit Union, 12 Lakeside Lane, Denver Co 80212 form 10:30 to 1:30. Please bring any favorite photos, stories and an appetite, we’ll serve up some of his favorites. Please RSVP to juliesbees@gmail.com