Wayne H. Dennison
"Champ" "Two-Footer"

Wayne H. “Champ” “Two-Footer” Dennison, 72, of Lake Valley, New Mexico & formerly of Tohatchi, New Mexico saddled up heaven bound and took his last ride into the great divine on January 11, 2022.

​

Wayne was a great man, husband, father, grandpa, son, grandson, brother, uncle, amigo, and fatherly figure. Wayne was a man of faith. Wayne was a gentleman, had a good heart and humble. Wayne was always charming, friendly, kind, generous, and loving.  Wayne was also tough and mean.  Wayne was wise and sharp witted.  Wayne was a self-made man in all his successes in his lifetime. 

Wayne was a Diné (Navajo) born to Tł'ógí (Weaver/Zia people) and born for Ta'neeszahnii (Tangle/Badlands people). His maternal grandfather was Kinyaa'áanii (Towering House people) and his paternal grandfather was Tó Dích'íi'nii (Bitter Water people). He was a fifth-generation descendant of Chief Manuelito and Juanita.

​

He was the eldest to Eugene and Annie Dennison of Tohatchi, New Mexico where the Dennison family became one of the largest sheep & cattle ranchers; whom were one of New Mexico’s leading wool producers and awarded Rancher of the Year from the State of New Mexico. Wayne paved the way for all World Champions from the Dennison Family of Tohatchi, where he leaves a wonderful legacy behind.

​

Wayne became a well-known and highly respected Cowboy, Our Champ. He became an all-around champion cowboy, competing in calf roping, steer wrestling, and team roping events during which time he earned fame, countless trophies, trophy saddles, buckles, and horse trailers. In 1980, Wayne became the INFR Indian World Champion Team Roper alongside his youngest brother Wally Dennison. Wayne won many all-around titles and event titles at the Window Rock Navajo Nation Fair and many other rodeos throughout the country.  He also was in the Professional Rodeo Circuit Association alongside his late younger brother Karl Dennison in the team roping event, coming in shy sitting at #16 in the world standings.  Wayne traveled the PRCA with his late partner Bruce Burch as well.  Wayne was also a part of the USTRC during the infancy in the 1990’s well into the 2000’s –which he acquired much success in the regional and onto the finals.  Wayne had many partners he enjoyed roping with throughout his career; especially his dearly missed header, the late Bill Mars.  He was among many rodeo and roping associations throughout his life. He was honored on March 7, 2020 at the 28th Annual Tolani Lake Team Roping Classic as a recipient of the Ahxéhee’ Da’dohłohígíí Award (“The Legends of Team Roping”) in Holbrook, AZ where he was once the Winner’s Circle preacher for the night.

​

In Wayne’s younger years, he was a hell raiser – wild and free – living life to its fullest as most young Cowboys do. Wayne never back down from a fight; whether it be physically, mentally, failures, setbacks, or a loss. Wayne never feared life and always welcomed life’s challenges. When faced with doubts from others, Wayne’s ability to achieve shined – he enjoyed nothing more than, “hold my beer and watch this,” by proving he is the best at whatever he does.

Wayne was a hard worker, reliable, determined and a mentor – working his way up from a laborer to an accomplished pipeline welder specializing in hot taps for El Paso Natural Gas over 32 years. He was an AWS Certified Welding Inspector for Pipeline & Fabrication Inspections with Enterprise Products Partners and other pipeline enterprises. He retired in 2009. Wayne was just as loud and bold on the pipeline field. He enjoyed trash talking to his helpers or others out in the field. If Wayne was yelling, screaming, or trash talking to you it was for a reason to push one’s ability to improve.  Wayne was one hell of a welder – It was said many times, “Flies would slide off my welds.”

​

Wayne traveled many miles across the country as a roper, welder, and welding inspector; making lifelong friends along the way and almost anywhere you would be in the country, people knew of or recognized Wayne Dennison. He never met a stranger.

Wayne loved to laugh and found joy in talking with just about anyone that would listen. Wayne enjoyed telling stories, especially funny memories or jokes in Navajo he picked up along the way from his father, Eugene.

​

Wayne was happily married to the love of his life nearly 40 years; who survives him along with his loving daughters, Waynetta and Tyra Dennison; and his loving grandson, Halderman Wayne Dennison. 

​

He is also survived by his loving brother, Wally Dennison; his loving sisters; Betty Heidenreich, Cynthia Dennison, & Shirley Dennison; beloved nieces, nephews, & grandchildren from Tohatchi, NM; his loving mother-in-law, Mary Sandoval; his loving Sandoval brothers, sister, nieces, nephews, & grandchildren from Lake Valley, NM; and his loving extended families of the Dennison’s, Holyan’s, & Morris’. He was predeceased by his loving parents, Annie & Eugene Dennison; his loving maternal grandparents, Charlie & Nanabah Hoylan; his loving paternal grandparents, Halderman & Mary Dennison; his loving brothers, Jeff & Karl Dennison; and his loving father-in-law, John Sandoval Sr.

​

It would not be a day of celebrating Our Champ’s life without traveling the road one last time as he drove thousands of miles his whole life. Wayne Dennison’s morning slack was at Rollie Mortuary Palm Chapel in Gallup, New Mexico on Tuesday, the 25th day of January 2022 and his afternoon slack was at Kirtland Cemetery in Kirtland, New Mexico. The procession route was along Route 11 and NM Highway 371. Those who wish to send condolences may do so on this tribute website or email or mail.

The pandemic has restricted us from gathering together to truly honor Our Champ. We know that Wayne would not want to jeopardize anyone’s health as the positive cases has exponentially increased this month. Please practice the three W’s: Wash your hands, Wear your mask, and Watch your distance; and get vaccinated as Wayne was up-to-date with the booster vaccines. Please be advised that there will be a Celebration of Life gathering in the future when this pandemic is possibly over or when it is safe to gather without masks.

From the bottom of our hearts: Wayne Dennison's daughters and grandson; Ahéhee’ Nitsaago for everyone’s prayers, love, support, encouragement, condolences, contributions, and most importantly to the medical healthcare workers of the Crownpoint Service Unit, Flagstaff Medical Center, Lovelace Medical Center, Northern Navajo Medical Center, and San Juan Regional Medical Center; thank you for lengthening our daddy and my papa-cheii’s journey – we will be forever GRATEFUL.