Obituary - Theodore "Ted" Vaun Denning

Theodore "Ted" Vaun Denning, 63, of Havre, Montana, passed away on Oct. 8, 2015, surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 16, 2015, from 5 to 7 p.m. at O'Connor Funeral Home, Great Falls. A memorial service will be held at the Living Grace Church, 3525 1st Ave. N., Great Falls, at 10 a.m. Oct. 17, 2015, with burial to follow immediately after at Highland Cemetery with federal law enforcement honors.

Ted was born June 26, 1952, in Great Falls, to Jeris and Marie Denning of Sun River. He grew up on a farm/ranch in the Sun River Valley and attended school at Fort Shaw and Simms.

On May 6, 1972, he married his high school sweetheart, Holidean J. Sonnemaker, in Great Falls.

In 1975 Ted joined the United States Border Patrol and was transferred to southern California. During his time with the Border Patrol he served throughout California, earned a bachelor's degree to further himself and his family and eventually came home to Montana and assumed the Havre Sector Deputy Chief position in 1987.

During his time with the Border Patrol, he served as a patrol agent, patrol agent in charge and deputy chief. While in the Havre Sector, he assumed the role of interim chief during a transitional period for the sector and was also offered a different chief position, which he turned down in order to stay in Montana. He met with and advised congressman, district attorneys and other high level members of government with regard to national security.

He retired from the Border Patrol in December 2006 after 31 years of service. Ted's leadership abilities and management skills were highly respected and the Border Patrol continued to seek his advice for years after his retirement.

Ted enjoyed hunting (archery and gun) big game and birds, fishing on local rivers and ponds, spending time with his dear wife and loving family, and spreading joy among friends and neighbors. He was a very logical, protective and extremely intelligent man who was constantly willing to help others any time. Ted was a large part of Boy Scout Troop 438 (his son was a Scout) and frequently helped with local campouts and summer camps. He traveled all over the country with this troop and was a great help and source of joy to the other Scout leaders.

Ted is survived by his wife, Holly; daughter, Kira Hansard (Shane, Brandon, Teal); son, Richard; grandson, Ethan; parents, Jeris and Marie; sister, Kristina (son Hunter); brother, Riley (Cindy, Jace, Jakob, and Jeremy), aunt; uncle; sisters-in-laws; brothers-in-laws; cousins, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials in Ted's name may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or Peace Hospice in Great Falls.

Condolences for the family may be posted online at the O'Connor Funeral Home website.