Dennis DonleyFURRDennis Donley Furr, 61, known to his family and friends as Denny, passed away on 18 April 2026 in Derby, UK.
Denny grew up in Lansing, Michigan to Bonnie Jean and Dennis Dale Furr with his two sisters and brother. He joined the US Navy in 1982. Following his service, he lived in Minnesota before moving to the UK in 1999. During his time in the UK he raised a family, started a business, built a successful career and made many cherished memories with family, friends and colleagues.
Denny moved to Sawley Marina on Narrowboat Andante in 2019 to live his lifelong dream of living on a boat. He was a much-loved member of the Marina community, known as the dog whisperer, and will be missed by all. Anyone who knew Denny would describe him as kind, generous and caring, with a big personality and a wicked sense of humour. Many will miss his loud, infectious laugh that would reverberate around any space he was in. Denny had a special love for dogs, technology, AI, science and alchemy, amongst many other topics he could talk to you about for hours. His bright cobalt blue Piaggio Ape brought him much joy during his final days, and he was working on building an electrical recycling business at the time of his passing.
Denny was a loving father to Emma Sherwood (partner Louisse O'Toole) of Nuneaton, UK. In his final days, he also had the joy of reconnecting with his daughter Jessika and granddaughter Maegan, which brought him great happiness. He is survived by his stepfather, Douglas Wilson, his siblings Julie Gruhn (partner David Gruhn), Paul Furr (partner Jill Platte) and Sheri Furr (partner Danica Nichols), and many beloved family and friends across the UK and the US. He was preceded in death by his mother, Bonnie Jean Furr, who passed in 2025, and his father, Dennis Dale Furr, who passed in 1994.
Celebration of Life
We would love for you to join us for a celebration of life in loving memory of Denny 💙
Saturday 30th May, from 4pm
The Plank & Leggit, Sawley Bridge Marina, Tamworth Rd, Nottingham, NG10 3AD
Come as you are - no need to wear black. There will be drinks behind the bar, food later on, and the chance to share stories and raise a glass to him. If you would like to say a few words, there will be an opportunity, but absolutely no pressure.
Cremation
We will also be at Bramcote Crematorium (Coventry Ln, Bramcote, Stapleford, Nottingham, NG9 3GJ) on Monday 11th May at 8:45am to see Denny off. As it is a direct cremation, it will be short, and we won't be going inside for a service, but you are warmly welcome to join us outside to pay your respects.
If you would like to join the celebration of life online, please contact Emma at elouisesherwood@gmail.com
In place of flowers or condolence gifts, we ask that those who wish to honour Denny donate to Movember, a charity he was passionate about, dedicated to men's health, mental wellbeing and suicide prevention.
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