FALL 2019 GUNSOFTHEOLDWEST 67
Editor’sNote:Oneofour
longtimecontributors,Denis
Prisbrey, unfortunately
passed away on May 9,2019.
We were lucky enough to
know him for over 20 years.
He had a knack for writing,
skillfully weaving stories
and crafting long sentences
that somehow never turned
into run-ons, which always
amazed and frustratedus.
Not only did we lose a very
talented writer and an asset
to the outdoor community,
but also a very good friend.
Below is his obituary written
by one of his daughters. Our
deepest and most sincere
condolences to the family.
D
enis Jack Prisbrey,
known to someas
Wooly Mammoth
or Wild Stallion,
passed away during a sud-
den and brief stay at the
University of Utah Hospital
in Salt Lake City on May9,
2019, at the frustratingly
young age of 66.
A beloved husband,
father, grandfather, brother,
nephew, uncle and best
friend, Denis was born
on September 2, 1952,in
St. George, Utah, to Jack
Roland Prisbrey and Laurel
Adele (Anderson) Prisbrey.
In his youth, Denis spent a
great deal of time with fam-
ily in the rural town of Oak
City,Utah,wherea pieceof
hisheartalwaysremained.
There he developed an
appreciation of his family
heritage, history, the moun-
tains and the western desert.
His adult years were
spent in service. He served
in the Air Force during the
lateryearsoftheVietnam
War,whereheenjoyed bouts
of “poor attitude” and“mis-
conduct” with his superior
officer. Denis eventually set-
tled in Salt Lake City, where
he served his community
for 18 years as a police offi-
cer and weapons instructor
fortheWestValleyCity
PoliceDepartment.The lat-
ter part of Denis’s life was
spent as a well-respected
writer for several gun and
outdoor magazines.
While it took Denis a
few tries, he finally found
the love of his life, Bubbles,
and settled in Lake Point,
Utah. Together for over 30
years, their never-ending
devotion to each other
served as a great example to
their children and others.
Denis found joy connecting
in unique and thoughtful
ways to those he loved. He
found even more joy being
a grandfather and mentor
with simple acts like color-
ing with his granddaughters
or helping a little buddy
achieve his Eagle Scout
award. His friendship, sup-
port and big bear hugs will
be sorely missed.
Denis is survived by his
wife, Carol Jane “Bubbles”
Prisbrey; children Kelly
Kinney, KanaMarie Poulson,
Jody Woodard and Angela
McNorbrey; granddaugh-
ters Madison Kinney and
Izabella Woodard; and sib-
lings Thayne Prisbrey, Stacy
Prisbrey, Scott Prisbrey,
Gail Dealy and Kenny
McGrath. He is preceded in
death by his daughter, Kimi
Prisbrey, and his grandson,
Sasuke Poulson. ✪
REMEMBERING
DENIS PRISBREY
Saying goodbye to a talented writer and Guns of the Old West family member
• IN MEMORIAM •
