Dennis (Denny) Gerald Vopat rode into the sunset on 3/12/2015 in Reno, NV. He was born 5/13/36 in Spearfish, ND, and raised in El Cajon, CA. He graduated from Grosmont High in 1954. Denny attended Palomar College from 1954-57. He also served 2 years in the U.S. Marine Corp. In 1962 he received a business degree from Adams State College in CO and then settled in Orange County, CA where he worked in the sporting goods industry as a manufacturer rep. until he retired and moved to Reno, NV in 2003. Denny was a 3 sport letterman in high school and went on to play baseball and football in college and the Marine Corp.
Denny also became a pilot and owned a Cessna 310 for over 26 years. Flying to all his favorite hunting and fishing locations with clients and friends was truly a passion.

Denny was well known in many social circles and a member of several clubs, but none more special to him as The Wild Game Feed. It began in 1968, Denny, and six of his hunting and fishing buddies got together for a BBQ of wild game and good conversation. The idea grew that there should be a place and time for hunters, fishermen and outdoorsmen to gather each year to share their experiences and build relationships. Denny and the others became known as the “Founding Fathers” of a very special organization, “The Wild Game Feed”. During the formidable years Denny was instrumental in building the foundation and shaping the personality of the Club, he served in numerous capacities including President and Chairman of the Board. In recent years, he was quick to remind the Senior Members not to lose focus on the founding principles of the Club and he always emphasized the importance of giving back to the community and promoting the outdoor activities that he loved so much. Through his efforts and those of the Wild Game Feed, thousands of dollars have been raised to support select charities with an emphasis on introducing underprivileged children to the outdoors, something he was very proud of.

Denny absolutely loved “Event Day” he would put on his special embroidered “Founding Father” shirt and white cowboy hat and spend the day greeting the guests with a smile, a handshake and occasional hug… Bigger than life, Denny was the face of the Wild Game Feed.

This year the 47th Annual Wild Game Feed will commence as it has 46 times before. Denny may not be there in person but you can bet he will be there in spirt…

A cowboy at heart Denny also became involved in two riding groups. Los Tortugas and El Viaje De Portola. He rode along on many trails. The following is a short Segment written by a fellow rider:
Just received word of the passing of our Tortuga Brother Denny Vopat, Denny was on our first ride in 1976. I had the pleasure along with our Brothers of riding many trails with Denny. It was always a pleasure riding with him he always had a big smile on his face and would jump in and help with whatever was needed. In our early years we didn’t buy TREK gifts they were donated, Denny who was in the sporting goods business always made sure we were all taken care of. During the later years Denny would miss a few rides, then show up with a big smile on his face just as if he had made every ride and ask how everyone was doing and he would always ask if we needed anything. I can remember our 1st time at Lake Pulgas at Camp Pendleton after the Saturday there were a few of us down looking at the lake where a young Marine was fishing and he was telling everyone how good the fishing was. Denny walked back to his car and in less than 15 minutes he brought back rods, reels and fishing gear we were all fishing.

He exemplified the spirit of our PJS Riders. I am honored & proud to have called him neighbor, friend & brother Tortugan. He will be missed immensely, but will never be forgotten, His name will also be spoken every year at our empty ride ceremony on the 1st day of our annual TREK along with his brother PJS Riders who have gone to the big trail ride in heaven with God our father.

Denny, vaya con dios mi amigo

Denny was also a member of the California Indians shooting organization. Annually meeting and competing in skeet and trap shooting.

Denny moved to Reno NV in 2003 and retired shortly after. He married the love of his life and spent his retirement years traveling and hunting all over the world.

A lover of the hunting dogs, Denny always had his perfect companion. He leaves behind “Duke II”, his favorite hunting buddy and “Millie”, the miniature poodle who stole his heart.

He was preceeded in death by his parents, Gerald and Eva Lou, Brothers Dick and Mike. Surviving are his loving wife of 10 years Darlene, wonderful daughters Sharon (Ken) Mitchell and Kristi (Rob) Abundis, grandchildren Kasey, Kendyll, and Kolby Mitchell and Isabella and Gavin Abundis, sister, Kathleen (Ron) Lofstrom, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held on April 19, 2015- 11:00 AM – Damonte Family Events Center, 7370 Desert Way, Reno NV 89521. GPS instructions are not correct!! Driving directions are- South from downtown Reno on 580 freeway to Damonte Ranch exit – turn left onto Damonte Ranch Parkway – Turn left on Steamboat Parkway- Turn left on Rio Wrangler. Event Center is to the Right at the end of pavement.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Wild Game Feed: Make donations payable to: AWGF, 4790 Irvine Blvd. suite #105-367, Irvine, CA 92620 (Please note- “For Denny”)

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