Patrick L. Denton

Patrick L. Denton, age 73, of Grand Rapids passed away peacefully early on Saturday morning, January 25, 2020 surrounded by his family who loved him and his faithful dog, Tucker. Although he lost his battle with cancer, he never lost his courage, dignity, or hope. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Sharon; children, Craig Patrick (Cathy) Denton, Melissa Marie (Michael) Fitzpatrick, Christopher Lee Denton; his 7 adored grandchildren, Eden, Michael (Olivia), Claire, Rachael, Aage, Stella, Julia; his cherished great granddaughter, Meadow Everly; sisters, Vicky Paulen, Vaun (Howard) Conrad, Venette Schafer; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Vivian Denton; brother, Richard; sisters, Valjean, Verlene; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Eva Pinchero. Pat graduated from Central Michigan University, but a bigger University of Michigan fan would be hard to find.  Among his grandchildren's first words were usually “Go Blue”. Pat started his career in sales and held sales management positions with Burroughs Corporation, MCI, and ADP, before he decided to partner with Sharon in their own successful wholesale manufacturer business, Denton Sales. Pat specialized in selling toys, a career choice he loved!  His “consultants” were his grandchildren, so when he was not out selling, you could usually find him on the floor “testing” the products with them. He retired in March, 2018 but most days you could still find him playing with his great granddaughter, Meadow, or watching westerns together with her. Visitation will be held 11 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday, February 1, 2020 at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood. A Memorial Service will be held at 12 noon Saturday following the visitation. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of his favorite charities: Make-A-Wish Foundation, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, or Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.  You might also consider a gift to Emmanuel Hospice who helped care for him in his last days.