Dennis O'Neill

Dennis O’Neill, 86, of Twin Lakes died March 19, 2019, at his home in Salida Co. He was born March 18, 1933, in Michigan He was a lifelong resident of Twin Lakes and recently moved to Salida with his grandson Josh. Mr. O’Neill was highly educated, receiving his doctorate in June of 1959. He also continuously studied and fought for Colorado Water and Mining Rights. He devoted his adult life to developing the Twin Lakes land he loved so much. You could find him most days socializing with gold panners or cruising around his acreage. Mr. O’Neill also dreamed of a ski resort for the Twin Lakes area at the base of Quail Mountain. He spent many years developing and designing his dream. To his last day Dennis never lost hope for the someday success of “Quail Mountain Ski Resort”. He loved all types of animals, including horses, cats, dogs, chickens, pigs and cows. He was known for his need to spoil all of his creatures with love and snacks. Friends and family said he was a blend of fire and ice. Dennis lived his life unapologetically and always followed his dreams. Dancing to the beat of his own drum; he never allowed anyone (especially himself) to get in the way of what he wanted. He was a friend and an ally to some and a force to be reckoned with to others. Regardless of what kind of relationship he had with people, Dennis wasn’t the type you forgot. He spent that last few years of his life sharing his “good ol days” stories with those who visited, flirting with his nurses and pursuing his many businesses. Dennis was an amazing man and will be dearly missed by so many. Survivors include his daughter,Norene (Douglas) Boykin of Socorro; grandsons, Daniel Boykin, Samuel Boykin of Socorro, and Joshua (Sierra) O’Neill of Salida.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dennis O'Neill, please visit our floral store.