A bright light and true gentleman, Dale Eric Ensign, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 26, surrounded by his wife and children.

He had fought a heroic 19-month battle against esophageal cancer. Eric was a man who was full of faith and fully trusted in his Heavenly Father’s plan for him. He once said, “My life has been so richly blessed and there are so many who have lived hard and difficult lives. If I can take this for one of them, I am happy to do it.”

Eric Ensign was described as a man who was “blessed with an unusually kind and sensitive heart and a loving spirit of gentleness that endowed him with a gift to be able to connect with people almost instantaneously.” All who knew him felt of his love. He will be sorely missed.

The son of Joyce Murdock and Milton Dale Ensign, Eric was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on April 28, 1953. Although born in Utah, he was raised in San Francisco, CA, and later in Cody, Wyoming. Though opposites, San Francisco and Cody provided Eric with joyous memories and experiences that forever shaped his life. Eric described San Francisco in the 60’s as a magical place filled with exploration. His family moved to Cody, WY for his middle and high school years, and it was in Cody that Eric developed a love for basketball, golf, pheasant hunting, and Yellowstone National Park. He played on the Cody High basketball and golf teams.

As an adult, Eric returned often to San Francisco taking family members to a Giants Baseball game, or to have Wonton Soup at his favorite restaurant in Chinatown, or even to visit his childhood home in the marina. Additionally, whenever he needed to describe to his children how to do something, he always said, “Let me show how we do things in Cody.” Eric’s parents instilled in him a strong work ethic, a sense of independence, and a desire to follow the Savior Jesus Christ.

Eric was a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ throughout his life. As a young man, he served a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Australia and was quickly identified as one with leadership skills. Heavy responsibilities in Australia later prepared him for a lifetime of steadfast church service.

Eric met the love of his life and eternal companion, Lisa MacCabe, on a blind date, in Rockville Maryland during the summer of 1975. After a courtship at BYU, they were sealed for time and all eternity on June 18, 1976, in the Washington DC Temple. Their 47 years of marriage were filled with joy and were tender and sweet. They welcomed seven children and raised them with patience, love, unity, and a focus on the discipleship of Christ. Their children often heard their father say, “I don’t want there to be any doubt that I love your mother.” He proved that with his every word and action. Family was his love. Just two days before his passing, Eric said to Lisa, “I may not have given you everything, but I am leaving you with 7 magnificent children.” Eric and Lisa have 18 grandchildren.

After graduating from BYU his professional career was comprised of managing commercial real estate. He was an accomplished negotiator and after every business meeting, all involved left feeling they had gotten the better end of the deal. He was hardworking and trustworthy.

Eric served in a variety of church callings and assignments including Sunday School President, Young Men’s President, Bishopric Counselor, Bishop, Member of the Stake High Council, Stake Presidency Counselor, and along with Lisa, President of the Ohio Cincinnati Mission. He wrote in his journal that having Lisa as his missionary companion was a dream come true. He loved serving and seemed most comfortable in a suit and tie. A cancer diagnosis shortened his service in Ohio, but when asked what he loved the most about his mission, he replied, “The missionaries.”

Eric was a man without guile. Even as he fought cancer, he remained positive, optimistic, and cheerful. He often downplayed his pain and continued to focus his attention and service on others. His example of compassion and discipleship impacted all who had the privilege to know him.

Eric is survived by his wife Lisa, and their seven children: Amy (Taft), Mckay (Molly), Taylor (Alisa), Grant (Jill), Tanner (Michelle), Camille, Hunter (Bailey), his father Milton Dale Ensign (Elaine), siblings Erlynn Lansing (Chris), Clint (Cindy), Jonathan (Tracy), his half-sister Heather Gordon (Corbin) as well as step-siblings Robert Pusey (Cari), Lisa Howe, Lynne Johnston (Mark), and Lance Ensign (Lisa). Eric is preceded in death by his mother, Joyce Murdock (Sidney), and his half-sister Celeste Ensign.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Vaia Florou and all those at Huntsman Cancer Institute, Huntsman at Home, and CNS Hospice for their professionalism and compassionate care. We emphasize appreciation to family, friends, and neighbors for expressions of love and support. Though our hearts are broken, our faith in the Savior provides us comfort in knowing that we will all be reunited with ‘The Man from Cody’ once again.

Viewing and Funeral Services will be held at the Stake Center located at 9880 South 3100 East. Sandy, UT 84092

Viewing: Thursday, April 6, 2023, from 6:00-8:00 pm

Viewing: Friday, April 7, 2023, from 9:30-10:45 am.

Funeral Services: Friday, April 7, 2023, at 11:00 am.

Internment to follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery: 10600 South 1700 East. Sandy, Utah 84092