Dennis Walton Dairman

Dennis Walton Dairman, 83, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 27, 2025.

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1942 to Joseph George Dairman and Florence Lilian Dairman (née Chester), Dennis moved with his family to Phoenix, Arizona, as a  young child. Dennis’s father died when he was just a few weeks old, and his early life was marked by significant financial insecurity. That experience shaped him profoundly, fueling both his drive to pursue higher education and his enduring compassion for those facing hardship.

Sports became both a passion and a refuge during Dennis’s formative years. He excelled in swimming and basketball, ultimately focusing on basketball after learning it offered more scholarship opportunities. At Phoenix’s North High School, Dennis set state records, including a remarkable single-game scoring record of 62 points in 1960. Achieved before the introduction of the 3-point line, it remains a big-school record to this day.

Dennis’s talent earned him a full scholarship to Arizona State University (ASU), where he continued to excel on the court. The 1962–63 ASU basketball team, which Dennis was proud to be a part of, is widely considered one of the greatest teams in program history. In 2002, Dennis was inducted into the ASU Athletic Hall of Fame in recognition of his achievements. More meaningful to him than accolades, however, were the lifelong friendships he formed with his teammates.

Though offered an ABA/NBA tryout, Dennis chose instead to further his education. He earned an MBA from ASU and his law degree from the University of Arizona (he’d want you to know that ASU didn’t have a law school at the time).

Dennis devoted much of his professional life to public service, spending many years as an attorney with the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office before being appointed as a judge of the Arizona Superior Court in Maricopa County.  A descendant of Russian Jews—many of whom perished in the Holocaust in what is now Ukraine—Dennis was always deeply committed to justice. As a public defender, he fought fiercely for the rights of his clients. As a Superior Court judge, appointed in 1992, he found particular fulfillment in his work on the Juvenile Bench, where he worked tirelessly to protect vulnerable children and help guide them toward rehabilitation. Throughout his career, Dennis was known for his humor, integrity, and compassion—qualities that made a lasting impact on all who crossed his path.

Although Dennis achieved much in athletics and in his career, he was not one to brag. Everything he pursued was in service of building a better life—for himself, his family, and his community. He never took himself too seriously and was, in fact, a legendary prankster who delighted in making others laugh, often at his own expense.

In 1970, Dennis found what he considered his greatest success when he married the love of his life, Charlotte Marie (née Huish). Even more remarkable was the deep love they shared throughout their 54 years together. Dennis affectionately called Charlotte his “Tweety Bird,” and together they raised five children—and welcomed many others into their home as family. Their home in Mesa, Arizona was a place of warmth, laughter, good food, and unconditional love. Everyone who entered felt truly welcome.

In retirement, Dennis enjoyed traveling with Charlotte, serving in his church, shopping at Costco, cheering on the ASU Sun Devils, and most of all, spending time with family and friends. A man of deep generosity, Dennis gave freely of his time and resources. He believed in hard work, honor, faith, and family—and he modeled those values every day, leaving a lasting legacy in his children and grandchildren.

With the help of his beloved wife, Dennis built a beautiful life. His impact on those who knew him was immeasurable. And while he stood an impressive 6’5”, it was his heart—not his height—that made Dennis a true giant among men.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Florence; his brothers, Richard Dairman and Reeve Odell; his sister, Gail Bria; and his grandson, Christopher Poeppe.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Charlotte; his children: Frances Dairman, Florence Cannon (Michael), Joseph Dairman (Kathy), Charles Dairman (Courtney), and Jonathan Dairman; and by his informally adopted children, Jill and Jason Briggs. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and countless cherished friends.

Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6655 E. Preston St, Mesa, on Wednesday, July 9, with the visitation at 4:00 pm., the funeral at 5:00 pm, and an informal celebration of life from 6:00 pm to 7:00pm. Interment will follow on Thursday, July 10, at 9:00 am. at the City of Mesa Cemetery.

For those unable to attend the service in person, you will be able to use this link: https://tinyurl.com/dairman

The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of the Valley, Visiting Angels, and Clearwater Agritopia for their loving care. They’d also like to thank the Relief Societies of the Mountain Vista, Emerald Acres, and Higley wards for their compassionate service.

In honor of Dennis’s lifelong care for others, contributions to the American Cancer Society or Doctors Without Borders would be a meaningful tribute.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.