David Lawrence Denier

David Lawrence Denier--a husband, father, grandfather, coach, and former federal prosecutor – passed away January 29, 2026 at Stanford Hospital with his family by his side. David was born in Highland Park, Michigan to Leon and Esther Denier. He was raised in Allen Park, Michigan and went on to attend the University of Michigan. After his graduation, his interest in African studies prompted him to travel to Africa for nearly a year, which provided him a lifetime of favorite memories and stories. He moved to Oakland Hills, California in 1974, working for a few years before entering law school at the University of San Francisco. After graduating law school, David was introduced to his wife, Joy, through a mutual friend. He worked for the IRS until he attained his dream job – becoming a federal prosecutor in San Francisco. David and Joy married in the summer of 1983 and established their first house in San Mateo, CA. One year later they welcomed their son Kirk. The family moved to their current home in Menlo Park, California in the summer of 1989. David’s love for Michigan carried through the entirety of his life and was passed on to his son. He brought his family on summer camping trips to Ludington, Michigan, sharing fond childhood memories and activities he cherished with his family. Next to family, the most important thing was University of Michigan football – something he also passed on to his son. He loved singing the tune of “Hail to the Victor’s” at any opportunity. Coaching was another great love of David’s life. He started with his son’s soccer team when Kirk was 4 years old, and moved on to coaching tee ball a year later. Baseball was David’s favorite sport, and he continued to coach baseball through the decades. He also took the time to coach many of his son’s basketball teams. David created endless memories and made countless friends through his years of coaching. Later in life, David developed a keen interest in gardening. In his retirement years, he delighted in mulling around the front and back yards, socializing with neighbors passing by, and enjoying the relaxation of the life he built. When he wasn’t in the yard, David could often be found standing around and admiring photos of his grandkids as they scrolled through on their digital picture frame. David was survived by his wife Joy, sister Jane, brother Craig, son Kirk, daughter-in-law Tiyasha, niece Emi, and grandchildren Myles and Layla. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the “Med Fund,” online at medicalgiving.stanford.edu (using the “Make a Gift tab”) or by mail to Stanford University Development Services, P.O. Box 20466, Stanford, CA 94309-0466. Please make checks payable to Stanford University and include a note or indicate on the memo line that the gift is made “In memory of David Denier” for the Med Fund.

David Lawrence Denier

September 20, 1949 - January 29, 2026