Dennis Maurice Lay, age 69, passed away peacefully and entered into rest on June 21, 2024 after a 4-year courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his sister Patti Lay; dear uncle to Adam, Josh and Christina; dear great-uncle to Isaac, Johnston and Ethan; beloved honorary uncle to Isangel and Jehu; cherished honorary grandfather to Alicia; dear friend to Luis, Art, his photography models and countless others. Dennis was a resident of Albuquerque, NM but spent much of his life in Maplewood, MO and attended Maplewood Richmond Heights High School. He was a computer technician for AT&T until his retirement, relocating from Kirkwood, MO to El Paso, TX before finally settling in Albuquerque. Dennis enjoyed his second act at the foot of the Sandia Mountains, leaving "Misery" (i.e., Missouri) behind! He created exquisite home gardens and was passionate about his loves of photography and music. Dennis' beautiful photos were published in several journals and will be enjoyed by generations to come. His favorite musical artists were U2 and the Beatles. Even from afar, Dennis followed his St. Louis Cardinals. He will be remembered for his brutal honesty, keen wit and generous spirit. Dennis is preceded in death by parents James M. Lay and Mary Jean Lay Pitts and brother Sheldon Lay (Angela). Loving gratitude given to his special caregivers Dulce and Viridiana ~ there is a special place in heaven for them both. Dennis arranged to be at rest next to great-grandparents George and Mary Ann Ennis. A private service will be held Tuesday, July 2, 2024, 10:00a.m. at Cove Cemetery in Moselle, MO. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to The American Cancer Society or an organization close to your heart. Rest well our dear one. "My heroes are the ones who survived doing it wrong, who made mistakes, but recovered from them." - Bono