Louis J. Deniz May 1, 1924 - November 29, 2016 Louis Joseph Deniz, 92 years old, went to be with the Lord on November 29, 2016 in Modesto, California. He was born on May 1, 1924 in Dos Palos, CA, son of Joe Machado Deniz and Julia Fagundes, immigrants from Serreta, Terceira, Azores. In the early 1930's, his family moved to the Santa Clara area where he grew up working on the family dairy. He graduated from Santa Clara High School in 1942, where he played the trumpet in the school band. In 1944, he served in the US Navy aboard the USS Dupage APA-41. After his tour of duty he returned to Santa Clara where he met Mary Gutierrez and asked her to marry him on their third date. They moved to Westley and started a dairy with his father. In the early 1950's they moved again to the Dos Rios Ranch in Modesto, where he continued in the dairy business with his son Tom, until 1990. He served on the first board of directors for the Westport Volunteer Fire Department established in 1962 and retired as a director in 1991. In 1991 he was awarded the Honorary Fireman's Award which made him a lifetime fireman. He enjoyed fishing with his friend Joe Reis, playing cards with their wives, and In and Out Burger on Friday nights. He was a Christian man with a calming disposition and a real soft heart for his animals. He is survived by Mary, his wife of 69 years; son, Tom J. Deniz of Modesto, daughter Michele and her husband Frank Durham of Fresno; four grandchildren, Tom A. Deniz, Adam Deniz, Summer Simon, Danielle Durham and two great grandchildren. A Graveside Service will be held at Lakewood Memorial Park, 900 Santa Fe Avenue, Hughson, CA 95326, on Monday, December 12, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. www.cvobituaries.com