Denis Leslie Lien of Heppner passed away at home on March 11, 2026 at the age of 68.
Denis was born on Feb. 27, 1958 in McMinnville to Manvil Lien and Betty Armstrong.
Denis worked hard and played harder. He coached Little League softball and baseball and was always willing to step in to support the kids in his community. He also played both co-ed and men’s league softball, spending many weekends camping and traveling to games and tournaments with friends and family.
He was an avid hunter and shared many special memories in the mountains with some of his closest friends. Those who knew Denis know how much he loved the mountains, especially when the tamaracks turned yellow each fall.
Denis never missed his children’s sporting events. He was often the loudest supporter in the stands, cheering them on with pride and enthusiasm.
Denis Leslie Lien is survived by his wife, Tamera Walker; his children, Wendy (James Cannin IV), Kevin (Kaila Beaver), Misty (Monte Anderson), and Christopher (Kyla Clancy); his grandchildren, Noah, Thaiden (Rachel Walker), Ashton, Kiana, Kendallynn, Paige, Payton, Paislee, and Kimber; and his sister, Donna Fairchild of Australia.
Denis was preceded in death by his father, Manvil Lien; his mother, Betty Armstrong; step-father, Forrest Magers; and his brother, Donald Lien.
A graveside service was held at the Heppner Masonic Cemetery with a gathering of family and friends that followed the service at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Heppner Youth Baseball, P.O. Box 362, Heppner, Ore., 97801.
The family would like to thank Tim Dickinson, the hospice care team, the nurses at Pioneer Memorial Hospital, Keenan and Emily Jack, and Sweeney Payton Mortuary for the care and support they provided during this time.
