In Memoriam: Dennis Armstrong
April 8, 2024
Dennis Armstrong
Dennis Vern Armstrong, cooperative extension specialist emeritus, passed away in early February. He was 88.
Armstrong served as the Extension Dairy Specialist in what was then called the Department of Animal Sciences from 1973 until his retirement in 1999. He was known internationally as a leading expert in dairy operation and management, and in particular for his research on using facility design to reduce the impact of high temperatures on dairy production. After retiring from UArizona, he continued his international consulting work until 2019.
“Dennis Armstrong epitomized what an extension specialist should be: in constant search of solutions for the problems affecting the dairy producers in the state” said Duarte Diaz, an associate professor in the School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences. “The design and operation of all the dairy farms in Arizona have his fingerprint on them. I could not have asked for a better role model for my work."
Armstrong is survived by his children: Susan, Wallace (Debi), Elizabeth Larson (Ted), and Jill, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.