by spendlove Moderator 21 Dec 2017

From Ann Andrews:

"The funeral was a wonderful tribute to his life,both professional and personal.There were over 110 people attending...we know this as they were standing 3 deep at the rear of the crematorium and all the way down the aisle....several of his friends spoke and gave such moving and positive tributes to him,and most people there were amazed at the breadth and depth of his accomplishments.Many who knew him quite well had no idea he was an MBE (awarded for his role in the Herald of Free Enterprise ship disaster and the Armenian earthquake rescue mission)..Dennis was a very humble and talented and funny man,and I'm so glad that so many people that he cared about recognised that too.

You asked for details of the service so The music he chose for the funeral was 5 rings by Vangelis for the opener,then Barcelona by Caballe and Freddie Mercury,Who Wants to live Forever by Queen,and finally A Winters Tale and it's a Beautiful Day by Queen.His sister chose the hymns which were Lord of all Hopefulness and Jerusalem,and the poem Death is Nothing At All by Henry Scott Holland .Dennis asked for the poem What is a Fireman?which the son of one of his old colleagues read."

140716

Comments (12)

by pennifold 15 Jan 2018

Oh! now I'm crying Sue. I miss him so much, we were good friends on here and through our emails and I'll never forget his fantastic sense of humour. Thank Ann for us as it must be so difficult for her, they had a wonderful life and he was a man of many talents. I absolutely love his choice of hymns and songs. Love Chris

234253

by cfidl 15 Jan 2018

Thank you for sharing this with us. I am moved along with you all that his participation was truly special.

173580

by pldc 15 Jan 2018

I am saddened to read that Dennis has passed away. Thank you for sharing this Sue, I am not surprised that so many were in attendance...........I am sure he will be missed

299557

by gerryvb 21 Dec 2017

thank you Sue, for posting these words from Ann. No wonder so many people wanted to be there for a last goodbye. He was a very special man, he will be missed but also remembered by many people. Even by people like here on Cute who never met him in person. great he had a wonderful funeral, he deserved it all. Hope Ann will cherish many beautiful memories, she will be in my thoughts and prayers in this difficult time.

740119

by dailylaundry 21 Dec 2017

Thanks, Sue, for sharing this. Dennis will be missed by many!!! Prayers for Ann and family! Hugs, Laura

95271

by rescuer Moderator 21 Dec 2017

Thank you Sue for this and for keeping us apprised.... Please let Anne know many more were there with them -- just not in person. His funeral was perfect for the man we came to know. I'm glad he was honoured the way he was and for so many of his accomplishments. May all who knew him find peace and may Anne be blessed with comfort and keep treasured memories of all the laughter and fun they had. He was a wonderful man!

1 comment

by spendlove 21 Dec 2017

Ann saw all of the comments on each of the previous threads. She was touched.

57616

by kustomkuddle 21 Dec 2017

A Queen fan and Eddie Mercury! How fitting. It sounds as though he had quite the sense of humor. I'm sorry, but what is MBE? Is it an award? Thank you for sharing.

1 comment

by asterixsew 21 Dec 2017

Member of the British Empire which is an award for services through work or community activities. I’m on my phone but will put more later

14619

by dragonflyer 21 Dec 2017

Thank Anne for all of us for sharing these memories and details about the service...how blessed we all were here to have him as a part of our community...how lucky we were!!

313788

by michemb 21 Dec 2017

Nice that he was remembered that way

64451

by asterixsew Moderator 21 Dec 2017

What a man. Thanks Sue for posting this message from Ann

114313

by airyfairy 21 Dec 2017

Thank you so much for this. Makes me feel I was there.

253107

by marianb 21 Dec 2017

Sounds like he was given a wonderful send off. There was much about Dennis we didn't know. He would have been a great person to meet in person. Marian

45917