My Uncle Dennis has always been a presence in my life, for as long as I can remember. From being a page boy at his wedding as a young child, there’s always been a connection, something that linked me back to the world my parents came from. Through Dennis, I always felt a connection to that culture, those values, and those ideals my parents grew up with. The Dennis I knew embodied those values, principled, respectful, caring, he was literally a gentle man in every sense.
During tough times he was a great support to my father. And in my own experience of Dennis as an adult, I always found him to be empathetic and genuinely concerned. I knew that whatever I spoke to him about would be met with kindness and treated with the utmost respect and discretion without judgement.
As a child, I remember him as a kind of fun version of my dad, cheekier, younger, and with a sense of humour that was genuinely funny, not the “dad humour” my dad had.
One of my favourite memories of Dennis is from my dad’s 70th birthday, when he was living in Spain. Dennis called to wish him a happy birthday, and just as they finished the call, Dennis suddenly walked through the front door with Carol, Rebecca, Dan, and Oliver in tow. My dad was utterly bemused—"Good gracious, I’ve just been talking to you!" he exclaimed. What a prank! It was classic Dennis: warm, playful, and heartfelt.
Rest in Peace Uncle Dennis.
Gideon Boulton
06/04/2025
