Dennis: a life well lived

Release date: 8th June 2012

Dennis lived a long and happy life. 

He was born a premature baby, very small, and in those days there were no incubators, so Dennis was wrapped up in cotton wool and olive oil and placed in a drawer for his crib!  

Dennis was part of a loving family, brought up near Birmingham. He had many memories of his life and treasured being part of his family. He attended a Day Centre which was run by people he grew to love and who loved him, too. Bruce and Ann, leaders at the Day Centre, kept in touch with him when he moved to Wales and they still came to see him when they could and he loved those times. 

Well, Dennis settled with his brother and sister-in-law in Wales and then his brother became unwell so Dennis came to live with Prospects. Dennis loved to see his family and used to travel to see his other brother Neville and family, and of course his family in Birmingham. He had many treasured holidays. 

Dennis also enjoyed working, often making jobs last longer so he’d never run out of work. His favourite job was washing up! He loved music. He played by ear – harmonica, organ and trying any instrument he could get his hands on. He enjoyed listening to CD’s, tapes, records and the radio, which became a real source of comfort and joy when his eyesight deteriorated. 

And Dennis had a deep faith. He loved Jesus and was so happy to be baptised here in Princes Drive. He always said grace before any meal. Every night before he went to sleep he insisted staff read his ‘two’ bibles and prayers. He always wanted to say prayers for his family and friends. 

Dennis had a tender heart and was always thinking of others. As staff we all have our own special memories of times spent with Dennis. Although his health deteriorated and Dennis couldn’t understand why, with help he adapted to the changes. He still enjoyed Derwen Deg (Blind Club), Torch Trust, coffee mornings and Church. He also loved it when he spent time with friends. 

In his 91 years, Dennis touched many lives and those he touched are richer for it.