If you are reading this then you know Dad unfortunately passed away on the 22/4/2020. You will also know, where he was from and who is family are. This bio is more about how we saw our Dad. Dad died in intensive care at Southend Hospital. He wasn’t really a flowers person, so we decided to donate any flower money to the intensive care unit. Dad always helped people in life and I know it would make him happy to help others now. Please leave your name and any photos or stories you have of Dad.
Dad had not been well for a few years but he always bounced back. He was once told he had 2 guardian angels looking out for him. Dad would always joke, with the amount he had wrong with him they must have a sick sense of humour. Dad was never scared of dying, only dying in pain. I am pleased to say that he died peacefully in his sleep.
As children Dad was always there for us and would always make time to muck around and play with us. He used to work in London and some days he would be on the go from 05:00 to 19:00 but always found the time for his family. Dad was one of life’s talkers and he loved a to tell a tale of growing up or different things he has got up to with his mates. This would often lead to conversations around the dinner table or him teaching us a new game.
Dad always provided for my Mum and as such as a family we never went without. In later life I was to find out that although we never went without it didn’t mean he had everything he needed or wanted. Dad never put himself first and always thought of Mum my brother and me.
Dad was friendly and if he liked you or befriended you then you had a friend for life. Not just any friend but a loyal friend. Dad was never a gossip and you could trust him with anything you ever told him. I can hand on heart say I have never heard a bad word said about my Dad. He had time for everyone and everybody knew this which has led to him becoming a sort of surrogate Dad to a few family members and friends. As our Dad he would always come a cross as an old fashioned tough hard working man. He was but looking at his life he always had a soft underbelly, the main one being kids. Dad has always taken great pleasure out of spending time with his kids, grandchildren, nieces and nephews . He would love to ask them questions and watch how they figured out the answers. Kids would always gravitate to him as they knew he would always play and make them laugh. He would always go the extra mile to make things special. You won’t know this but my Dad had a gas board pass which meant he could see the Queen. Well that is what he would tell us as kids on trips to Buckingham Palace. Dad also knew Father Christmas and he had a phone number that he could ring and talk to him. As Christmas come round he would give that number to his friends and relatives. I have literally seen him talking away ringing jingle bells and discussing Christmas down the phone to somebody’s child.
Dad was a no nonsense straight down the line person. Things were either black or white and there was no middle. Right, or wrong that is it. Dad had very strong principles and beliefs and everybody knew where they stood with him, this is why he was so well liked. He, like most people of his era would duck and dive to earn a few extra pounds but he was fair and never ripped anyone off. Watching him as we grew was the best role model we could ask for. Dad as I said never put himself first. We have had many a conversation about him doing this but he just wouldn’t do it. Some people buzz off buying themselves a new pair of shoes. Dad would buzz off buying us or Mum a new pair of shoes. Mum has told us he has even had to put cardboard in his own shoes so we could have presents at birthdays.
As we got older Dad saw his daughter- in-laws as fresh ears and would tell them all his favourite stories from the past. He would love to sit and talk to them. Dad saw them in the same way he would have his own daughter if he had one and treated them as such.
Dad really did have a special way and caring nature. A lot of people don’t really click with their in-laws but dad treated his like they were his own mum and dad and has looked after my auntie as if she was his own sister.
Knowing him how I do, if I was offered to go back in time and pick myself a Dad I would pick him every time. He has been the best role model that us as a family could ask for. We haven’t just lost our Husband, Dad or Grandad we have lost our best friend and confident.
Thank you Dad for everything you have given us. I will be eternally grateful that for once your wish come true and you went to sleep peacefully and in no pain. You truly are the best of men and we know we couldn’t wish for a better person to be looking over us now.
We have all loved you from the start and we will never stop, rest easy and don’t worry about us. Catch up with family and old friends.
Until, we meet again
Love you x x
Hi Grandad, just fancied a chat. I have my own car now and been to show you a couple of times. Me and Colin visited you today, I even beeped my horn for you - you know what I’m like had to make sure you knew I was there! I can see nan know the pandemic has calmed down a bit and once a week I’m going to start having dinner with her, I may even cook if she’s lucky! Hope I’m still doing you proud and I’ll update you again soon, love always Your mate Charley xx
Dear Dennis, happy memories, of our times together with you and your dear family.lots of love to you
from Lin a Les xxxx
Dennis, we miss you
It’s been difficult to find the words or process everything...but I’d just like to start by saying that I am so sorry to have heard about the passing of Dennis. I can honestly say that I am honoured to have got to know him over the last five years of being in his nephews life. I know how much you meant to him and I’ll always remember and cherish that. Dennis was so kind and generous. I’ll never forget his endless stories, how funny he was, coming down to canvey for a chat and a cup of tea, all of us meeting every now and again for fish and chips, you mucking about and laughing away cause of how gullible I am. I’ll treasure all the memories we all had together and make sure to keep my promise x
I’ll never forget you Dennis xx
Love Jackie xxx
Uncle Dennis,
I would like to just say thank you for all the laughs we have had together and all of the memories made.
I personally have 2 favourites I would like to share, firstly it has to be Shirley's car window not working. You asked me to look at it for her, you sat next to me in the car and I said to you watch this.
With that window was now working, I got called a couple of names whilst we were both crying with laughter, however it did save you having to buy a new one. You then said to me at least next time I know how to fix it. To which you did then calling me up to tell me you had done it.
Secondly, only a few of us will only know about this and I will keep it brief and that’s when, me, you, Colin and Terry put the stones down in your garden,
the car journey on the way back to your house from the builders merchants with me, you and Colin will never be forgotten.
Love Sean
Dennis, it was a pleasure knowing you and your family, and being neighbours for 30+ years. We will certainly miss our little chats.
Thinking of you all at this sad time.
RIP Dennis.
Love
Graham & Pauline
xx
Thank you so much for the memories! Knowing Dennis and spending time with him and his family has filled a big part of my life since childhood. We are all blessed to have known you and are better people for that. You pulled some funny tricks on us as kids, ones I will cherish forever. As we grew, you were unknowingly or maybe not, admired and respected by myself and others in and around the friendship circle of your Sons. If there was a picture of a man in the dictionary underneath “principled” It would be you. Your many wise words resonate in my head so often and always will. We will all truly miss you, so bloody much!
Kristen Cook & co.
Rest in peace Dennis. We will always be here for your family. Love from the Cooks x
Dennis,
You have been a big part of my life. Thank you for all of the happy memories we have shared over the years.
Thinking of you all during this sad time.
With lots of Love
Pam xxx
God bless you Dennis. Lots of love from all of the Wildys. xxx
Dennis, colleague, gentleman and friend, we are so lucky to have had the privilege of getting to know you, rest in peace lovely man xx
Rest in Peace.
Love,
June and Family xxx
Dennis, colleague, gentleman and friend we are so privileged that we had the chance to get to know you. Rest in Peace lovely man
Thinking of you during this sad time. Rest in Peace.
Rest in peace Dennis, we will all help your wonderful family wherever and whenever we can
Thinking of you all at this sad time. Rest in Peace Dennis
Love Aunt Dil, Jill Martin and family, Paul Carole and family xxx
On behalf of Terry Dowling (Dad’s Best Mate)
I have had the pleasure of knowing Dennis for may years. I always had a laugh with him and have many happy memories.
Really going to miss you mate rest in peace.
For Dennis, an awesome guy who always made me laugh with his wicked sense of humour and always made me feel welcome amongst his family. He was an absolute rock to many people and always there no matter what for my best friend, his niece . I know this loss will be felt far and wide and for my part I will miss him but am grateful that I got to know him for so many years - Kathleen
Thinking of you all at this very sad time.
Take care of each other
Rest in peace Dennis
Love Aunt Dill, Jill Martin & Family, Paul Carole & Family xxxx
Dear Dennis My first memory of meeting you was queuing outside the Carlton cinema in 1978. I was with Den, Dilys &Steve at the time you & Shirley lived above the shop so was virtually next door! I can’t believe we were going to see Grease O.M.G. not a black & white Cowboy film which we all knew was your normal choice!
Over the years we’ve shared so many memories & laughs, I can still see you climbing out Colin’s bedroom window dressed like “ captain birdseye” to knock down the stalactite icicles that had formed after the really bad snow!
You trying out the boy’s chopper bike— to make sure it was safe for them to ride!
Between us all there were many lifts back & for the hospital’s, suddenly you had loads & missed an appointment, about 4 of us bought you your own calendar making sure you never missed one again!
Then for something to do you and den started visiting auctions— not like either of you were ever going to buy!
No matter what we or indeed anyone writes for sure you were loved and will be missed.
Till we meet again love Chris xx
Dear Dennis I can’t believe I’m not going to see you in your Trilby hat off on your daily walk ,or you getting in the car to go fishing trying to kid me to come along! It’s so hard to think we won’t be having anymore “ all our yesterday’s chats. Miss you mate but I’m so pleased you’re not suffering anymore.
Rest in peace love Den x
Rip xxx
Rip Grandad ❤️
Posting on behalf of Sam Frost.
Love you always grandad.
Love
Sam
XX
Rip Grandad ❤️
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