The first thing to reflect on is the smile in this picture. It beamed straight through from his heart to yours. Anybody who ever heard Dennis laugh was ennobled. Anybody who ever read Dennis was privileged. Anybody who knew him was lucky. Anybody who was affected by his presence in the world — which is almost everybody, whether they knew it or not — was blessed. As we say in the trade, using initials he knew so well in his several years of superb editing of the Flyer, MTK (More to Come).
Meanwhile, here are two communications Sunday from a devoted sister and a devoted chldhood friend, both of whom shared the last weeks and months with him.
Dear Friends and Family,
Dennis finished his journey in this life today, Sunday, January 6, 2002, at 5:30 pm at home. His departure was very warm and peaceful. We were all surrounding his bed, touching him and speaking to him. When he finally let go it was with a very gentle release, almost a quiet sigh. I couldn’t imagine that he could have wished for anything better. We are planning, tentatively, for a memorial service on Wednesday in Memphis and Thursday or Friday in Paris. He wanted a joyous send off. Nothing sad or depressing…. We have shed many ourselves. But, try to remember that Dennis didn’t want the tears, he wanted smiles and laughs as we remember who he was and what he meant to each of us. Remember him with a smile.
Evonne (Dennis’ sister)
P.S. Just as he had wanted to, he did this with dignity and humor all the way to the end. One of the last times he smiled was when he heard that Steve Spurrier had resigned. Classic Dennis!
Dennis died tonight at about 5:30 P.M. He was at home surrounded by
family and friends. Tentatively, there will be a memorial service in
Memphis on Wednesday and another one in Paris on Thursday. I will send
more information as it becomes available. Randy [Flowers]
