In our small circle of high school band friends he was known as "The Chief," a nickname that he wore well. Its origin was in his leadership roles in Scouts as a Scout and adult volunteer. Dennis understood the role of leader as servant, a spiritual gift noted in Romans 12:6-8. Whatever he could do for someone he did. In high school our band director, Bob Edson, once remarked how difficult it was to keep the band room clean. Dennis proposed a "Band Beautification Committee" and rounded up several bandsmen who had the same study hall as he and every day they did what had to be done: file music, sweep, arrange chairs and music stands. Dennis even had the school yearbook take a picture of the group for the yearbook, giving the BBC equal billing with all of the other clubs. Dennis was put in charge of transporting percusssion equipment to a marching contest, held the same day as the ACT test. Dennis was taking the test held in the north cafeteria above the band hallway when the loading of the truck began. Well before the test was scheduled to end Dennis was loading the truck, remarking how lucky he was to know all of the answers to the last two colums of bubble responses, enabling him to finish early. Another time a band student was hospitalized with a football injury. Dennis saw to it that the student received all of his homework assignments every day and offered him rides to school until recovery was complete.
Our lives infrequently intersected after high school; life just got in the way. But every time they did his commitment to others was only augmented by time, his updates full of stories of service to others and thier service to him. He fostered a great sense of community wherever he was. He was too busy forging memories to relive old ones.
About two weeks ago "Chief" appeared on my cellphne caller ID, and the news was not good. A subsequent visit confirmed the worst. Yet he never complained about anything, focusing on what Katie and James had been doing for him over the last several months. Everyone should have a daughter and son-in-law like that. His comments were yet again about service, this time about what was being done for him. It was a time of unbelievable dignity and gratitude.
Thanks for your legacy of service and your investment in others, Chief. It will live on in the lives of those fortunate enough to have known you.
"The Kid"
