Dennis was born and grew up in Rochdale.  Following education at Chadderton Grammar he joined the Police Cadets in 1952 and shortly after met Doreen marrying a few years later.  Dennis and Doreen had four children.

 

In 1956 Dennis left the Police Force to do National Service in the RAF serving in Singapore and Malaya.  On leaving the RAF Dennis had numerous jobs including as a Manager of Gents Outfitters as well as being a part-time voluntary Fireman.  In 1965 Dennis joined Johnson’s, the drycleaners based in Bootle, Liverpool, working for the retail side of the business.  After a few years he was transferred to the workwear division as a founder manager operating the Apparelmaster workwear franchise.   Subsequently, he was promoted to Managing Director of the James Hayes subsidiary, a large and significant linen rental company.

In later years Dennis became industry ambassador for Johnson’s serving on numerous committees, becoming President of the Textile Services Association in 1997, a member of the European Textile Association, Master of the Worshipful Company of Launderers (2001-2002) and a member of the Whitsters’ Club.  Dennis served the industry well and was known for his warm, well-mannered and friendly approach to all matters but still having a keen eye to keep the industry focused.  Dennis was a true ambassador to the Textile industry and a very regular attendee of social events with Doreen at his side.  He gave his time generously to all who regularly asked for help.

 

Dennis was a popular member of the Worshipful Company of Launderers joining the Court in 1996 helping in guiding the Company to receive its Royal Charter in 2010.   Dennis loved the Livery, his contributions to the Company are immeasurable, he was an asset to the Court and all the Committees on which he sat (he was a regular contributor to the bi-annual Red Cross Market at Guildhall) sharing his knowledge and wisdom with generosity of spirit which sums up this wonderful man.

 

Dennis very much enjoyed his family life and from early family holidays he had a love of travel; travelling extensively through France, Spain, US and many other countries.  The family did many fly drive holidays to the USA, often visiting Texas to see his favourite country singer, Dale Watson.  He enjoyed fine wine and food.

 

One of Dennis’s greatest passions was Marine Football Club in Crosby, Liverpool.  He joined in the 1970’s serving as President twice for a total of fourteen years, seeing them to great success in the 1990’s.  He continued to support them for the remainder of his life even attending as often as he could from his home in London.  Other passions included canals, boating; and cruising he owned two boats over the years.  He also had a great love of many genres of music, attending many concerts over the years and a love of theatre.