A stint in the regular Army led to a role in the Military Police, which saw him put in charge of his own Landrover, which he kept meticulously clean and polished. His pride, loyalty and diligence saw him called out often, regardless of the time, day or night, to carry out his 'specialist driving' role'.
He had a passion for driving, and after leaving the Army began driving trucks. He had married Margaret in 1962, joining her family of seven girls and nine boys, which he sometimes found overwhelming. So he indulged in his second passion, hunting, disappearing into the bush at 4am with his dogs.
Dennis and Margaret raised three children, Shayne, Debbi and Leagh, and he worked incredibly long hours to provide for his family, then living in Rotorua, delivering Lockwood Homes all over New Zealand and 'going bush' on the weekends to bring home the bacon (bush pig) and deer.
It was not possible to nail down how many cars he owned - it was many. If he liked the radio, he said, he bought the car. They would be always be clean and polished, and when venturing out he would drive in slippers.
Dennis moved back north (from Mount Maunganui) 12 years ago to stay with cousin Gayle in Taupo Bay. He continued hunting, bringing home his last pig on December 17. He was a fisho as well, pottering around in boats for much of his life in the Bay of Plenty and back here in the North.
Music Man, the people of Kaitaia will miss your smiling face and melodic voice, the people of Taupo Bay will miss your fun-filled concerts on the deck, but your legacy will be heard through your CDs, and those close enough will not forget you and your many tales, tall and true.