Editor’s note: The text below repeats the content of an email to all RANOPS members shortly after Dennis crossed the bar. The message has since been re-transmitted via other ex-RAN mailing lists.

RANOPS Email Distribution List

29 August 2024

From Bob Van-Kempen

To: RANOPS

Good afternoon all.

It is with a very sad heart that I have to pass on the devastating news that Dennis crossed the bar this afternoon at about 1520. He had his wife Libby, his friend Alan, Graham from the Coorparoo RSL, a Priest and myself to see him start his last journey.

Dennis was struck down earlier this week by a heart attack. Libby was with him at the time and got him to hospital as soon as possible, but the damage had been done and he didn’t recover. He had been battling cancer for a number of months, but when I spoke to him last week, he thought he had got on top of it and was looking forward to attending the RANOPS lunch scheduled for tomorrow (but now cancelled).

Dennis was a founding member of RANOPS. He was the life of any gathering he attended, one of life’s great gentlemen and a true friend. I’m going to miss his ready smile, boundless wit, dreadful jokes and unfailing friendship. He is going to be sorely missed.

I’ll retransmit any further information as it comes to hand and pass on our condolences to Libby.