Presentation by Father Peter Barker

June 10, 2000, Stockton, California Holy Cross Methodist Church

I first became acquainted with Dennis in Rotary Club. He was always like a pastor to members as well as a wise counselor. After each meeting he did not dash out the door like so many did, but stayed around as various members shared their interests and concerns and problems with him. He was a gentle person in demeanor and the most respected member in the counsel he gave. He had the gift of being a good listener. Rotary members lost a wonderful friend at Dennis's passing

Many people that I sent to Dennis for psychiatric help informed me how wonderful he was to them in a most gracious and kind manner. Anyone could talk to him and feel the genuine respect he had for each person he encountered. As the years went by he became my true friend, as he did to many others, as well.

Dennis was a central and longtime member in the Stockton Leadership Group. We are composed of men from different Christian denominations, including Roman Catholics. Every Friday morning at 7:30 a.m., twelve to fourteen men meet for breakfast at a local restaurant. We read the same book on religion and each week a member takes turns as the leader of the discussion. Dennis more than once told me that this discussion was the highlight of his week. He was the leavening influence in the group and in his quiet way, he expressed astute insights. We have several doctors, men from other professions, college professors, and civic leaders. Dennis stood out as a great leader of these discussions for many years.

Two passages of Holy Scripture come to mind in expressing our feelings about Dennis: "Well done thou good and faithful servant. Thou has been faithful over a few things. I will make thee ruler over many." The second passage is from Romans 8, "for I am persuaded that neither life nor death, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor any other thing in creation shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Amen.

-- Father Peter Barker