Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends. We gather here today to fondly remember and celebrate the life of Dennis John Webster, a man whose unique spirit and vibrant personality touched the hearts of all who knew him. Dennis, also known as GG by his great-grandchildren, lived a life filled with laughter, adventure, and unwavering love for his family.
Dennis was born on 22nd June, 1937, to Edith and John, fondly known as Jack. They had 3 children. They had Brian and Shirley, and when Dennis came along the family was complete. He didn’t talk until the age of 5. As he put it, he didn’t have too much to say so why bother. His Aunty Winnie lived with them, and she would look after the family while his parents went off to work. His mum would make parachutes while his dad was a miner. His earliest memories were of the war. He would spend his time watching the planes overhead, and getting chocolate and bananas off the American soldiers. He even saw a plane crash once. Collecting a piece of shrapnel as a souvenir. Dennis enjoyed some great memories with his family. Especially his sister Shirley and brother-in-law Tommy. As well as Edith’s brother George and sister-in-law Sue.
In 1959, at the Manor Top Picture Palace, Dennis met the love of his life, Edith. While it might not have been love at first sight, but they soon married in 1963. Their bond blossomed over the years into a beautiful family, including their children Jacqui and Andrew, son and daughter in laws Martin and Mandy, and their grandchildren Matthew, Thomas, Alex, Luke and Jordan, and their partners Mel, Gabby, Kelsey and Emily. Not forgetting GG’s great grandkids Grace, Jacob, Mila and “Naughty Boy” Noah. He loved them all and was especially proud of his grandkids.
Dennis and Edith lived in many places over the years. Leaving an impact on every address he called home – from Hastings Road in Millhouses to Norfolk Park Flats, Queen Mary Road on the Manor, but it was at Delves Drive in Hackenthorpe he left the biggest impact. Burying anything and everything in the garden, including many a TV. They finally settled at East Glades Way where they lived together until Dennis moved to the care home.
Dennis embraced a diverse career, working down the pit, serving as a bouncer at the City Hall where he shook hands with Shirley Bassey, and operating cranes. He finally settled working in the steelworks on the castings working at Craven’s, Spear and Jacksons, and William Cooks. It was said that he could go to work in the morning at one job and come back in the afternoon in another.
An adventurer at heart, Dennis and his family explored the beauty of the UK and overseas. From their caravan in Ingoldmells, to the shores of Paignton in Devon, to their escapades in Zante, Dennis infused every journey with his infectious enthusiasm. Notably, he demonstrated his daring spirit when he jumped into the sea, despite not being able to swim, to rescue his family from a 6-man dinghy mishap. The water was only ankle deep. Nevertheless, he did save everyone. His wandering nature also once led him to getting stuck in a shop in Zante. Having gone in to get some batteries the shop owner didn’t realise he was there. Locking up the shop leaving Dennis stuck inside. Thankfully one of the locals noticed him and was able to get him released without too much drama.
Dennis’s compassion extended to the animal kingdom. His love for animals was evident in his variety of different pets they had. These included guinea pigs, pigeons, a fishpond, boxer dogs, cats, canaries, and rabbits. He also loved to feed the foxes and pigeons that would come to the house.
Known for his daft long jokes, Dennis had a unique way of delivering them, often forgetting the punchline but laughing at them, nonetheless. His generosity knew no bounds; he would lend, borrow, or help anyone in need, encouraging them not to buy anything as he had what they required.
Dennis enjoyed various hobbies, from fishing to playing darts, even competing against the legendary Eric Bristow. He enjoyed drawing and took pride in his culinary skills, treating loved ones to specialties like cheese pie, salt and pepper chicken, and stir fry. Gardening was another passion, and he grew vegetables with dedication, sharing the bounty with others down the pub, whether they wanted it or not.
Family gatherings filled with laughter and the tradition of worst shirt/dressed competitions were moments Dennis cherished. He would always get him and go for a wander. Generally, to Crystal Peaks on shopping trips for hours on end. This is where he would show his unique way of expressing love – bringing back a pork pie and piccalilli for Edith instead of flowers.
In the face of Alzheimer’s disease in the last chapter of his life, Dennis spent the last 10 months in a care home, where he displayed his playful and impatient nature. Despite the hardships, he maintained a love for Weetabix, grabbing the large Tupperware box full of them and pouring milk on them to eat them all to himself. He once dismantled the wardrobe and put it in the bathroom. When he would stare at the ceiling, he would comment on how the tiles were wrong, and he was going to fix them. Thankfully that was one step too far as he probably would’ve dismantled the whole place if he could! Also, two days before he passed, insisted on a feast of shepherd’s pie, rice pudding, and a Fry’s chocolate cream. It was the first time the doctor had taken someone off food only to put them back on it so they could have the final meal they wanted.
As we say our goodbyes to Dennis, let us remember the man who lived life on his terms, filled with laughter, love, and a zest for adventure. He leaves behind a legacy of joy, compassion, and unforgettable moments. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Funeral Service was conducted at City Road Crematorium at 11:45am on 16th February 2024.
Chris Platts - Professional Celebrant 