To me Dennis was a supportive and generous man who did not suffer fools gladly. He and his staff did not have to sell us to people in the Labs ,as they sold themselves so that left us to have more fun. Your Dad was a huge influence on my career . He did say that I was the only customer to buy him lunch! When he was retiring he attended the PHLS Annual Scientific Conference at Warwick University where several of my colleagues surprised him by getting him a cake and champagne to celebrate the event. We could not recall any other person from a commercial company to have this happened too. I am sure you have seen a photograph of the occasion in his collection.

I last spoke to him on our annual pre- Christmas telephone conversation and although he sounded weak then he  was in good spirits. I think you would all agree he was a great friend to all Microbiology staff both in the NHS and PHLS settings. Dennis to me was a very supportive and kind man, and I have many found memories of being in his company at various events. I will always remember Dot and others arranging a cake and drinks on the “Oxoid” stand at The PHLS Conference at Warwick much to his amazement, an event he never forgot.

It is strange that whilst in the loft last month I found the soft toy of a Hedgehog he bought me on my retirement (I could never fathom out why a Hedgehog) He got one of my staff to kidnap it at I got so called photographs from different places. Dennis had a great sense of humour.

 I have informed many ex Microbiologist from all over the country of his passing.