R.I.P. Dennis Mayer - a true friend to everyone he met.

[UGET IT]

Originally Posted by Rubicrawler

Dennis was many things to many people; Mentor, Teacher, Father figure, Friend, Brother and, to me, my Inspiration! I had the pleasure of meeting Dennis 7-8 years ago at a Rubicon work party. I was tired, dirty and complaining about one thing or another when Dennis made his way down the trail, offered me a cold beverage and pointed out how lucky we were to be working in such a beautiful place. "Beats workin'" I think were his words. Over the years he was always there with an encouraging word, a hand on my shoulder and a kick in the butt when I needed it. He never let his physical limitations hold him back. Even as his eye sight deminished and his legs lost strength, he soldiered on- never complaining. Yes, Dennis is my inspiration, my hero and my friend. I'm truely honored to have known this great man!

Amen Mark!

[MattGreenJeep]

I'm also very glad that I was able to meet Dennis and go see him last night. We brought him a cold beer and told him we would see him later. It will take a little longer than I had hoped. But we will all get to wheel with him later. I bet you don't have to do to many trail projects up there. Thanks every body!!

Matt.

[mrs._danger]

Originally Posted by MattGreenJeep

I'm also very glad that I was able to meet Dennis and go see him last night. We brought him a cold beer and told him we would see him later. It will take a little longer than I had hoped. But we will all get to wheel with him later. I bet you don't have to do to many trail projects up there. Thanks every body!!

Matt.

Bet you're right about the trail projects I'm sure...but we can rest assured that Dennis will be heading them up just like always.

[randii]

I lack the words to even begin to express how much Dennis cared for his family and his friends, how much he did in AJC, FOTR, and RTF, or how much he will be missed…

We were incredibly lucky to have him, and now we are now hugely heartbroken to lose him. The first drives the second.

Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers… if you knew Dennis even by email or phone, you are among his friends and family. Stay strong -- Dennis would want you to keep going.

Randii

[Sluice Sally]

Originally Posted by randii

Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers… if you knew Dennis even by email or phone, you are among his friends and family. Stay strong -- Dennis would want you to keep going.

Randii

Amen Randii

I went to see him yesterday, and got to meet his family. They are wonderful people. Especially opening the door to all of us , knowing they only had a short time left with him. It meant so much to all of us...and I really believe Dennis knew we were there. When Aaron and I left the room last night, he was peaceful.

[Bebe]

Everyone start putting together your 'Dennis' stories. I spoke with his Father yesterday. He would like to hear and read our good times with his beloved son. (He writes poetry for his family members on Birthdays and other special occasions. I know now where Dennis got all that charm!)

Pics are great, stories of his inspiration, leadership and friendship.

Thank you,

Bebe

[atvobsession]

Wow. I'm stunned, but I'm sure that only pales in comparison to his family. Dennis was a wonderful human being....no one can deny. Anyone who has ever work with Dennis or socialized with him, was truly blessed.

Dennis wasn't a huge man....but his presence was enormous. There are no feet large enough, to fill Dennis' shoes. He will be sorely missed in every aspect of his life.

I'm proud to say that I knew Dennis.


KI6PZQ to W2DWM.

Out.

[Bebe]

Originally Posted by atvobsession

KI6PZQ to W2DWM.

Out.

dammit Ken, you got me with that one.

[mrs._danger]

Originally Posted by Bebe

dammit Ken, you got me with that one.

x2 and your avatar gets me everytime I see it.

[worknplay]

RIP my friend.
You will always be in our thoughts!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am at a loss for words............


Here's to you......

[Jeepndel]

My BRC Boss, Greg Mumm, just called me and asked if we could put together a note (memorial/tribute) to Dennis for the BlueRibbon Magazine. We'll tell the world how much we loved Dennis and what he did for our cause -- and us.

I don't know if I can do it; but I can contribute.

I told Randii that I want to get some bracelets to wear on Rubicon and land use events and projects. Again, I don't know if I can do it yet. But I want them to say: What Would Dennis Do?

I miss him terribly.
Del

[Kurtuleas]

Originally Posted by Jeepndel

My BRC Boss, Greg Mumm, just called me and asked if we could put together a note (memorial/tribute) to Dennis for the BlueRibbon Magazine. We'll tell the world how much we loved Dennis and what he did for our cause -- and us.

I would like to the the same for my land-use section in CRAWL if it's OK with everyone.

[navy-jeepster]

RIP Dennis

May all of your trails be open and your jeep never run out of gas...

You are an inspiration to us all.
I remember when we first met at the 2006 VLLS class, after I arrived at 4:00am. Ran into him with his big smile and firm handshake at the first morning. I was trying to wake up, and he was all brighteyed and bushy tailed. After the VLLS course, I understood why he was this way.
I have worked with Dennis on a few other Rubicon projects, and he was always upbeat about all the work we were doing out here on the trail.

Loved you Dennis

Todd

[Jeepndel]

Originally Posted by Kurtuleas

I would like to the the same for my land-use section in CRAWL if it's OK with everyone.

Great idea, Kurt. Let's whip up a memorial that we can send to ALL the mags and newsletters. Dennis would be proud if we do one by committee and it comes out GOOD.

Del

[Danger Ranger]

Originally Posted by Sluice Sally

Amen Randii

I went to see him yesterday, and got to meet his family. They are wonderful people. Especially opening the door to all of us , knowing they only had a short time left with him. It meant so much to all of us...and I really believe Dennis knew we were there. When Aaron and I left the room last night, he was peaceful.

I actually went back up with Scott after you left. I also got to meet Dennis' father and his other son Rob. I can't express enough gratitude to the family for opening the door and welcoming us in with open arms. They were all eager to hear stories and how we knew Dennis.

[Danger Ranger]

Originally Posted by fermentor

Mentor to many, friend to all, and the only man I've ever met who could lead from behind.

Awesome quote Dale!!!

[Sewie]

I didn't know Dennis well, only met him a couple times at FOTR events. But the first time I met him really sticks out in my mind.

It was the FOTR workday last fall for Public Lands Day. The Hummer folks came out to present a check and help out. Bebe and I led them down to Observation Point, with Dennis bringing up the rear. When we got down there we must've chatted for at least an hour, talking about the trail, land use, etc. He really drove home to the Hummer group (and me) why people love the trail so much and how important those workdays and their contributions are to preserving the trail. They definitely went home with a different perspective.

RIP Dennis. It was an honor to have met you.

[konacaliboy]

I am proud to say that I was only able to meet Dennis on one Cantina for the Con and for that one time it was an honor. I will certainly miss his conversations on the HAM radio with his fellow friends. I was always amazed how happy he sounded just listening to him over the air.

May God be proud to have you Dennis by his side

Don

[renolaw]

Godspeed Dennis. You'll be our silent spotter and trail companion. RIP. Now you are SK.

73's OM


mb

[randii]

I gotta stop reading this thread -- it keeps punching me in the gut.

W2DWM Dennis is indeed a Silent Key, but somehow I know he's mobile and monitoring.

I miss him.

KI6MKV Randii

[Bebe]

Originally Posted by randii

i gotta stop reading this thread

x2 omg

[JeepingEaglesChick]

Originally Posted by randii

I gotta stop reading this thread -- it keeps punching me in the gut.

W2DWM Dennis is indeed a Silent Key, but somehow I know he's mobile and monitoring.

I miss him.

KI6MKV Randii

I can't leave this thread alone either.

[Sluice Sally]

Originally Posted by randii

I gotta stop reading this thread -- it keeps punching me in the gut.

[navy-jeepster]

I keep coming back to this thread to see what else has been posted about the lives that Dennis has touched. I know there are many more then what will be posted here.

I will go home tonight and have a beer and a shot of grappa and toast to Dennis.

Todd

[1uglyranger]

You know, when I first heard what had happened, I really started to think about all the people that Dennis has impacted over the years, but until this thread came up, and I started reading it, it never really hit home.
I, like others, am having a hard time reading this thread, but at the same time, have checked it every 20 minutes or so all day long.

I think we are all blessed to have met, and socilized with Dennis over the years...my only regret is having not met him sooner.....5 years was not enough.