Condolences: Rocky Thomas - on behalf of the Band of Gonzos Forum

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Lewis and Family,

It is with deepest sorrow I received the news of Dennis’ passing; Dennis was truly an inspiration to us all. No matter how tough times got he never seemed to be one to complain much about anything. Knowing Dennis only through the Internet, had he not contacted me looking for the electric fishing reel ages ago, and apprised me of his condition at that time, I likely never would have known the pain and suffering he had endured in the course of his life. At that time I made an assessment of his attitude and offered it to others, many of whom also having learned of his condition seemed to be walking on eggshells in his presence. I told them that he was there because the Internet was his playground. There he could run as fast and jump as high as everyone else. There he was six foot tall and bullet proof! Not to treat him any differently than anyone else, because he simply wanted to be treated as an equal.

The others listened, and we all accepted Dennis in our lives as an equal. We all held him in a bit higher regard however, because of what he had endured in life, and the fact that he did so with an attitude that was not only commendable, but inspiring to those that knew him. I mentioned those comments to Dennis, and he laughed about it, stating that was exactly the way he felt when on the Net. He was amazed that I had the insight to see that about him through the course of his posts on forums, and his private e-mails, but it was obvious in everything he said and did on-line. He knew no bounds on the Web; he was six foot tall and bullet proof there. And, his attitude was truly an inspiration to us all.

Dennis and I became very close over the last few years; in fact he frequently commented that he regarded me as a big brother. I guess because I frequently treated him like a little brother. Picked on him when he needed picking on, lending a hand whenever he needed help with anything, giving him credit whenever credit was due, and giving him as much grief as was humanly possible when he needed someone to tell him he could do much better than what he was showing me in his design. I’m sure there were others that offered their support in those respects as well; Dennis just seemed to bring the best out in those he associated with on the web, as I’m sure he did in all he associated with elsewhere in life.

I truly enjoyed the time I spent on-line with Dennis, he was quick to share a laugh, quick to tell you how much he appreciated your company, and quick to tell you how much he appreciated your help when offered. He seldom complained of his plight in life, and if he did it was always followed by, “But, that’s the hand I was dealt in life, and I’ve got to play it”, immediately thereafter dropping the subject and moving on to a bit of humor. I was frequently moved by his spirit and his friendship. He was quite the little guy.

I would appreciate it if you would forward a copy of his obituary; I’d like to put together a web page or two in memory of Dennis that can be shared with his friends on the Internet. Whatever you feel befitting, anything you’d like to include, please feel free to send it my way. I’ll be more than happy to put it up for all to see.

If there is anything I or we, because I’m sure there are others at the BoG that would lend a hand, can do to help resolve anything Dennis has outstanding in respect to his web work, please don’t hesitate to ask. I think we would all be deeply honored to assist in his endeavors one last time.

And, in closing, please understand that you folks are not alone in your loss. We will all miss Dennis deeply; he has touched us all. His wit, his charm, his attitude about life in general was awe inspiring.

Rocky Thomas
Band Of Gonzos - Admin