Dennis Frederick Tinsley
I am the swift uplifting rush. Of quiet birds in circled flight
Date passed: 28th of July 2020
I am the swift uplifting rush. Of quiet birds in circled flight
Dennis was a man of Crewe. He was born there, in the summer of ’65, raised there, went to school there, worked there,died there, a bachelor, aged 54; never lived anywhere else.
His job – working in a storeroom at the Depot, housing the kit needed for maintaining trains – was also in keeping with a town that grew because of the railways. His job was a big part of his life,and he was popular at work. Many’s the time we’d been down at the DOG (Duke of Gloucester – local pub – named after a train, appropriately enough, rather than a member of the nobility), having a few Guinnesses, waiting for the Chinese food to be cooked over the road, and Den would regale us with tales of banter from work, usually ending with, funny bugger, he is.” He felt a strong sense of comradeship with everyone at the Depot. His work-mates made it an entertaining and happy place to work.
He was an unassuming soul, modest but gregarious, always willing to chat even with – perhaps especially with – complete strangers, engaging them with friendly chit-chat. With friends, family and
work-mates he enjoyed a bit of banter and friendly teasing. I would say he had a slightly unworldly innocence about him – his work-mates called him Forrest Gump for a while after that film
came out – that meant he took everyone at face value and always assumed they were as friendly and honest and open as he was. It would be a cliche to say he was larger than life and a gentle giant, but nonetheless true. He was a character.
He had a great love for, and an encyclopaedic knowledge of film. He was, quietly, rather proud of his library, which had pride of place in his sitting room, and he read voraciously, especially history, travel and biography. And he was very fond of period British TV comedy, and anything that featured Ronnie Barker, whom he adored, like the Two Ronnies, Porridge and Open All Hours.
The whole family, and especially my two daughters, loved him tobits. He was very attentive of our mother, doing her gardening and telephoning her every day.She will miss him greatly, and it is
especially sad that his sudden death followed the death, after a short illness, about five years ago, of my sister in her late fifties.
Den will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. May he rest in peace.
Can’t believe you have gone big man. You will be so very sadly missed. How can words even try to express.
Such a genuinely open and honest guy. Loved so much about hearing about Dens library and film quotes and comedy sketches. To recite all of that!
To be true to yourself is to be true to others, what you saw is what you got and it was a gentle giant.
So cousin, fly high and let our loss for the moment be everybodies gain up there. Wow such a protective shoulder for all of you to lean on with each other and such an amazing strong family for your journey and guidance.
RIP Den you gained your wings far to soon. So fly high.
- Approved by oconnellSo here it to raising a glass and as ever for always SLAINTE XX
God bless you Dennis, known you since I was a really young girl as you lived by my Nanna Amy Goodwin.
- Approved by oconnellAlways had time to have a conversation if I ever saw you anywhere.
If the world was full of more people like you, it would be a better place.
Sleep tight mate and god bless xx
Can’t believe you are gone Den my last close friend.
- Approved by oconnellWe had some good times at both depots,
A true friend and work mate, sleep well Den.
Raising a glass of the 18 year old Glenfiddich you bought me when I left.
Slainte Den
Can’t believe the big guy has left us, I’m going to miss his calls, so sad.
- Approved by oconnellBest regards, Harry Bird
Got to know him as a customer who used to shop where I work Very polite gentleman So sad
- Approved by oconnellFarewell old friend, we’re all going to miss you Dennis. Whilst only briefly working with you at The Diesel for a year way back in 1991/2, you always made the effort to stay in touch and call up to exchange stories of which books we’d been reading, films watched and of course how our respective families are getting on. Oh and the odd ale or three when we met up! Sleep well big guy.
- Approved by oconnellWhat did you go and kick your boots off Big Guy for, to early for you to leave this World it was. In my eyes and many friends also you were loved deep down you were respected you were a part of our lives. Your in the care of Angel’s now lad make sure you look out for them.
- Approved by oconnell