JUST DENNIS
When I think about Dennis many aspects of his personality come to mind. Perhaps the best way I could find to describe him was to use the term a Renaissance Hippy. Not a renaissance Man but a Renaissance Hippy. I use the word hippy because to me Dennis was the Coolest and Hippest person I knew and I have ever met. His many abilities, talents and thirst for knowledge made him a Renaissance Hippy. Which I define as: A man with many talents or areas of knowledge and who is Ultimately Cool and Hip and not like anyone else you have met in your life! He was Self taught, Charismatic, Free thinker, Artistic, Unconventional, Well Read, Sportsman, Explorer, Entrepreneur, Humble and All this was Effortless. The Ultimate Cool Renaissance Hippy!

The stories everyone sent me these past few weeks emphasized and showcased Dennis’ many talents. Several areas kept coming up and those are what I would like to talk about today.

His loves besides Susan and his family for Nature and Food & Drink and of course Adventure.
His Unending Thirst for Knowledge- all kinds of knowledge
His Natural ability as a teacher and coach topped off with effortless Humility

No one could come to Bull Sprig Farm and not see Dennis and Susan’s love of nature and of food. The beautiful pine trees, the atmosphere of immersing one’s self into nature surrounds you here. Whether it was sitting around the roasting pig sharing stories of past adventures, tasting all the good things on the table brought by everyone- which as some people shared in their stories some dishes were required as entrance onto Bull Sprig farm ;like Mary’s lasagna, sweets craved by Dennis and other specialities he required be on the table. Dennis had roasting a pig down to a science. His contraption used to roast the pig was his partly own creation but typical Dennis he always acted as if the roasting of the pig was a group effort and a labor of love! He always made everyone feels as if they had contributed to the effort in some way.

When I first met Dennis his love of nature was shared in all his Scout activities with Robin. I remember hearing of fun on camping trips and hunting adventures . Turkey calling and many other adventures with the scouts on Bull Sprig Farm. He was always so proud of Robin and all his accomplishments. He and Robin shared a love of nature and a deep understanding of the importance of nature around us.

Kent, Susan’s brother shared how when he was about 10 and Dennis was in his late teens, Dennis would catch turtles and snakes in the Mississippi River near his house. Dennis would bring them to Kent because Kent loved them and kept them as pets. I understand Dennis got a lot of whippings because he wasn’t supposed to do that. And I am sure Ms. Nancy loved those new pets!

I know all the younger Marcel boys looked up to Dennis and saw him as an older brother. Dennis was always right in the middle of Todd’s adventures and big purchases such as boats and trailers. If there was an adventure with Todd which we all know is a daily occurrence Dennis was there. Big Jay grew up listening to all of Dennis’ albums which influenced him and encouraged his wonderful talent with music. As Kent described he was the most rugged outdoors man he ever knew and always encouraged that sense of adventure and wonderment in those around him.

Many of the nieces and nephews or “ city folk” as Dennis would call them learned a lot from Dennis and their visits to Bull Sprig farm. Megan shared fond memories of all the cousins coming up to the farm picking sunflowers, watermelons, feeding the pigs the slop bucket, playing hide and seek in-between the bails of hay in the barn. She even had the privilege of watching Uncle Dennis “hand” deliver a baby calf one year.

Melanie talked about her fond memories of times at Bull Sprig Farm and how Dennis, Susan and Robin had the talent of making everyone feel comfortable. When Robin met Toots and she became part of the family, everyone was elated. She fit right in with that talent of making everyone feel comfortable.

Tori and Lindsey loved coming up and riding the ponies and horses and standing on top of the highest hay bale as if they were conquering the world. And don’t forget putting out bait for the Easter bunny.

Jay gained his love of tractors when he could barely reach the petals but learned to drive the tractor around the pastures at the farm until his legs were shaking. He had fond memories of cutting grass all day on the snapper riding mower.

Jay, Matthew and Robin were inseparable in their younger years. The three musketeers learned a lot from their experiences and adventures at Bull Sprig Farm. Jay shared that he Matt and Robin helped Dennis build the great creosote coated bridge to the new log cabin and had residual chemical burns as personal trophies – I guess Dennis saw in Jay a foreshadowing of his future profession- construction project manager.

Many of the nieces and nephews told of the bonfires built on Bull Sprig farm and the stories and memories shared while roasting marshmallows around those fires were some of that generations fondest memories

And we can’t forget the fireworks. Or as some described the “possibly illegal” firework bombs Dennis would acquire from who knows where. Always lots of fireworks and elaborate plans to celebrate the New Year and Fourth of July. Jonathan remembered one year shooting fireworks and setting the pasture on fire and Dennis just yelling let it burn.

So many of these “city folk,” the cousins, their friends and people they knew got a taste of country life here at Bull Sprigs farm. As Daniel, his nephew described His very best childhood memories are going to the farm to be with Robin and Dennis and Susan and whatever cast of characters were there at the time. All these characters and city folk grew to understand nature and all it had to offer thanks to Dennis and his humble sharing of his love of nature.

Along with his love of nature came a love of food! Dennis always knew the best booths at Jazz Fest to try. I always checked with him, as many others did, to find out what to try each year. And boy he always had it right.

His brother, Steven shared a typical Dennis story related to food when in December they decided to go to Bud’s Broiler on Jefferson Highway get some lunch. Bud’s Broiler is noted for its burgers, of course, but not so much for its desserts. So typical Dennis, who we all know loved his desserts suggested that since they had to wait a few minutes for the burgers anyway, why not walk across the street to Haydel’s Bakery, which is famous for its desserts. Stephen got a couple of Danish. Dennis, being an experienced Haydel’s customer, knew that what’s in the display cabinets up front is not necessarily all that’s available. He spied what looked like a piece of Doberge cake in the cooler behind the counter. Sure enough, the checkout lady confirmed it was Doberge. With their desserts now boxed, they walked back to Bud’s Broiler, got burgers and fries, and had a great lunch.. plus desserts! As Stephen said It was a classic Dennis afternoon. Dennis always knew where to get the best food!

Dennis loved his drinks as well. He and Ed his brother in law had an adventure one year going on the epic Bourbon Festival trek to Louisville beginning at Bull Sprigs Farm. Jane, his sister did not join them and I can understand why! Ed had checked out 3 fictional novels by Ben Rehder to listen to on the way up and back. And no surprise the stories Dennis and Ed listened to were the adventures of a Texas wildlife ranger in Plano, Texas. By Jackson, MS They stopped to eat lunch and had just finished Disc #2, which Ed removed. After lunch, Dennis drove; Ed inserted Disc #3 and they grooved on. After about 20 minutes, one of them asked the other “Do you remember any of this?” Well, Ed had inserted Disc #3 from another of his books, duh!That kinda set the tone for the rest of the trip!!! I am sure those Louisiana Wildlife Rangers taught the Louisville Bourbon Festival some interesting things.

Another favorite story was from Kim Marcel his niece, who said Dennis always made her laugh and reminded her that being unique is good! She remembered him stirring her Bloody Mary that he had kindly crafted with his finger and Dennis cutting her samples of food with his pocket knife that probably had never seen soap and water- But she didn’t care, as she said Dennis was so kind, welcoming, accepting, and of course VERY COOL!!

Many people described Dennis as the smartest person they knew. His thirst for knowledge and his ability to retain it always amazed me. He was truly a Jack of all Trades. Dennis’ sense of humor, his intelligence and his curiosity about the world and how things work (or didn’t work.) were appreciated by everyone. And he was always solution oriented!

At Jazz Fest he always seemed to know how to fix anything or if he didn’t he would figure out how to do it- and he always did with calmness and grace. I think that was why everyone always called on Barn 11 when there was a problem because they knew Dennis would find a way to fix it or make everyone laugh and smile trying.

As Cousin Catherine from California shared Dennis taught her a golden rule that she tries to live by still today- which I am sure sounds familiar to many of you:

– If you don’t like the situation, change it. And if you can’t change the situation, change your attitude about it. (A third option is complaining which Catherine admits she has used.)

Catherine shared that many times she would remember this rule and visualize Dennis’ sparkling blue eyes and fantastic grin and remember his advice – and She would change her situation or her attitude! Catherine shared how grateful she was in those moments of what Dennis had taught her! As a young person, Catherine so appreciated both Susan and Dennis’ examples of loving friends and family deeply and with a generosity of spirit that was impressive even when you take southern hospitality into account! As she shared, her world and heart are bigger thanks to the two of them. Many of us I am sure feel the same way.

As someone shared, conversations with Dennis always left you smarter, curious, inspired, and in awe! This was one of Dennis’ gifts and I only know one other person in my life that had this talent, my father. I was always amazed at the mutual admiration and friendship my father, an old fashioned southern gentleman and Dennis , a Renaissance Hippy had in the short time they knew each other but their shared talent fueled a special friendship and mutual admiration.

Anyone who knew Dennis knew that he had the talent of bringing out the best in everyone. He had a way of listening and prodding you to make you realize something that for whatever reason you may not have wanted to face or acknowledge. He wouldn’t ever tell you what to do he would gracefully lead you to your answer which you figured out yourself

Tori shared a story of how Dennis talked her into working with him one year at Jazz Fest, one of her favorite events in New Orleans. She really did not want to do it – get up in the early morning and do work that didn’t seem to fit her. But Dennis in his own way really pushed her to work and volunteer with him before the fest. One of her favorite memories of Dennis was driving in a golf cart around the fairgrounds. As she shared they were some of the only people there. It was quiet and so fun to see all of the set up before the festival began. They would go set up fire extinguishers on the stages and be able to look out on what would be a large crowd in the upcoming days. It’s something she will never forget and treasure always.

Dennis knew how to make people listen to themselves and come up with the answer they needed without giving them directly the answer. He was the consummate teacher and coach. He knew how to ask the right questions, sometimes difficult ones that you may not want to answer or agree with but they made you think or encouraged you to do something you didn’t think you could do.

One year at jazz fest his great nephew Little Rudy who was about 7 years old had an idea to make a “trap” to catch pigeons that were visiting Barn 11. So little Rudy scoured the barn for various materials and found an old milk crate, some wheels on casters, duct tape and some rope. He told Uncle Dennis of his plan and Uncle Dennis helped him construct the “pigeon trap”. We were not sure if any pigeons were ever caught that year but a young man’s imagination and confidence grew that day Thanks to Uncle Dennis.

A lot of this creativity and positive attitude is also present in Robin. Dennis did a great job encouraging that creative spirit in Robin. They both shared a love of Jazz Fest, art and food! I see a lot of Dennis in Robin, especially in his attitude toward life.

Dennis could look someone in the eye, listen intently and then calmly say the thing that needed to be said, even when it might be difficult to say or difficult for the listener to hear. His capacity to sit with a person and listen intently made the part that might be challenging (saying the difficult thing), less challenging. It was such a gift of his and he did it with such grace.

So we all are better people having known Dennis. It is like each one of us has a special relationship with him that no one else was a part of.

Susan was the love of his life and perhaps understood him best. How many people in this day and age meet at age 16, fall in love and are still together at the end of their life 50- 60 years later. He loved his family- or should I say families – The Riedlinger Family, the Marcel family, the Greensburg family, the Jazz Fest family and many more. The stories shared showed how Dennis taught us that being different is cool; He always encouraged us to learn about anything and everything; to lead by example but follow with pride too; to love and enjoy every moment;

The world and Jazz Fest will be a much less intriguing and fun place without Dennis. I know it will be hard for many of us to go to Jazz Fest this year without Dennis- Barn 11 will never be the same. But I am sure Dennis would want us to call on our wildlife ranger spirits, to have a Blood Mary and be sure to stir it with our finger to make it taste better and try as many Jazz Fest dishes as we can using our pocket knife as a utensil as we enjoy all the wonderful music surrounding us. Remember “It is hard work having fun!”

One of the most amazing things in his last years was his love for the apple of his eye, Rae. Judy, Rae’s Grand Mere, Toots’ mom perhaps put it best- when she said we all hear about mutual admiration people have for each other well in the case of Dennis and Rae it was MUTUAL ADORATION. One could not be in the presence of Dennis and Rae and not see this. Dennis’ gentle ways and quiet humility truly shined in the presence of Rae. And the twinkle in his blue eyes got brighter. It was a joy to see.

I remember asking Rae when she was old enough what she had decided to call Dennis, her grandfather. Susan was Susu and she called me by my nickname Yaya. But when I asked her what special name she was going to call Dennis she just looked at me and said He is Dennis ! How True from the mouth of Babes! Dennis was truly “Just Dennis” to everyone.

Eulogy given by Stacey Williams Marcel 4-2-2022