A poem for Helen in honour of Dennis
Though I am sad to leave you
Though fate may seem unkind
There is no sorrow in my heart
As I leave this life behind
Fortune has dealt me a shorter term
Than three score years and ten
But I have lived a thousand lives
In the hearts of other men
For I have shared and treasured
The precious gift of few
I have known the pleasure and the pride
Of boyhood dreams come true
I have tasted the thrill of victory
In the course of battles run
I have soared aloft on the roar of the crowd
As another goal was won
And if as they say a life is rich
With one single friend alone
How great is the wealth of a man with friends
Whose number is never known
I think of the comrade I have loved
Whose lives were cruelly stilled
Weep for them, weep not for me
My life has been fulfilled
Oft I have dined at the feast of joy
I have tasted the sweetest wine
And who can say that he has shared
A love as deep as mine
And so farewell, yet do not grieve
Think of me for a while
Beyond a tear I’d rather be
Remembered with a smile
By Geoffrey H Galley
Dennis Viollet was in a class of his own. Dennis was modest, humble, caring, generous, honest, funny, respected and loved by everyone. Whenever his name is mentioned to someone who knew him, the immediate response is “He was such a gentleman." I guess that’s why Stoke City Football Club named a street leading into their new stadium, Dennis Viollet Avenue.
Dennis was a great role model. He gave so many young people the tools to help them through life. He would take an average experience and makes it so special with his touch. Even though we miss him dearly, we can only humor him by attempting to fill half his shoes and spread the wealth. Thank you, Dennis for so many great years and letting us see life so clear.
It is the pledge of the Pumas to inspire young people in our community to just as Dennis did for so many years.
