I have the profound privilege of being told by someone how much I mean to their life. He’d survived a serious health crisis a few years earlier and vowed to tell people he cared about, that he cared about them. And he followed through. Dennis so inspired me, and I got to say the same words back to him. Morality crept into the conversation more often over the last several years. We are of that age now, but it was clear that family and family-friends meant everything to him and he planned on keeping close and spending as much time as possible visiting those he has accumulated throughout his private and professional journey, seeding roots of relationships anywhere he spent any time.

Watching the new David Bowie documentary, I am captivated and want to text Dennis to make sure to watch this if he hadn’t already, and tell me what he thinks about the sound design and the message. I think Dennis would agree with some of Bowie’s philosophy on life and death.

Like many of his friends either directly or indirectly imply, count me in on peed-my-pants laughs with Dennis. His stories, the delivery, the timing, dry wit, beautiful eyes and sweet smile, superhuman hearing devices, tear-inducing laughs, elegance, brilliance… well, just Dennis. I am honored to have known Dennis at work and at play (both of which he did brilliantly) and shall keep a space in my heart for him forever. Thank you Dennis. I love you. I wish you speed on your journey home. My heart is breaking for your family.

I am a VERY lucky man to have known Dennis and to have called him my FRIEND and colleague.  When I was a producer at PBS, he was Sound Designer and Audio Mixer on so many of my PBS spots.  It was never just an "audio session" with Dennis.  It was an EVENT.  Oh, the lunches we had together, the Sangria lunches, when we would come back to work and laugh together but still keep working -- well, he did anyway.  He was a brilliant designer.  He did ALL the sound design for my solo show, "Not as Cute as Picture", which received a GLAAD Media Award for "Outstanding Theatre: Washington DC".   I'm telling you, the sound and music were an INTEGRAL part of that show.  When I found out that Dennis had died, I was in complete and utter shock.  It's just not fair that people like Dennis have to die.  They should never die.  They should keep on making so many people laugh and smile and feel good, the way he did.  I will miss him VERY much.   

My nickname for Dennis was "Zandor".  I would call him and say "Hello Zandor!"  And he would immediately crack up laughing.  That's because Dennis once received a demo reel from a VoiceOver Artist (he received NUMEROUS demo reels every month).  This particular demo reel featured this actor who decided it would be a good idea to show how many different voices the actor could do.  One voice was an alien named "Zandor" who invades the home of Edith Bunker.  Edith says "Awwchee, it's ZAAANDAR outside the house!"  So the actor did both Edith and Zandor, and the actor was terrible (think Robert DeNiro in the King of Comedy).  Anyway, Edith Bunker shouting "Zandor!" was a source of gut-wrenching laughter for myself and for Dennis, and that's why I would always say "Hi Zandor" whenever he'd answer the phone.  

Dennis and I worked together at Selected Shorts during the past year. He was a brilliant mix engineer,   who was kind and a pleasure to work with. While most of our communications were via email, Dennis took me and my colleague  out to lunch just days before he  died and we had a great time getting to know each other in-person. 

I'm attaching the last episode that Dennis mixed for us at Selected Shorts. It's hard to believe that Dennis and I worked together on this episode just last month while I was at my father's side while he was dying in hospice. Dennis jumped in, was supportive and understanding while I was going through a tough time. I'll never forget him for that. We've dedicated  this episode to Dennis. He is sorely missed. 

https://www.symphonyspace.org…

I enjoyed every single encounter I had with Dennis, and there was one in particular that I'd like to share.

On one of the first days of a past November I walked into his studio suite to do a couple of political spots, and I foolishly asked him, "Dennis, how ya doin'?"

He sighed and replied, "It is 60..." (he looked at his watch) "62 and a half hours until the end of political season. THAT's HOW I'M DOING!"

To hear this from the soft-spoken Dennis was a revelation. And funny!

To all those who have even an inkling of just how hard our brilliant sound engineers work during political season, this will NOT be a "revelation."

Dennis, I thank you for your patience, your kindness, and your unwavering support.

Craig

When I first walked into Dennis’ studio at Interface, I couldn’t believe it. We realized that we had worked together in South Florida a few years before on spots for Armed Forces Radio.

I loved showing up a little early to a session and hearing what Dennis was working on, like some gorgeous promo package for PBS with sound that blew you away. One day, Dennis told me that week he was recording Bill Nye, the Science Guy. My son, who was young at the time, had watched all his videos, and I told Dennis that Jack was a huge fan. The next time I showed up, Dennis presented me with a photo he had found online, printed and had autographed by Bill Nye. So sweet and so Dennis. You always felt like you were working with a friend, someone who cared about you. That twinkle in his eye, that wry sense of humor. God, it hurts to know he’s gone. Thanks to everyone sharing these heartfelt memories.  

Dennis often said he was lucky because he loved what he did.

When at work in his sound design studio, Dennis lived in the moment, sculpting amazing sonic structures. He strived to add 'something special' to a mix on his audio palette. Seeing him conduct his intangible orchestra of sounds was quite an experience.

Dennis led by example and extended his passion to collegial relationships. He entrusted his team with much creative freedom and would always find the right words of advice or support. He appreciated that we all shared an implicit understanding of each other's work and was grateful for diverse perspectives on sound design.

Dennis was able to relate to anyone. His discerning eyes could peel through layers, reaching deep to see gold. One of his many brilliant gifts was to help you find the best in yourself. I am a better person because of Dennis.

My heart and prayers to Dennis’ family.

We will love and miss him forever.