WPW Loses a Special Friend

rocky1 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-05-2006, 01:10 AM

Not many of the old crowd left around, but in that there are a few that still hang out here, I felt I should drop a note here for your benefit.

During Web Pro World's early days there was special young man that joined our ranks here, Dennis Lewis, that went by the name wclew. I was informed by family today that Dennis had been hospitalized last week for bleeding ulcers, and that this morning he passed away.

Dennis was wheelchair bound, had been since his childhood. You'd have never known of his suffering by reading his posts however, he was full of life, and had a spirit that was an inspiration to all that knew him. Early in his days here at WPW Dennis contacted me having seen my Fishing site in signature and site review, and inquired whether I knew where he could find an electric fishing reel, explaining his plight in life and the problems he faced in such insignificant tasks as reeling in a fish. As luck would have it I had just seen an article that was exactly what he needed, and was able to afford him contact with the manufacturer.

That contact instigated a friendship that was very dear to me. Dennis was an awesome little guy in many respects, what he lacked in physical stature he more than made up for in spirit. He would frequently brighten someone's day on his mailing list, with a bit of e-mail humor. He was the eternal jokester always quick to poke fun at someone; always loved being the object of wisecracks and jokes in return.

Dennis seldom complained about his plight, and was usually the brightest star in any sky. When the Band of Gonzos forum was formed, Dennis was a Charter member, and we affectionately dubbed him with the title "Little Bogger".

Dennis loved the time he spent on the Internet and especially in the forums. As I once suggested to another member here because she was hesitant to include him in caricatures she was doing of the various members, this is his playground, here he can run as fast and jump as high as anyone else. He's here because he simply wants to be treated as an equal.

His attitude in dealing with the challenges he faced on a daily basis, was awe inspiring. And, he will be deeply missed by those of us that knew him.

Vaya Con Dios Little Buddy!

ctabuk · #2 (**permalink**) 04-05-2006, 04:18 AM

A great tribute Rocky - Now he's in a new and much larger forum RIP

Chris · #3 (**permalink**) 04-05-2006, 09:50 AM

thanks for this excellent memorial rocky. i'm sorry to say i never knew Dennis, but it sounds like we've lost a valuable member and friend.

godspeed, Dennis.

Clicken · #4 (**permalink**) 04-05-2006, 02:36 PM

Dennis was a gentleman and a friend who will be missed but not forgotten. The short time that I knew him is filled with memories of a genuine caring person who I am glad to have met.

I was oblivious to his personal struggles because he wasn’t a complainer, a true testament to this special character we called wclew.

These tears are for my Buddy missed; this smile is for my Buddy remembered.

bodgekaloopie · #5 (**permalink**) 04-05-2006, 02:45 PM

Dennis sounds like a person that anyone would be fortunate to know. What a great remembrance of him, Rocky.

#6 (**permalink**) 04-05-2006, 05:29 PM

Rocky,
That was a great remembrance post about Dennis. I'm sad that I didn't get to know him, he sounded like a great person.

dharrison · #7 (**permalink**) 04-05-2006, 06:00 PM

Yeah, well done Rocky for such a dedicated tribute. I never encountered Dennis on the forum (bit before my time) but he sounds like an awesome guy.

My thoughts and prayers are with Dennis's family and loved ones.

Cigars · #8 (**permalink**) 04-05-2006, 06:30 PM

Nice memorial. I was not aware that he was writing his posts while sitting on a wheel chair. I enjoyed them and since I have a daughter who is on a wheelchair, now have even more respect for him. Nice guy, smart and I know that heaven is now a better place with him there. I'll smoke a cigar for you tonight Dennis.

mlevenhagen · #9 (**permalink**) 04-05-2006, 06:34 PM

Thank you for honoring Dennis with your tribute Rocky. He was an incredible person. Like Clicken I don't think I ever knew his entire situation... Even through posts and a few PMs we shared, he was always energetic, full of ideas and full of life... and fun.

He will truley be missed. He was a good friend.

In My Prayers and Thoughts.

SemAdvance · #10 (**permalink**) 04-05-2006, 06:42 PM

When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

My Condolences.

Clint

seofan · #11 (**permalink**) 04-05-2006, 07:07 PM

His memory will live on - you'll be sorely missed wclew.....

incrediblehelp · #12 (**permalink**) 04-05-2006, 07:35 PM

I am sorry to hear this. My condolences go out to the family.

cyanide · #13 (**permalink**) 04-05-2006, 08:26 PM

Thanks for letting us know, rocky.
I do remember him, although didn't converse with him much if at all...

nice tribute and condolences to his family

wclew profile

KeithO · #14 (**permalink**) 04-06-2006, 11:50 AM

God bless

c1sissy · #15 (**permalink**) 04-06-2006, 03:12 PM

Dennis, you are going to be so greatly missed.

You were an inspiration to me, and I think you knew that. And, you were a very important person to me as well.

I knew of Dennis's situation. And he was a great inspiration to me due to it.

Thanks for all the morning emails that made my day, they are going to be greatly missed.
:<(

rocky1 · #16 (**permalink**) 04-06-2006, 08:00 PM

I have forwarded the link here to the family and I'm sure they will appreciate all the kind words everyone.

I was going through Dennis' posts here at WPW, as I knew there were a few classics hidden therein, and I found a few that might be of interest to some of you.

http://www.webproworld.com/viewtopic.php?p=68116#68116

http://www.webproworld.com/viewtopic.php?p=53687#53687

http://www.webproworld.com/viewtopic.php?p=55064#55064

Jurgen · #17 (**permalink**) 04-07-2006, 01:34 AM

Dennis and I had quiet a few discussions in the past, and I truely was shocked hearing what happened.

Our "Little Bogger" was never little at all. We miss you buddy.....

Thanks Rocky for the kind words.

panda · #18 (**permalink**) 04-08-2006, 10:55 PM

What a lovely guy! He will be loved and missed by us forever.

esiegel · #19 (**permalink**) 04-14-2006, 12:48 PM

he will be missed.

vfaulkner · #20 (**permalink**) 05-22-2006, 04:12 PM

I did know him here. He was always ready with good criticism/ advice and some corny jokes.
He will be missed.

wenwilder · #21 (**permalink**) 05-25-2006, 04:10 PM

Dennis was a person who spent more time caring about others then about himself.

He'd offer a kind word even when he was hurting.

There were no limits to his ability and yet, people limited him.

His kind heart was often used to further their goals.

People would make him feel special, to his face, and talk badly behind his back.

The human heart has the ability to love so strongly that it can never be measured. Few people share that love. Dennis did, and I will forever be greatful for the chance to know him.

I wish I could have known Dennis longer. I also wish I would have known of his passing sooner. He was, and is, a true Dear Heart.

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