Dennis Rezendes born in Fall River in 1929 to John Medeiros Rezendes and Martina Souza Barreira died peacefully in his home in the early morning of June 16, 2015 with his wife and daughter by his side. With the help, compassion and wisdom of TRU Community Care (formally Hospice Care of Boulder and Broomfield Counties) and with the help of his stepson Seth they were able to honor his wishes by caring for him in his beautiful home at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Rezendes was a graduate of Durfee High School - class of 1948. He served six years in the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged with the rank of Technical Sergeant. In 1957 he graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Maine with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration and went on to receive a Masters Degree in Government Administration from the University of Pennsylvania. He began his professional career serving as Director of Administration for the City of New Haven, CT from 1960-1970. During that time he also held the position of Budget Director, Acting Welfare Director as well as Acting Parks and Recreation Director. Rezendes was an early pioneer in the creation of the hospice program of care for the terminally ill in the United States. He was the first hospice administrator in the United States and was instrumental in the passage of legislation in the Congress of the United States whereby Medicare and Medicaid recognized end-of-life hospice care for payment. He was instrumental in the raising of in excess of $20 million dollars on behalf of Hospice programs nationally. He created the National Hospice Organization and was recognized by that organization for his pioneering efforts on behalf of the terminally ill. Presidents Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter also recognized him for his special efforts in the development of the hospice program of care for the terminally ill in America. Rezendes has received many awards of recognition. Most recently in May of 2015, he was presented with a Doctorate of Human Letters Honorary Degree from the University of Maine to recognize his exceptional contributions to society, scholarship and the arts. Throughout his life, Rezendes has endeavored to make the world a better place through work, education, volunteering and philanthropy. Rezendes has been a resident of Boulder, CO for the past 34 years. He is survived by his wife Jacqueline Beau Rezendes, his daughter Cheryl Rezendes Rulweich of Bernardston, MA, his son Michael Rezendes of Boston, MA, his two stepsons Shane Bohart of Boulder, CO and Seth Bohart who resides in Hong Kong as well as his five grandchildren August Rulewich, Brook Rulewich, Grace Bohart, Ethan Bohart, Eligh Bohart and Jax Bohart. There are no services. Please visit www.CristMortuary.com to visit Dennis memorial web page to leave condolences and share stories. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the following: Southern Poverty Law Center donate.splcenter.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=463 Emergency Family Assistance Association www.efaa.org/donate/ TRU Hospice www.trucare.org/product/donation/

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Published by Herald News on Aug. 2, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Rezendes

Sponsored by anonymous.

22 Entries

Beau Rezendes

September 28, 2015

You were and are the love of my life, my soulmate and my best friend. Among the things I shall miss: holding hands in the middle of the night...looking into your beautiful blue eyes..dancing together..your everyday behaviors of showing your unconditional love for me..your gentle touch and kisses from behind..hearing you randomly say I love you, Beau when you thought no one was listening (at your desk, in the shower etc)..finding my tea cup prepped in the morning with a tea bag, waiting for hot water..Seeing you sitting at the breakfast bar eating your cereal with blueberries and reading the newspaper..Our regular Friday night dates..Sharing an appetizer and glasses of wine before dinner along with our favorite background music playing..Listening to you pontificate about national, local and world politics (and then you would declare I'm going to get off my soapbox, only to get right back on it within 20 seconds)..Watching you laugh at your own silly jokes and then joining in because your laughter alone made me laugh..Your wisdom about life and good advice not to swing at every ball..Your creative and strategic mind..Making plans together and building on each other's ideas..Our multiple daily hugs and kisses..Swinging together on our patio..Trading the newspaper sections back and forth and sharing our reactions..Family gatherings in Boulder and Bernardston..Witnessing your ongoing generosity to others..Your curiosity about life..Your courage to stand up for what you believe in..Your individuality..Your energy and love of life..Your support, participation and pride in my endeavors (Learning to play the guitar, healthy eating, daily exercise, community volunteerism)..Your regular evening request that I practice my guitar so you could listen and quietly contemplate life and relax..Your willingness to always make time to listen and respond..Your incredible ability to help me problem-solve any difficult situation..Your steady commitment to those you called friend..Your eye for art and design of our beautiful home and surrounding land..Your ability to multi-task and organize projects..Snuggling on the couch to watch tapings of CBS News Sunday Morning and 60 Minutes..Your precise way of organizing the dishwasher..Sharing raw cherrystone clams while on the East coast (You taught me how to eat and love them)..Our power walks in NYC's Central Park...Going to NYC live theatre productions and reaching for each other's hand during the performances..Traveling with you and your flexibility of having limited time structure expectations upon our arrival..Collaborating on menu choices and splitting our meals when dining out..Sharing belly laughs at things no one else would find funny..Just spending time together alone..

Dennis, I love and miss you with every fiber of my being. As I go on this journey, I am trying to embrace my grief. As I move through each day, I feel surrounded by your love and regularly hear your voice saying I love you Beau. This gives me a great deal of comfort and assurance that I will make it through because I know you are with me. Throughout our thirty four years of marriage, I have been grateful for our age difference of seventeen years. It allowed us to spend even more quality time together after you retired twenty five years ago. By imparting your wisdom on an ongoing basis, you taught me so much about life and aging gracefully.

August 11, 2015

Dear Mrs Rezendes and family,

My father, Dan Cosgrove of Branford, CT, & I would like to extend our deepest sympathies for your loss. Dennis was a wonderful man who did so much for so many. It was our privilege to have known him. He will rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Susan Cosgrove Barnes
Branford, CT.

Kathy McClure

August 8, 2015

Dear Beau,
I thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet your soulmate Dennis. I will always remember him, his gentle demeanor, his warm smile, his kind blue eyes. After I read his autobiography, Looking Back To The Future, I gained further insight into his character and the depth of his convictions, his unbounded energy and passion for life. He was a gifted man whose soul was deeply imbedded in family and humanity. Beau, your Beloved lives on in the hearts of all who knew and admired him. We thank him for his effort and success in making the world a better place. Rest in peace, Dear Dennis. With love, Kathy

William Farrell

August 3, 2015

Rest in Peace Dennis
Ret.New Haven Police Chief Bill Farrell
And Board Member at Ct. Hospice

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August 3, 2015

Mrs. Rezendes and Family,

I am truly sorry for you loss. I met with Dennis a few years ago on one of his trips to Fall River. He wanted to see the New Durfee Bell Tower and view the
bricks he purchased for the memorial walk way. We kept in contact over the next few years via email, as I updated him on Durfee High School events and about the recipients of his scholarship. He was truly a generous man and he will be missed.

Sincerely,
Charlotte Thomas, Sect.
Durfee Alumni Association
Fall River, MA

Robert Echter

August 2, 2015

Mr. Rezendes' obituary was published in the New Haven Register today online. I grew up in a home where his name was spoken of with great respect and admiration by my parents, David and Ida Echter. After my father died in Branford Hospice we found a letter that Dennis had written to him thanking for his assistance in the fundraising for Hospice at its founding, a personal letter, and I give my thanks now for his life well spent and giving so much. Robert Echter (Branford, CT).

Dede Frain

July 23, 2015

Beau and family:

I was so sorry to hear about Dennis. I am glad I got to meet him several times over the years and always enjoyed talking with him. Sending love and peace to all of you. Dede Frain

judy schilling

July 16, 2015

I will always remember when I first got to know you as a volunteer at Boulder County Hospice, and the special connection we had. And, I will never forget that after my painful divorce, you and Dennis invited me to join you many times for dinners out and at your house. I was always so aware of Dennis, his curiosity and interest in others, and his long history and accomplishments with hospice; and I could see what an amazing relationship you two shared. Love is not bound by time or place, but by the souls that hold it in their hands and heart. It is hard when loved ones "sail beyond our sight" but I know they are still here, beating in, and with, our own hearts.
Love, Judy

Kim DeVore

July 12, 2015

Dennis was a very special leader. I worked with him in the 70's. He started the Hospice program in Connecticut and I was Director of Hospice of Cincinnati. His wife Beau was the Director in Colorado.

Dennis spent many hours on the phone with me and he once flew to Cincinnati as we worked on legislation together to get the Hospice bill passed in Congress. There is no doubt as to his leadership, compassion and caring as he lead by example and mentored many others along the way.

I saw Dennis and Beau a little over 2 years ago here in Florida at their retreat from the Winter. I find it very difficult to be writing this tribute now as he was truly such a leader that will sincerely be missed by many friends, business associates and family.

I feel sure Dennis will be watching over his family and many friends and I look forward to seeing you again old friend.

jean brodnax

July 12, 2015

Beau and family,

I am so sorry to hear of the death of Dennis,A great man. I had such a great time with you both in Ghana, undoubtably one of the best trips of my life, much of which was due to the fun , easy and enlightning time that I shared with both of you. I also enjoyed seeing you both at your home in western Mass and at the Manhattan Club. My thoughts are with you and your family. You were so supportive when my mother was ill and I am grateful for that. Let's keep in touch. You have been much better at this than me.

Jean
Weston, MA

Judy Higbee

July 11, 2015

You were a very special man and I shall always miss your annual visit to Peoria. I shall always think of you when I see a custard pie and the pleasure you derived from it, and I from providing it.
Uncle Dennis you will especially be missed by Dolly and Brady who so appreciated your kindness and thoughtfulness.
Rest in peace dear friend.

Eli Freedman

July 9, 2015

Dear Beau, I learned of Denny's passing last week. I knew him as a friend and colleague for 50 years since we served together on the CT Commission to Study Collective Bargaining for CT municipal employees. I often bragged about him to my friends particularly about his leadership role in Hospice. He had a great sense of humor and loved to play tricks on me like disguising his voice saying he was the Mayor of some city looking for a City Manager. I shall always treasure the two beautiful volumes he put together about his life and his ancestors going way back to the Azores. He was impressed that I lived as a boy with the Almada and Chaves families and how my mother helped them. He never told me about his illness. He was one tough, brave guy and I will miss him.//Sincerely, Eli Freedman

KATHERINE KEMPE

July 1, 2015

Beau, I am so sorry. I wasn't able to be at work when you came to tell me. But I had an opportunity to hug you today. Please visit me often, if not to drop stuff off, but to talk and catch up. I value your friendship and wish you nothing but the absolute best.

Mary Lou Rezendes

June 30, 2015

I was very fortunate to have a close relationship with my cousin Dennis. Even though we lived miles apart he made it a point to keep in touch. I always enjoyed the phone calls he would make revealing he and Beau's next adventure. He lived an incredible life, doing things some could only dream of doing, but most importantly he had a genuine compassion and concern for people including his extended family. We will never forget you!
Love,
Mary Lou

Beth Wiemann

June 30, 2015

All of us in the Music Division at the University of Maine send our condolences to the Rezendes family for this loss. We also give thanks for all the support Dennis gave to many students here at UMaine, in the music program, in Honors, and across the campus. He will be remembered by everyone here. Best wishes to the family - Beth Wiemann, Chair, Music Division, University of Maine

Shane Bohart

June 29, 2015

Thank you Dennis for your kind heart, brilliant mind, commitment to your family, and for being so great to my Mother the past 30+ years of your life. We all love and appreciate you very much. May you rest in peace Rezendes. Eternal love and gratitude....

Nick Carbone

June 29, 2015

Hello Beau and family,

I'm writing on behalf of my father, Nicholas R. Carbone.

He and I had lunch with George Levine and Dick Suisman, Saturday, and Dick filled us in on Dennis's passing.

Naturally, that lead to some stories about Dennis's work, which I hadn't been aware of enjoyed hearing, and deeply appreciate given the blessings I've seen hospice care bring to loved ones over the years. The stories conveyed, in their telling, love and respect and fond memories of Dennis and for his work.

Afterwards, on Sunday, my father showed me Dennis's autobiography, which we'll be consulting for a memoir my father's writing, and he reiterated how much he learned from Dennis as thinker, activist, and public servant.

Meanwhile, my father and they all send their love and best wishes your way, and have you in their thoughts and prayers.

Sharon McClew

June 29, 2015

Dennis was such a good man - in every sense - a good husband, a good father, a good friend, a good world citizen. He was a man of integrity who gave freely of himself to make the world a better place and he engaged the world with such passion and energy. It was a joy and honor to know him. He will be greatly missed.

Seth Bohart

June 29, 2015

I feel truly blessed and honored to have you as my Step-Father over the past 34 years. I will be forever grateful of the role you have played in my life - a wonderful mentor, friend, role model and (biased) supporter. I will always remember the incredible strength of your moral compass and your passion and commitment to make the world a better place.

Most importantly, thank you for loving and caring for my Mother so deeply and unconditionally over the years.

You were truly a giant of a man and will be sorely missed & fondly remembered by all those who had the privileged of knowing you.

Love, Seth

Cheryl Rezendes

June 27, 2015

Throughout my entire adult life I have had the honor and great pleasure of speaking with you at least once a week, if not two or even three times. Your voice came to me with advice, wisdom, support, compassion, concern, and unconditional love. Within all of this your unabashed humor shined through along with stories of the past, knowledge of the present and predictions for the future.

My heart swells with pride for all you have accomplished and breaks with sorrow that I will never again hear you laugh, never again feel your warm embrace and never again be able to go to you for personal advice or to seek a much needed explanation of current events in the world and/or politics in our country.

At 58 years old the future still holds some adventures for me. But I'll have to navigate them without you something I am not really sure I am ready for. But I know of course that you'd feel differently.

So here I go Dad on my own. But I'll never forget you. I'll never stop loving you. I'll keep all that you have given me dear to my heart and close to my soul. I'll walk with my head held high staying true to who I am, regardless of the opposition and I'll try in my own small way to make the world a better place. Because I am now you and you are I.

Thanks Dad, for your unwavering belief in who I am as an artist and writer since the time I was very small, and as a wife and mother in my adult life. And thank you for loving my children with the fierceness of a lion and the tender love and compassion of a lioness.

Thanks for being my Rock Star.

xoxo
Cher

Jon Reagan

June 26, 2015

To family and friends of Dennis, he is dearly misssed. He had a passion for life and integrity that set the bar very high for the rest of us who follow in his footsteps. To a dear fellow traveler I honor and respect your life well lived.

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