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Dennis Smith Obituary
Dennis was born in Southern California on Jan. 31, 1950, to Alfred and Blanche Smith. He spent his early years there and was married in 1972. He moved his young family to Maine in 1978 and had called South Berwick home ever since. A believer in the value of hard work and self-reliance, Dennis started his own construction business in the 1980s. He was the owner and president of Mill Pond Mill Work & Construction in Berwick, Maine. He was a self-made man and his ability to repair or build was a skill both his family and friends appreciated.
For over 35 years, Dennis was a devoted husband to his wife, Terry, and a doting father to his two children. He took pride in his family and basked in their company. He spent many happy hours maintaining and driving his Harley-Davidson. He was an avid Red Sox fan and enjoyed annual trips to away games with family and friends. He was also a committed advocate for South Berwick and served on several committees and boards. Dennis loved his hometown and was the chairman of the South Berwick Planning Board for many years. His sense of humor, generosity, and ability to take charge defined him. He was a man on which others could depend; many were proud to call him friend.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and sister.
He is survived by wife, Terry Smith of South Berwick; daughter, Joesephine Collins; son-in-law, Scott Collins, and grandson, Truman Collins of Roanoke, Va.; his son, Coby Smith and friend, Julie-Anne Maiorana of Boston, Mass.; and brothers, Richard Smith of California, Christopher Smith of Washington, D.C., and Ronald Smith of France.
An informal gathering to celebrate Dennis' life will be held at The Links at Outlook Golf Course in South Berwick, Maine, on April 19, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The family would like to thank everyone whose friendship and support surrounded Dennis during both his life and illness. He will be dearly missed. Memorial donations can be sent to the VFW of South Berwick, Post #5744, 16 Butler St., South Berwick, ME, 03908 to support our troops.
Visit the online guest book at www.fosters.com/obits
Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Smith
26 Entries
Frank Weitzel
April 24, 2008
Vaya con Dios Dennis........You grabbed this life by the horns and rode it! The Love you shared with all of us will be hard matched by another man. I will live in the memories of times we shared. Terry, Jo and Coby, you were the lucky ones who knew the inner workings of this mans daily life. We must now go forward as we know Dennis would have wanted, one day at a time. I Love you Terry
Amy Hoover
April 23, 2008
Dear Terry, Joesephine and Coby,
I wanted to send my sincerest condolences at Dennis' passing. I will always have an image of him in a plaid shirt, jeans and workboots. Terry and Dennis were leaving southern California when Ronnie and I arrived from a car trip cross country. The comings and goings happened at Richard and Timme's home in Redondo. Ronnie and I visited once in Maine and where you lived/grew up was inspiring and beautiful. Dennis really did an impressive job of putting together a full life and business up there. I know his brothers and sister were very proud of him. I was saddened to hear about his illness and am sorry you lost him so early. Sincerely, Amy (Ronnie's "first" wife)
Jim Zimmerman
April 23, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of Dennis' passing. I don't think there are words that could adequately start to make sense of this all. Dennis was a stand up kind of guy. He lived life with an open heart and always welcomed me in. For that I will be eternally grateful.
Patty Henneberry
April 22, 2008
Terry, Joe and Coby ~
I will miss Dennis immensely, he was so giving and over the the years always there when I needed him. Our many visits East were always highlighted with something Dennis would have up his sleeve to make it just that much more memorable!.....in the early visits I remember he would show us where we might find the single guys probably in hopes we might someday gravitate East. I have always wanted to be closer but some how that didn't play out in the cards....
Our visit over the last four days gave me comfort in being with each of you and in all that we shared and celebrated of Dennis' life....he has left us with laughter in our hearts and the true meaning of believing in ourselves no matter what the challenge.
I love you ~
Patrick Moretti
April 20, 2008
For the past 20 plus years I've gotten to know Dennis as a patron and a friend. He consistantly amazed me with his talents and always warmed any situation with his smile. I'll miss his to the point attitude one minute and a quick story the next.
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family. May God bless and help you find strength during this time of sorrow.
Kirk Lawrence
April 19, 2008
Dear Terry, Jo, Scott, and Coby,
We are saddened to hear that such a nice man and leader in the Smith and Weitzel family has passed away too soon. Dennis was always a wonderful person to talk with and have easy conversations. There was so much to admire about Dennis and Terry. His family and his children were his treasures, and he deserves his place with God... our sympathies and condolences on your loss.
Love,
Kirk, Nancy & Matt Lawrence and Cathy, Crystal, Alex and Michael Lawrence
Dona Lynn and Tom Clabby
April 18, 2008
Dearest Terry, Josephine and Coby,
Know that our heart, mind and prayers are with you every step of the way as your tears flow with Love, Gratitude, and Affection for your beloved Husband and Father and Celebrate his Life. Dennis TOOK UP A HUGE SPACE in all of our hearts. It reflected his energy, tenderness, commitment and love for you, his most precious treasure. He was a joy to be around and his humor and generosity of Spirit is bigger than Life. You will have that always as you reflect on his goodness and devotion for you all. Your courage and love that assisted him in his time of need speaks volumes about who you are and where you come from. His courage and surrender is the path that we all will eventually take. Hopefully each of us will be surrounded and envelop and comforted with that same Love that passes all understanding that you provided him…
Dear Jo and Coby, Tom and I had the good fortune to be at your Mom’s and Dad’s crazy wedding that brings smiles and happy memories. It was the “Second kick off” of their life adventure with one another. The “First” being their robust backpacking trip through Europe together…ah yes, what tales they told on one another… They both found a great love and passion that surpasses time and events…Warms the cockles of ones heart in memory. The blessings that manifested for them throughout the years together are profound. You both, being the center of that deep love and affection they always had for one another. The memories we have of both of them, from visiting them in Snowflake Arizona, when we were ALL YOUNG. Family reunions over the years where the mantra was “go out and multiply”. JO’s and Scott’s unforgettable wedding, which was such a hoot. What fun, what memories, how proud your Dad always was of you both!
Dearest Terry …May you and all your family be comforted and showered with Love from those who received it from Dennis as a husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, son-in-law, brother –in-law and friend. He always walked with a twinkle in his eye and a smile from the heart. He will be remembered with great affection and warm memories. FAMILY ROOTS RUN DEEP!…Great Grandmother Lynn and your beloved Grand Mary made sure of that!!!! The Lynn Family is like the branches of tree…. We may grow in different directions…Yet our roots remain as one… Each of us will always be a part of the other.
“In Remembrance of Dennis”
He walked with a twinkle in his eye and a smile from the heart…
He was a man of his word and loyal to a fault…
When he entered a room you could feel his warm energy…
He was a visionary who would not be discouraged when others said he was nuts…
He was a creator of dreams and made them come true…
His laugh was booming…
His hands strong… from hard work…
He was built like a sledgehammer… Close to the ground…
He had the reddish of hair when he was young!
He choose a line of work that would break most men…
Children flocked to him…young girls gushed over him…
Young women loved him and older women wished they were young again…
Who was this Man? He was a Man’s Man…
Rough and loveable… yet a true Gentleman.
Good, Kind, Trustworthy, Courageous, Hardheaded and Magical!
What is his Legacy?
An extended family made up of longtime friends that will remember him
Fondly with the sweetest of memories…
Individuals who worked with him that will remember his fairness and honesty in the workplace…
But most of all HIS BELOVED FAMILY who will tell stories about him to the next generation…
They will be absolutely unbelievable… yet marvelous to spike the imagination of a child…
And bring healing to the broken hearts of those who grieve for him the most.
We all share the lost of this remarkable man…
He has left this shore on which we stand…. Sailing away…
Only to be met with open arms on the far distance shore
By those whom he loved and loved him …Not so long ago…
With Love, Dona, Tom and Family
Pat Henneberry
April 17, 2008
Dear Terry, Joe & Coby,
Although Dennis and I were brother-in-laws, I really always saw him as one of my brothers. It was always comic relief with Dennis, such a gift was our laughter. Considering the women out weigh the men so much in this family, Dennis was always there to share the guy things. It also helped that we were both in the same line of work which gave us plenty of opportunities to share horror stories and laugh some more! Dennis and I also enjoyed sharing stories about what it was like to be around all of the sisters in this family and how you all would reminisce about your childhood days. He and I just couldn't get enough of this. Dennis also had a funny sarcasim about life, but was always expressed in a positive way. Dennis never let anything stop him, he always could figure out how to fix it and move on to the next task. Dennis was also the place everyone else would go when they couldn't figure out how to fix something for themselves. I don't believe Dennis ever walked away from people in need, especially his family. I don't know how long it will be before I can once again tell stories and laugh with Dennis, but I know when that time comes we'll be laughing our heads off and talking once again about all of the women in this family. Until then Dennis, look down on me and help me to continue to find the laughter in life while I'm here. Your brother, Pat.
April 17, 2008
Joesephine, Scott & family,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Each of you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We pray that loving memories will help to carry you through each day that lies ahead.
Eric & Tonya Woolwine & family
Deb & Rich Smith
April 17, 2008
Dennis will always hold a special place in our hearts. He will be fondly remembered for his generosity, great sense of humor and endless hours of community service, which he so humbly gave! Our sincere sympathies to Terry and family.
patricia conklin
April 17, 2008
dearest terry, jo and coby,
dennis was a rock for our family so many times and in so many ways... he was truly a gift for me..his zest for life inspires us today as we mourn a loss that is shared by a multitude of friends and family. may the happiness of your memories sustain all of you as you continue on. i always hoped that dennis knew just how much we all loved him and how much he was treasured.. with heartfelt love to each of you, mom/boopie
Trish, James and Suns Taylor
April 16, 2008
Dearest Terry, Jo and Coby.... Dennis was larger than life. He had a huge heart and could always be counted on.
He loved you above anything in the world.
We will miss his visits -motoring in the driveway, fashioning his leathers. Terry riding on back.
Our deepest sympathy and love,
Christopher Smith
April 16, 2008
To all of you, the remembrance of Dennis is so special, he was a wonderful brother, and an even better friend. I will miss everything about him, his wit, humor and caring. He was a very special person to me. Good Bye Dennis, I miss you. Much love. Chris
Sara Rosso
April 16, 2008
Dennis was like a father to me. I had the opportunity to live with him as part of his family and I learned so much from their values, love and happiness… Terry, Joe and Coby, my thoughts are with you at this time.
You will forever live in my heart.
Norman Laing
April 16, 2008
Terry You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are only a back yard away for whatever you need. With sympathy Norman and Marybeth
Roger Clum
April 16, 2008
Dennis was a true artist of a carpenter and made running a jobsite and a business look easy, that also is an art form. His abiities, honesty, and sincerity were well known in the local construction world and he will be truly missed. I consider it an honor to have called him a friend.
Eileen Brault
April 16, 2008
Dear Terry,
Dennis is riding a great Harley right now! I am thinking of you and miss you at school...we all do...Love, Eileen
Heather Sanfacon
April 16, 2008
Terry, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time....
Lori Geyer
April 16, 2008
Dennis was such a big part of our family, and he made a difference in my life in so many ways. I told my sister Terry, he's going to make a perfect angel. I love him dearly, and I will always miss his larger than life presence. He has flown but he'll never be too faraway.
Best of Times
April 16, 2008
Phil+Monica Crystal
April 16, 2008
Dear Terry,Josephine and Coby,
We were so sad to here about Dennis.We extend our deepest sympathy to all of you.
Sincerely,Phil+Monica Crystal
Judi Savage
April 16, 2008
Dennis was not only a friend to me but a supportive brother-in-law & loving uncle to my children. He will be remembered for his humor, his devotion to his family and always being willing to give of himself to help others. I feel honored to have known him.
Doug Saurman
April 16, 2008
Our journey through life takes many strange paths. Dennis traveled his path with a wonderful wife and children and with many friends. I am thankful that I knew Dennis and traveled part of his journey with him
Shirley Jacques
April 16, 2008
Dennis was a strong man who worked long and tirelessly as an advocate for his vision of the best for his hometown and the community he loved.
April 16, 2008
Terry and children our thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow.
May you always remember the good times.
Lillian Burke
Kelly, Jamie and Dylon Lahue and Tom Goulet
Meredith, Ashleigh and Makayla Lanouette
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