Robert Travis Dennington

If envy is a deadly sin then I have a confession. I am envious of all of you. All of you that knew Travis longer. Those that had more opportunities to spend quality time with him. Those that were closer whether family or friends. It was only in the last year of his life that I came to know him. Several times each week we would queue up outside a popular resale store in Palm Springs and eagerly wait for the doors to open. In theory those early birds among the first in line had a slight advantage to enter the store in search of treasures. Many times, I stood alongside Travis waiting the store to open.

Travis wasn't always 1st in line, but he was always 1st class. A model of civility and always a gentleman. One day we had those coveted positions in line when 2 clearly handicapped seniors joined us. When the store opened, without hesitation, we took a few steps back and Travis gestured for the seniors to proceed into the store before us. That simple gesture of kindness bespoke who Travis was and brought a touch of humanity to our morning ritual.

Travis was the finest human being I ever met of the outside of that store. There was nothing phony about that man. He was exceedingly polite, considerate, genuine, sincere, and 100% authentic.

Despite the battle he was quietly waging, he maintained a spirit of strength, and optimism that I could only marvel at.

Einstein wrote: " Either you believe everything is a miracle or nothing." Given the random and casual circumstances of our being acquainted, I believe our friendship was indeed a miracle. But I wish we had met and become friends much sooner or that Travis had greater length of years for us to enjoy our friendship. Those of you privileged to have known him longer, better, or shared more quality time with him are truly blessed. Please remember Travis and share your memories of him with those whom will never have such pleasure. When you relive those good memories you will fill your listeners with Envy.

Travis was a part of my life for decades. I will miss him.

I feel privileged and honored to have had Travis in my world... Not only the privilege of being his friend, but having him in my barber chair

The stories were always rich. Hearing his stories of his life would always be a smile into my day, often laughter, even some tears along the way

Travis... You will be missed. Thank you for enriching. The world is so many lies... See you on the other side.

Robert graduated in with us in 1976, so we are preparing for our 50th reunion and had looked forward to seeing him again. He was in band and we have a lot of memories of him as a happy, fun friend. He will be missed. Condolences to his husband and all who loved him.