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MICHAEL DENSON Obituary
Michael was a graduate of the University of Virginia and the University of Virginia Medical School. He worked at Northwestern University as the Chief of Psychiatry, before leaving and starting his own practice. Michael is survived by his mother, Frances W. Denson. He will be remembered lovingly by his many friends, colleagues and patients as a snowboarder, actor, dancer and lover of fine foods.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 19, 2014, at the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss and Son Funeral Home. A funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 2:15 p.m. on Friday with a graveside service to follow at 2:30 p.m. in Blandford Cemetery with Pastor Tim Brendle officiating. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for MICHAEL DENSON
Sponsored by JM, a former patient.
Thomas Leahy
September 6, 2024
Dr. Denson saved my life. My family and I are eternally greatful for what he did for us. Rest in peace
JM
September 6, 2023
Missing Dr. Denson, today and every day. It´s been a long nine years without his care and friendship.
LG
September 6, 2023
I think of him often and miss him terribly. He helped me achieve a life I didn't think I'd have.
Susan Ingerham
September 6, 2022
This is so timely..My daughter asked me tonight how I handled Dr. Denson´s passing...how did I grieve? I told her it was very hard for me, but one of his patients paid for a special website, that will always have tributes and memories from his patients every year for a permanent memorial.
I told her it was excruciating losing him; he was the rock that kept me alive for another day...encouraging me, helping me, being there for me.
That relationship got me through the darkest days. And, I´m still here!
What an honor that he was my doctor! I miss him as much today as I did in 2014, and I am beyond grateful that I´m able to share my thoughts with his other patients.
Again, thank you JM for keeping Dr. Denson´s memorial going year after year ..
Susan Ingerham
September 6, 2021
I still miss him so much, even as the years fly by..
I´m so grateful that Dr. Denson found the right combinations of meds for me, because I am still doing well on those same medications.
His drive and support kept me alive...
JM
September 7, 2020
I miss Dr. Denson’s kind smile, quick wit and humor. I still can’t speak of him without tearing up. His deep care of me as his patient changed the course of my life. Few people have had such a profound impact on me. I’m forever grateful.
Susan Ingerham
September 6, 2020
2014 seems so long ago, yet I remember talking to Dr. Denson like it was 5 minutes ago.
Some people touch your heart, and those people are a gift from God.
Dr. Denson was one of those people.
He never gave up on me, and due to his persistence to find the right meds for me, I’m living my life almost symptom free.
That couldn’t have happened without him. I’m so very grateful every single day for giving me my life back.
. Susan Ingerham
Susan Ingerham
February 14, 2018
On this day, February 14, 2 years ago, i lost my 39 year old daughter due to outpatient complications. The August before, I lost my husband of 45 years.
The strength Dr. Denson gave me by figuring out how to fight my bipolar illness, gave me the strength to survive..without his care and love, when these heartbreaking events occurred, I could have joined them, but I did not.
Dr. Denson will always be in my heart because he saved my life..
KLN
February 12, 2018
I first met Michael as a young, 20-year-old woman, immediately following a profoundly traumatic event in my life. His endless compassion and care for me quite literally saved my life. It is partly due to his inspiring example that I went on to become a licensed therapist myself. Whenever I asked him how I could repay him for all that he did to ease my suffering and helping me to find healing, his answer remained the same, "pay it forward." I have, and I will continue to do so. The world has lost a great one with his passing. Wishing all who knew and loved him peace and healing.
JM
November 14, 2017
Thinking of you, Doctor D. I miss your voice and kind eyes. And quirks. You'd be happy to know that I'm still well. (Thank you.)
Susan Ingerham
November 13, 2017
Dr. Denson has been on my mind lately. I'm so very grateful to him for giving me a meds routine that has kept me in a wonderful place.
I struggled for so long, yet he never gave up...
He's still in my contact list, which when I see his name, I actually smile. He was my doctor, at the same time my friend. I still miss hi every single day...
Thank you for your dear friendship during medical school at UVa.
Garnetta Ely
November 12, 2017
JM
September 12, 2016
Two years have passed. Still thinking of you often, and especially this week.
Susan Ingerham
February 13, 2016
Still missing my Dr. Denson.
He's always in my heart, bringing me peace, even now
Susan Ingerham
February 21, 2015
Dr.Denson,
I remember last year at this time you were only writing RX's and planned your leave of absence in March.
I miss you every day. I still have you on my speed-dial, not wanting to take you off. I know I can't call you anymore but seeing your name gives me peace & comfort.
You saved my life; you will ALWAYS be in my heart.
KellyMarie C.
February 20, 2015
Dr. Denson, you changed my life, and you were the best doctor I've ever met. I'm sorry that the world has lost such a bright, shining star in you. You were incredible. Much love to you and your family and friends.
g j
January 3, 2015
Rest in peace.
A patient
December 20, 2014
Like so many others whom he helped, Dr. Denson saved my husband and our entire family in the process. We are making our homemade holiday caramels which he loved and wanted to include a gift package for him. We are deeply saddened by his loss and will forever be grateful that he came into our lives. He is truly a remarkable doctor, human being and friend that has left many family, friends and patients missing him.
James Leahy
December 9, 2014
Dr Michael Denson treated my son and our family is forever grateful. My son responded to Dr Denson's treatment based largely on Dr Denson's studied and logical approach. My son responded to a therapist who was consistently correct. Thank you Doctor
Nancy Leahy
December 9, 2014
There are no appropriate words for such a tragic loss of life so young. Dr. Denson treated my son and my husband. The breakthrough he made with my son was nothing short of miraculous. I weep for this loss. RIP Dr.Denson you were one in a million!
Tijuana Bradley
November 6, 2014
Dr. Denson you are greatly missed. You have touched so many lives and we are greatful and truly blessed to have known you. Your memory will live on!!
Lauen
October 31, 2014
I'm so sorry to hear about Dr. Denson. He helped me through many tough times over the 10 years I was in Chicago. I'll miss him. Does anyone know how to get medical records from his office?
M R
October 27, 2014
My prayers go out to Dr. Denson and his family. I am terribly sorry to hear of his passing. He literally saved my life through his caring and compassionate treatment during a very difficult time in my life. I know he touched many lives here through his work...may he rest in peace, and may his close friends and family find some peace in knowing what good he did for people while he was with us.
His Kindness Helped Many Rebuild Their Lives
Polly E
October 27, 2014
Thank you, Dr. Denson, for your care and for your friendship. For almost 24 years, your sincere kindness, encouragement and top-notch care were second to none. You always will have my deepest respect and appreciation. I only wish that I could have saved your life as you saved my mine. You were an incredible person who, in my opinion, walked the talk. You will be so very missed and will be forever remembered. May you rest in peace.
R S
October 20, 2014
I am unsure as to how to get in touch with Dr. Denson's family so I am posting publicly as it is my only method in hopes this may reach them. Dr Denson was a friend, a doctor and a guide. I am sure hundreds, if not thousands, of patients lives which he touched would say the same. He was not just a doctor but a friend. He listened and felt for you when you were hurting. When you suffered you could see the compassion and caring in his eyes. He had a strong sense of right from wrong and always let you know that you were worthy of life and fairness. And happiness. And peace. Please know how wonderful your son was, as well as brilliant and respected. He was a great mind and will be missed by every person he knew. Whether it was years of treatment, a moment in the hospital or a laugh on a snow board hill. In the far too short of time he was with us he did more than thousands of people do in a lifetime. He saved lives. I could write on and on about what a wonderful man Dr Denson was and none of it would seem enough. What he taught me will live in my heart and give me strength every day. I have passed his lessons to my children and his legacy will live on for generations to come. Please be so very proud of him. He was a great, great man.
Kevin
October 10, 2014
Dear Denson Family-
I just learned of Dr. Denson's death today. I wanted to relate to you my condolences to you and all of your family. Dr. Denson assisted me for a long-dark period of time in my life and got me started in the right direction. His caring treatment of my disorder has given me a chance to rebuild my life. I am forever grateful for his care.
JM
September 27, 2014
Thinking of you every day, Dr. Denson. Rest in peace, my friend.
Susan H.
September 19, 2014
Dr. Denson saved my life. I am forever grateful. May peace be with you, Mrs. Denson.
Carol Harris Lively
September 19, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of Michael's illness and untimely passing. We were high school friends as well as singers in The Ambassadors at West End Baptist Church. Not only was Mike a very good friend to me but in many ways, he was like a brother to me during those years and will always have a special place in my heart. Michael set an example for all of us to strive for of a life well lived in his many accomplishments and through all of the lives he touched and positively influenced, both personally and in his career. Mrs. Denson, I will be keeping you, and all who loved Michael, in my thoughts and prayers. Rest safely in the arms of God, Michael.
Lynn
September 18, 2014
He changed my life and made the world someplace I wanted to stay. I'm so sad he's gone and so grateful he was here to help.
He's forever with me, because I couldn't have become this person, this not-depressed, not-angry person, without him.
My prayers are with you.
Terry Moore
September 17, 2014
Fran,
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Michael. Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend the gathering on Friday, but my thoughts and prayers are with you.
September 16, 2014
Paradise belongs to those in God's memory. John 5:28
Kimberly Walton
September 16, 2014
Fran, I was sorry to hear of your son's passing. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Florence Michener
September 15, 2014
Mrs. Denson, my heart breaks for you in your loss of Michael. He was so very dear to me. From our years together at UVA to our years together in Chicago Michael and I were great friends. I admired and loved him very much. May God give you comfort and peace at this sad time.
Deborah Regal
September 15, 2014
Mrs. Denson, I was a friend of Michael's during the 70's and spend some time at your house along with Carol Harris (now Lively). Also, I sang with him at West End youth choir "The Ambassadors". I was stunned and saddend to learn that he had passed. He was always kind, and very caring. Also, he had a brilliant mind and I am sure he was a gifted psychiatrist who helped thousands. I will keep you and all his friends and family in my prayers. Rest in peace, Mike.
Joyce Hamlin
September 15, 2014
Fran, I am so sorry for your loss of Michael.
God will give you strength and comfort in these difficult days.
JM
September 15, 2014
I've waited a few days to write this, as I don't want to believe that Dr. Denson is gone. Few people have had such a profound impact on my life. He was my doctor for 20 years, and if I hadn't met him, I would not have survived a long period of severe, intractable depression. He was tireless in his efforts to find an effective treatment for me, researching and advocating on my behalf, persisting long after I had already given up. His commitment, compassion and deep personal care has given me a life that I could never have imagined.
I am forever grateful that I got to meet with Dr. Denson just before he went on medical leave. The doctor/patient walls fell away and we talked as the two friends we've become over the years, inside that context. I had the rare opportunity to tell him of the impact he's had on my life, and my never-ending gratitude for his care. I'm grateful that I was able to convey this to him, and say farewell, until we meet again.
My deep condolences to everyone affected by Dr. Denson's untimely passing. I share in your grief and the tremendous loss of this remarkable man.
Mike Cleary
September 14, 2014
Sparkle in his eye, easy smile, crooked grin that left you thinking he was thinking of something funny and not sharing it, and a great laugh. His own person even in the uneasy days of high school. Rest in His loving Peace.
September 14, 2014
Fran, I am so sorry to hear about Michael. May God bless you. Mae May
Preston Hubble
September 14, 2014
Michael and I were high school classmates as well as rooming together in Emmet Dorm our first year at UVA. I remember him well - smart, witty and fun to be around. It's wonderful to hear how he took the talents he was given, developed them, and used them to help so many people across his lifetime. What a beautiful legacy to leave behind. Godspeed, Michael. I hope to see you again someday.
susan Kerr
September 13, 2014
I went to high school with Michael. I remember him as a really sweet person. So sorry to your Mom, Michael.
Tari
September 13, 2014
Dr. Denson touched the lives and provided comfort. May God provide your family comfort during this time.
Susan Ingerham
September 12, 2014
Dr. Denson kept me alive for 22 years as I battled depression & bipolar issues. He was always there for me & I will be forever grateful to him for giving me my life back.
He was my friend as well as my doctor.
I will love him & miss him every day for the rest of my life..
Michele Clarke
September 12, 2014
Fran, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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