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Dennis Smith Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Smith
Kasia Szpakowska
April 3, 2007
Oh Denz, the first friend I ever had back in 1978, like a protective fun big brother he was to me for years and years. So close we were that I am Corey's godmother, adn i hope he is doing well. Denz, i think of you and that great giving heart of yours often. And even now, in the distance, i can hear the clinking of chains as you walk down the street ... smiles,.. i remember when you worked at the flower shop... rest in peace my friend ...
August Ragone
April 1, 2007
If I even dared to recount a fond memory of Denz, it would fill pages; his acts of kindness and generosity can never be repaid to him in full, except by keeping him in our memories, and giving him the respect he deserved.
Denz was a true friend to anyone who let him in – he was a big man with an even bigger heart, who was not ashamed to proudly wear it on his sleeve. In a world filled with backstabbers and fifth columnists, he was a real rare gem among us. "Denz Havoc" will be greatly missed.
The world is a little less brighter without him.
*you knew me as Cheryl*
March 22, 2007
My sympathies go out to Denz' family and friends. May peace be with you now, and always.
Denz, I haven't seen you in decades now, but I remember you well and smile. You were so kind when I met you at my first show in 198O--an ambassador of the SF punk scene. You were so funny and charming...a sweetheart in your tattered up leathers and boots.
I hope it was a good life, my friend!
Juneko Robinson
March 22, 2007
Denz,
Under all the outrageous fashions of our youth, you were a big sweet puppy dog and one of the first friends I made in San Francisco's old Hardcore Scene. I remember how we used to visit you at the Flower Mart where you once worked some 25 years ago. Last I saw you, you were mock-wrestling with a friend in the ring at a punk rock wrestling show at the IBeam about 15 years ago. I'll never forget how you showed us your old disco moves from back when you were known as Disco Dan in the late 70s. Your humor & big heart & love of music will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. My condolensces to your family and all who loved you.
Connie "Granny Fiendish" Wallace
March 21, 2007
I have not seen Denz since 1984, just before I took off to the East Coast.He was always a great friend to me. I looked up to him and respected him when I was a youngster in the punk scene. Many times he made me laugh in the girls bathroom (his office) at the Mab. My band back then “Slaughterhouse”,played a benefit show for him at the Mab called “The Teething of Denz”. I
still have a photo of us on stage together that day among other classics of the man himself . I have wonderful memories of those times, and even though I am still in the punk scene it is nothing like it was back then when we were one big family.
I will never forget you big brother.
erik jones
March 20, 2007
Denz-I havnt seen him since the mid 80's thought he moved away seems he just swiched scenes..Many fond memories of hanging out at the compuond eating broken cookies from next door..clueing me in to the upcoming happening at the tool and die or the beer vats..always think of rockey when I think of denz..he was one of the "faces" in the scene we younger kids looked towards for guidence in fashion and or life wiuthout even knowing it...thanks for reaching out all the times you did to so many...
Louise Russo-Inglis
March 17, 2007
Since you were a little lad, you were special to me. Now you are in
His care but Aunt Pauline and I will always speak of you with love, much love. You brightened so many lives here on earth and you will always be
remembered for being "Denz" to all of us. Rest in Peace dearest friend
Lou
Randi Taylor-Habib
March 15, 2007
Thank you Denz for all those wonderful dances, although I had two left feet, and for hanging out with me and Natasha all that time at Ace Cafe. You were a true friend, who made life fun, and we shall miss you with all our hearts. I wish I had got to dance with you one last time, but I know many of your favorite artists are there so I will not keep you.
Love Randi
Thank you for that incredible Haida sculpture you gave me years ago from Alaska, it is really amazing.
Lisa Sagastume-McTiernan
March 15, 2007
Goodbye Denz, I wish you well and your family well. Lots of great memories including you are left behind. Good luck on the other side.
Nads
March 15, 2007
Goodby Denz,
I'll miss you my brother, you were an original.
Katie Spangler
March 15, 2007
Farewell Denz! I'll always remember you sitting at the bottom of stairs at Elbow greeting everyone with a smile, while calling Danielle "dimples!" The Santa Claus pic with you me and Danielle is still up in my room!! You will be missed. Xo.
Jennifer Irvine
March 15, 2007
I spent hours with Denz on the phone and on rides home where he talked endlessly about his friends, his son, love and music. What great concerns to hold - not surprising of such a generous and gracious man! Denz will be hugely missed all of us lucky to have known him over the years. My sincere condolences to his family.
Alisha Alexander
March 15, 2007
Denz was on of the first people I met in San Francisco before I moved here from Dallas TX in 1996. He had a heart of gold, loved to dance, and was a lot of fun. He loved his son and spoke of him often. I am lucky to have known him.
Althea 'Vida Lee' Zane-Hathaway
March 14, 2007
May the Sweet Heavenly Angels eternally celebrate the sweetest of all memories of our dearly beloved, now departed Earth Angel, Dennis 'Denz' Smith.
Ahh, our venerable, classic SF Rockabilly meet-and-greet character.
Miss Maya Martinez and myself were not only honored, but by Denz' sweet innate spiritual design, humored by this always gracious and reliable, our affable Denz Man who helped us launch our first annual CHERRY-T BALL featuring Gene Vincent's Original BLUE CAPS with Lee Rocker opening in the historic DeMarco's 23Club, Brisbane. In the heart of SF's Visitacion Valley, our guest's initial visual rolling into this seemingly West Coast Mayberry, was the legendary dancehall's neon glow casting upon the hotrods, Jag's and kustoms all lined-up below. And then our secret weapon, a huge juicy slice of fresh California sunshine .... Denz Man. Cherry Bomb Productions could not have pulled that special dance social in The City of The Stars without you, Little Darlin'. We are eternally grateful the Lord sent you to us.
Vaya Con Dios,
XOXOX Vida Lee
Johnny "Ford" Stodd
March 14, 2007
Like everyone else, the happy Denz made the man. A true good man. If there is truly a heaven, no doubt Denz is there begging Jesus to let Gene Vincent or Carl Perkins a long set. Rest In Peace old friend. Your memory lives on.
regina degidio
March 14, 2007
Denz, it was so nice to have known you and I am grateful our paths crossed many years ago. I have many fond memories at the Elbow Room and other events around the bay area. You will be greatly missed by many. I am so sorry to see you go.
March 14, 2007
I will always remember him dressed as santa ...miss you Denz
Peter Kirsch
March 14, 2007
I'm grateful to have known you and all the adventures that came with our friendship.
To think that 25yrs of friendship could come and go so fast, who would have thought that you would beat me to the punch.
To you my friend I raise my glass for one final cheer, may god and all of your true friends keep you in thier hearts always.
You will be missed.
Pete
(AKA Animal)
Velez
March 14, 2007
Denz,
I will forever remember you sitting there at the Elbow Room entrance, smiling and greeting people and telling them what a good night it was going to be. You will be missed by everyone that you met along your travels in life...now you will see Elvis, Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent and all your other heroes. Rest in peace, Denz.
Sarah Rogers
March 14, 2007
Denz really had the greatest heart... it's something you do not run into much in life, and it's really hard to see it go. Denz will be extremely missed.
Andrea Costa-Lee
March 14, 2007
Goodbye Denz. I hadn't seen you in years, but think of you often. I wish we coulda had at least one more dance together. You were always like a big brother to me and I'll never forget you. There will never be another like you. Say hi to Elvis for me. TCB baby!
See you on the other side.
Love, Andrea
Carlo De Liso
March 14, 2007
Denz,
Whenever I recall the good ol' Rockabilly days you are there, forever
part of it! Your laughter and humor always with you and so your
'extended' patience to keep up with my ( and Lloyd's) jokes. You will
be deeply missed in our hearts.
Keep on rockin'
Carlo & Karin.
rachel and toni royce orlando xavier
March 14, 2007
goodbye denz, you will be greatly missed by all of us. you affected many lives in a kind and gentle way. may you rest in peace. our sympathies to family members.
Jessica Brooks
March 14, 2007
Denz,
You will be sorely missed and we all had so many fun times together at the Elbo room, and The Mad Dog, just to name a few. You had such a gentle and sweet spirit and a heart-of-gold!
Rest in Peace Friend.
XOXO
Miss Jessica Brooks
Chris Cendak
March 14, 2007
Anyone who went to Bay Area Rockabilly shows in the nineties knew Denz. Almost every guy had a shot and a beer with him and almost every lady had a dance with the man. Ill words were never spoken for the man who showed respect for all the people around him. It's true that I have not seen him in years, but he never faded from my memory. Rest in Peace, Big Guy.
Jennifer Lohman Patterson
March 14, 2007
My sympathy to Denz's family. He was such a gentleman.. Celia and I have known him since the 70's... He was like a big brother to us.. we will miss you!
Arsen Roulette
March 14, 2007
I'll miss ya buddy.
I remember the first time I met ya at the Greaseball, A girl in each arm with your old lucky strike tin and a gingam shirt. We had some great times over the years. You were a big ole Teddy Bear trapped in a mans body. The SF shows just won't be the same without you.
Bop on brother!
Maya Martinez
March 14, 2007
Denz honey, I will greatly miss you and your kind & loving heart. You are a dear soul and this world is a lesser place without you. Please save a dance for me.
Lindsay Negrello
March 14, 2007
Denz was always such a sweet man. He had a wonderful sense of humor and he was so down-to-earth that he could always laugh at himself. He and Lloyd were a regular comedy team! Denz had a great zest for life and he will be missed. It's just not a rock-a-billy show without you , Denz!
March 14, 2007
Denz, you have always reserved a special place in my heart, with fond memories of your laugh and smile, you are deeply missed.
March 14, 2007
Denz shall forever remain a constant memory of the youthfull days gone by. A true fan of life as we know it. Rock On Brother, Rock On!!!
Lincoln Smith
March 14, 2007
My first job after moving to the Bay Area in '95 was stage manager at the DNA Lounge. I remember my first Thursday night on the job. I don't remember the line-up for that evening, but I do remember Denz leaping and careening all over the dance floor with various partners. The man loved his friends, he loved the music and he loved to dance. He always seemed to be the guy having the most fun and was the most fun to be around. There was no falseness or any pretense to him. He was an original. I knew none like him before and I've known no others since. His name will certainly be spoken among those fortunate enough to have known him for a long time to come and will assuredy bring a smile to all who hear it. You will be so very missed.
Lauren Wong
March 14, 2007
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Smith family. Over the years, I was lucky enough to have run into Denz at most of the rockabilly shows I attended! He was always kind and gentlemanly. He will be missed.
March 14, 2007
You'll be missed dear friend. You are a sweetheart may you rest in peace.
John Dickerman
March 13, 2007
Denz was a regular fixture in the S.F. Rockabilly music scene. I will remember him sitting out in front of the shows at The Elbow Room , laughing with , and greeting all his friends , he will be missed .
Jim Knell
March 13, 2007
I was just thinking about Denz the other day, first time in a while. I always enjoyed seeing him out and he was always so protective of all of the ladies. You will be remembered fondly and definitely missed by me and I'm sure countless others...jim
renee svensson
March 13, 2007
When I started coming to Rockabilly shows at the DNA lounge in 1996 Denz made me feel so welcome. I didn't know anyone and I would show up by myself. I always knew he would be there to make me feel comfortable and share a drink with me. He loved to dance and I would usually say yes when he asked. Our most memorable dances and one of my favorite memories of Denz we were dancing in a little side room at Bimbos where the band literally played on the floor, no stage. I was wearing a circle skirt and Denz swung me around and my skirt caught in the microphone stand. Just as the stand was falling Denz spun me the other direction and the singer cought the stand just in time to keep singing. It all happened in slow motion. Even though he was a big guy he was very smooth! I'll miss him a lot.
DeAnne Balestreri
March 13, 2007
My Deepest Sympathies at this the time of your loss. Denz will forever be remembered lovingly by his many friends. He would help anyone, anywhere in need. He was a gentleman and will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to you and yours.
PHILLIP CLARK
March 13, 2007
I RENEMBER THE DAY DENNIS WAS BORN. JIM CAME RUNNING NEXT DOOR TO LET US KNOW THAT HE HAD TWIN BROTHERS.DANNY CAME HOME FIRST AND DENNIS STAYED AT THE HOSPITAL FOR A WEEK OR TWO BEFORE HE WAS READY TO JOIN HIS FAMILY AND THE WORLD. HE WAS UNIQUE FROM DAY ONE. AS WE ALL HAVE DREAMS TO FOLLOW. DENNIS FOUND HIS. HE WAS A PUNK STARWITH HIS GREEN HAIR AND HE WAS ELVIS WITH HIS STRAIGHT HAIR AND HE WAS ABLE TO PLAY THE PART OF WHO EVER WAS FAMOUS AT THE TIME BUT MOSTLY I WILL ALWAYS KNOW HIM AS A DECENT HUMAN BEING THATJUST ENJOYED BEING DENNIS. DENNIS WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY PREYERS AND I CONSIDER MY SELF BLESSED KNOWING THAT I WAS WELCOME IN THE SMITH FAMILY AS ONE OF THERE OWN. DENNIS IS NOW WITH HIS FAMILY THAT LEFT BEFORE HIM TO SAVE ROOM FOR HIM IN HEAVEN.
Sadye Smith, Austin and Judy
March 13, 2007
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief. Dennis was such a character. I remember when he dressed like a punk rocker.
jennine Bryan
March 13, 2007
There was once a magical time when The Smith's and my family were neighbors.For years we shared wonderful family Christmas parties and the memories are just countless.Our mothers and grandmothers were friends from way back when, but as a child I remember being so fasinated with Dennis.I can see him in his DISCO outfits walking up 28th st now. His great style forever changing with the times.My heart goes out to the entire family, we have all lost so many loved ones and now we hold on to memories. GREAT MEMORIES to cherish always... In my thoughts Jennine Bryan(
(Pamela's baby)
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