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Post by Geoff & Jude on Apr 29, 2016 12:23:53 GMT 10
Judy and I are very saddened to let you know that Dennis Watts passed away peacefully this morning.
Jailbar joined this forum in 2005 and was one its founding members, contributing thousands of times to the discussions and assisting many of our members with his expertise and knowledge of both caravanning and motoring topics.
For a number of years Dennis served as a moderator of the forum, assisting in its functions and procedures and his presence will be sorely missed.
With due respect, Sue has asked that we send no flowers or cards and that we don’t ring her during this time of sadness.
Dennis will be missed by all of us who knew and loved him.
Geoff 'n Jude
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Post by cobber on Apr 29, 2016 13:14:33 GMT 10
Thank you for passing on that very sad information Geoff and Jude.
Wasn't it good that Dennis was able to turn up at South West Rocks recently to reminisce about the good times and, in effect, say 'goodbye'.
He was on the tour to, and was at the first Nationals at Morgan in 2006, and as Geoff 'n Jude have mentioned he has been a contributor to the vintage caravan forum and the hobby ever since.
RIP JBJ old mate.
Cobber.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2016 13:43:08 GMT 10
I have been dreading this day, I have had the privilege of sitting around the odd camping location with Sue and Dennis and shared many a laugh, today I shred a tear. Happy travels Dennis
Petra and Lawrence
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Post by strugglebrook on Apr 29, 2016 13:53:59 GMT 10
We all have our Dennis memories from tours and get together s along with all the forum banter, I will sit and have beer over the weekend and remember some of my shared times.
Gone but not forgotten.
JD.
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Post by firefighter on Apr 29, 2016 14:38:12 GMT 10
Thanks Geoff n Jude for passing on the sad news about Dennis
Caught up with Dennis a couple time at the nationals at South West Rocks
As a moderator Dennis had a big in put to this forum
Your restoration work on your Vintage vans and vehicles will be missed on this forum
Sincere condolences to Sue and family RIP JBJ
Geoff and Gay |
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Post by Administrator on Apr 29, 2016 15:19:52 GMT 10
sad news indeed.
JBJ (Dennis) was one of this forum's greatest contributors, and long term moderator.
His enthusiasm for vintage caravans and the cars and hot rods that tow them was second to none.
We enjoyed his many projects shared on this forum, and his company on many occasions.
And his eagerness to assist others with their queries via this forum was always appreciated by many members.
He was loyal to this forum, and "flew the flag" for us at many events.
And his famous signoffs with reference to "fun"
It is fun
It's not much fun at the moment
Its all (mostly) fun
But it's still all fun
It's still fun
It still is nearly always fun
JBJ - to know you was ALWAYS fun
RIP ol' mate
Mark T
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Post by cluelesssharon on Apr 29, 2016 16:39:27 GMT 10
So glad to have spoken to Dennis & Sue at the Nationals, our thoughts are with Sue at this very sad time.
Although we did not know him as well as most of you, he was always helpful and ready to share his knowledge when we met.
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Post by Koala on Apr 29, 2016 17:53:28 GMT 10
Sad news indeed.
I had the opportunity to spend some quiet time with Dennis on the veranda of his unit at South West Rocks and was taken with his positive attitude and ability to laugh despite what he knew the future held........he even attempted to hitch up a caravan to tow back up north but needed my help to rise after he connected the chains and he even laughed about that.
I hope that between us we ensure that Sue can come along to future Vintage Caravan events if she chooses.
Ken & Judy (Koala)
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Post by Jennison on Apr 29, 2016 18:00:19 GMT 10
Sad news indeed. I am glad Dennis was able to make it to swr so he could catch up with us all.
I first met him when I had to borrow some tools at coledale. He had the battered old Chrysler with a ford V8 in it from memory?
RIP
Jenno
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Post by sutcac on Apr 29, 2016 18:30:31 GMT 10
Our condolences to Sue and family members.
Dennis was a larger than life character who gave much to this forum and vintage vanners over many years.
He was there from the beginning of the movement. Always ready to lend assistance to all who needed it.
It was always great to catch up and enjoy his company on the many get togethers that we shared over the past decade or so.
RIP old mate.
Barb and Clyde.
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Post by caddyshack on Apr 29, 2016 19:04:32 GMT 10
our condolences to Sue and family members.
Kevin and i were glad that Dennis was able to make it to the nats .
and we could catch up with both of them and have a laugh and a chat about good times .
RIP DENNIS
JEAN AND KEV.
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Post by Franklin1 on Apr 29, 2016 19:05:28 GMT 10
I too was fortunate to spend some time with JBJ and Sue on the verandah of his cabin at SWR. We chatted away and he said he had no regrets about his life, which I think is a nice place to be when the end is near. I mentioned we should have a toast to his life with a Gaviscon on the rocks, and he laughed. He said to Sue he wanted fatty fried fish and chips for dinner that night, and to hell with the consequences. I wouldn't want to be St. Peter when JBJ arrives at the Gates - and starts giving his opinion about how things should be around here.  A passionate man, and a great loss to the forum. My sincere condolences to Sue and family. Al. |
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Post by DC3Td on Apr 29, 2016 19:31:20 GMT 10
Very sad indeed. I never met Dennis but reading his adventures,restorations & advise seemed to make out you were actually there listening as he spoke or watching as he tasked away at whatever he was doing.Deepest Sympathy to Dennis & Sues Families.
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Post by tucky48 on Apr 29, 2016 21:27:57 GMT 10
very sad to here Denis has passed, I will miss his banter. I wish Sue all the best for the future. love Noelene and Greg
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Post by Roehm3108 on Apr 29, 2016 21:44:42 GMT 10
Sue, I'm so sorry to hear the sad news. I wish you the very best through this tough time.
As everybody already said, Dennis was a larger (in more ways than one) than life character, both with the hotrod movement and the vintage caravan forum. I fondly remember my first sample of jailbarjuice at Esk and pouring him into his van to sleep on what turned out to be a single bed without mattress!!!
He will be sadly missed around the fireside at all future gatherings and his restorations achievement will be talked about for many years to come.
Blessings to you
Ray
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Post by Daggsey on Apr 30, 2016 0:10:25 GMT 10
Sad news indeed, Dennis will sorely be missed by all on this forum. His enthusiasm for his projects was a hallmark for JBJ and an inspiration to many who followed his postings.
Sue, you have a special place in our hearts, especially at this sad time.
Daggsey & Carrots
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Post by philouise on Apr 30, 2016 8:22:54 GMT 10
Sue, our thoughts and love are with you at this sad time. Dennis will be great missed by all.
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Post by Don Ricardo on Apr 30, 2016 13:10:30 GMT 10
Like many, many of us on the forum, Dona Ricardo and I were really saddened to read of Dennis/JBJ's death.
JBJ was a stalwart of the forum, and was the first to stride over to greet me when I (very nervously) attended my first V V event, which was the 2008 Nationals at Mount Gambier.
His posts on the many caravans he refurbished and/or rebuilt during his time on the forum - not to mention his recent Dodge project - are legendary, and were a source of interest and anticipation as he documented his processes and problem solving. A lot of us learned a great deal about caravan restoration from his posts. And he contributed to the forum in so many other ways - as a moderator who handled member registrations for a number of years, as a frequent poster and encourager of others in their projects, and as an imparter of knowledge gained over a life time of restoration and hot rodding. And we probably shouldn't forget his occasional and often well deserved shellacking of forum members who sometimes crossed the line.
It was a special privilege for all those who attended the recent Nationals at South West Rocks (only three weeks ago!), that JBJ and Sue were able to join us, even though it meant them staying in a cabin instead of a van, and for JBJ, not being able to move too far from his chair on the verandah of the cabin. As he talked, he was characteristically philosophical about the disease which was robbing him of life, positive in his outlook, and content with what he had achieved during his time on earth.
Farewell to a wonderful friend and supporter of the forum and the vintage caravan community.
Sue, our thoughts and prayers are with you, your kids and grandchildren.
Don Ricardo and Dona Ricardo
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Post by humpyboy on Apr 30, 2016 18:44:26 GMT 10
What does one truly say at a time like this? I like everyone else has said, wish Sue all the very best for the future and hopefully I will have the chance to chat with her once again, last time I saw them both was here as they traveled home with their new/old quest van in tow.
Love to you Sue.
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Post by 1954homemade on Apr 30, 2016 19:29:08 GMT 10
Dear Sue and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Dennis" passing. It has no doubt been an extremely difficult journey for you all. We are sending our thoughts and prayers to you.
I first met JBJ and Boots in NSW in 2007 on my first Vint Van run and have since spent many happy hours catching up on runs in NSW and.SEQ. Or stopping off at your house whilst travelling between Brisbane and Sydney.
As mentioned by some of the other members, Dennis was a font of information. He was also a larger than life character and we had some spirited conversations.
I will remember him well.
Love Diane
x x
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Post by humpty2 on May 1, 2016 3:20:37 GMT 10
We are long way from home and just heard the sad news.
I was very pleased to catch up with Dennis and Sue at SWR, as Iam sure a lot of people were to have some special time with them
I know I will be thinking of them both, for along time yet.
I won't go on to repeat all the previous posters comments....it is a great summary of a great life of a great man.
RIP mate.
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boots
Full Member
scootin' along the highway of life
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Post by boots on May 1, 2016 15:08:30 GMT 10
Thank you to each and everyone for all your kind words regarding Dennis.It is very touching to know we are in your thoughts and prayers
at this sad time.
If Dennis could read all the sincere words he would have a chuckle and Say Well I must not of been a total cranky buggar. .
We were very touched by the amount of people that would drop by at South West Rocks just to say Hell'o .This meant a lot to Dennis
and myself.
When we drove away we didn't say goodbye as this we new was goodbye.
Dennis Service is at 11am Wed 4th. Please take a minute to reflect and say a prayer for him.
Warmest Regards Sue Watts.
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Post by Deleted on May 4, 2016 11:06:54 GMT 10
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Post by King Fisher on May 4, 2016 11:50:26 GMT 10
Sorry to hear about this, we never like to lose our vanning friends and the King Fishers send our warmest condolences to Sue and the family in this hard time.
RIP JBJ
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Post by scootman on May 4, 2016 19:40:45 GMT 10
Im very sad about this. I was one of the first members of the forum. Chucked a spack and came back again. Dennis helped me a lot when I was building my van and sent me things by road to help.
He is in my thoughts and prayers
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