South Gloucestershire Gazette 24th April 1965 - copied at Gloucester Records Office

Obituary of Samuel William Gallop Dennis

The death occurred after a short illness in Thornbury hospital on April 10th five days before his 91st birthday of Mr Samuel William Gallop Dennis of Selwood Gloucester Road Thornbury. Mr Dennis had led a full and active life in the 60 years he spent at Thornbury and it could be truly said of him that he gave of his utmost in whatever he took up.

He came to Thornbury in 1905 when he was appointed head master of Thornbury Church of England School and he remained until his retirement from the profession in July 1936. A loyal churchman he served as either vicar’s or peoples’ warden at Thornbury parish church for about 20 years and he was a member of the parochial church council for a still longer period. A prominent Free Mason, Mr Dennis was a Past Master of the royal Lodge of Faith and Friendship 270 and Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon of the Province of Gloucestershire. He was until the time of his death treasurer of the Royal Lodge of Faith and Friendship and Chapter of Hope and Sincerity, Provincial Grand chapter of Gloucestershire and Herefordshire Lygrove Lodge of Mark Master Masons and of the Province of Gloucestershire Mark Master Mason.

Three years ago last month Mr and Mrs Dennis celebrated their Diamond Wedding and Mr Dennis said then after 25 years of retirement that there were not enough hours in the day t do all he wanted to do. He became treasurer of the Thornbury Horticultural Society when it restarted after the last War and continued in office until a year or two ago. His indoor hobbies included woodwork and book binding. He was secretary of the Thornbury Bowling club from 1921 to 1954. He later joined the Olveston Bowling club and was made a Life Member. He was a member of the Society of Thornbury Folk and of the conservative and Unionist Association.

Only close relatives attended the private funeral at Thornbury Parish church on Wednesday of last week. The service was conducted by Cannon R G Rawstone Vicar and Rev Douglas Bell-Richards (curate). The service was followed by a cremation.

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