[Dialogue] Fwd: Dennis Jennings ♥️

[Colleen Haithcock]

He was also my friend,..

Regards,
Colleen Haithcock


On Mon, Feb 16, 2026 at 2:15 AM Richard Alton via Dialogue <
dialogue at lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote:

> Dear ICA and Order colleagues,
>
> It is with great sadness that we wanted to let you know that our beloved
> colleague, mentor, and friend Dennis Jennings passed away on the morning of
> February 15th 2026.
>
> There isn’t a bad thing anyone in this world could say about Dennis. He
> was simply the best. Loving, nurturing, kind, thoughtful, funny, and just
> filled with so much care and dedication for the people and spaces around
> him.  Dennis will be so dearly missed by so many. His presence in our
> community and lives will never be quite filled – but may we be able to
> take the wisdom and care he imparted on us into all the rooms we step into
> -- and make each space a little better for it. May we be able to embody
> his humility, soft-but-grounded presence, and quick wit and levity. Dennis
> had a great quiet knowing: he knew what was needed to make any situation
> better, and had a way of manifesting what was needed.
>
> I know many of our hearts are broken by this huge loss – and we will find
> a time to grieve and celebrate this cherished and wonderful life in
> community soon. For now, here are some words from his partner in crime, and
> the one who knew him best – Judy Weddle.
>
> -----------------------------------------
>
> Our dear friend Dennis Jennings passed away this morning.
>
> While Dennis was a quiet and careful person he exhibited many strengths.
> He soared when recalling data gleaned from research.  He was thorough and
> trustworthy in reporting data. There was many a time in meetings when the
> group would become silent when he would speak up - knowing that his
> contribution was valuable and that he was going to make was succinct
> comment that was thought-through and nearly always a helpful perspective -
> either with new ideas keenly analyzed or accurate reflection of
> contributions from chaotic conversations.  He was an especially organized
> person and could “pull up" and find facts that would be long past for many
> of us.
>
> Dennis had a gift for planning paying careful attention to details.  This
> made him a powerful facilitator.  He loved the Technology of Participation
> and was totally grounded in these methods.  He enjoyed leading groups and
> helping people find meaning from the work they do.  He also enjoyed ToP
> Training and teaching the methods to others. We have lost an example of
> fine facilitation and training support.  Dennis was proud to have been a
> part of the Institute of Cultural Affairs for many years.  He was a part of
> the staff for many years.
>
> Dennis was also a very kind and gentle person.  His spiritual foundations
> made his personal values strong.  He knew how to live in community.  He was
> not weak.  He was tenacious and rooted like a tree.
>
> While he did not relish conflict he did not run from it.  He would throw
> himself into the fray, even knowing how stressful it was for him, whenever
> he felt the need to stand his ground.
>
> He cared deeply for others and he had a self-deprecating sense of humor
> that many people admired.
>
> My sweet friend.  I will miss him.
>
>  Seva Gandhi
> Principal and Founder
> Collaborative Connections
> 708-712-5467
> Dennis was also a foundational member of the *Greenrise Community* on the
> 6th and 7th th floor of the ICA Chicago building. Dennis was key in
> helping not only think through the organization of the community but more
> important a constant presence in working out the day-by-day practices. It
> was amazing to see the amount of time and energy he took in making
> community work.
> What a presence.
> Dick Alton
>
>
>
> --
> Richard H. T. Alton
> ICA Global Fund
> United Methodist Creation Care
> Behold, all things are being made anew
> T: 773.344.7172
> richard.alton at gmail.com
>
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>
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