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 6
th 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(a)gmail.com
