On Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 11:00:07 AM CST,
oe-request@lists.wedgeblade.net <
oe-request@lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote:
> 1. Fwd: Dennis Jennings (Richard Alton)
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2026 01:15:04 -0600
> Subject: [Oe List ...] Fwd: Dennis Jennings
>
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
>