My friend/brother Dene, what wonderful memories we created. An absolute gentleman with a somewhat of a Jekyll and Hyde character away from the table. The consummate professional who gave it his all when competing. Great sense of humor, generous beyond belief, too which I am internally grateful. Known to enjoy a glass of wine or three, that was Dene. My brother, I sure as hell am missing you and will do until we meet again. Fly high with the Angel's and God bless, thank you for being a part of my life for 40 years.

Our thoughts arecwith you today Leslie and family. We spent many happy hours with Dene each time he came to Wairoa to see mum and dad (Aunty Mary and Uncle Major). Dad followed Dene's every move in every game I think he ever played. He loved all the letters, programmers and info that Dene sent him from all over the world during his travels. In fact I still have a little bundle of programmes that were among dads prized possessions. Dene is always remembered with much fondness. Arohanui from the Marshall/ Couper Family

The Board, staff, and members of Massé would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Dene’s family. When Dene first joined our Board, we were still quite a small Club, and we were elated that such a legend of the game was keen to be involved in our Club and what we were doing in terms of growing the game. The credibility and mana of Dene played a huge role in our Club growing to what it is today. Dene would always give his time freely no matter whether it was helping with juniors, commentating at tournaments, or difficult matters concerning the Board. Over the years Dene went from someone who had inspired many of us to pick up a cue, to being a highly respected and valued colleague and friend. When Dene was awarded Life Membership of the Club in 2022, it was in recognition of not only his career as a player, but more so his contribution as a person to the Club. Having been our Board Chairperson since 2017, the loss of Dene will leave a huge hole in our Club, and it will be hard not seeing him sitting at the head of the Boardroom table for our meetings. Dene will leave a lasting legacy as a player and through his work helping grow cue sports in general. A great character, Dene was a man of style and class, with great taste (especially in wine!), and was great company to be around. We will miss you Dene. Rest in peace our friend.

Leanne and I extend our sincere condolences to Dene's family. I first met Dene in 1980 in Launceston Tasmania in 1980. We have remained friends since then. We caught up again in 1982 at Calgary Canada when we were both competing in the world championships there. Later in 1982 Dene and i did a 9 match tour of NZ which was organised by Fred his mentor and friend. After deno turned professional in 1984 we would see each other regularly and he would often stay with us when he and I were playing in the north of England as i lived just outside Manchester and deno resided in London. Dene would meditate before going to play and i can recall more than once waiting for Dene to emerge from his room before heading to the venue! Dene also would visit and stayed with us many times In Australia. We are so sad that we did not get to meet with you in Auckland earlier this year. In 1987 Deno and i played a "trans tasman challenge"in NZ. On that trip Deno introduced me to Leanne as he was dating Leanne's sister and the rest is history as Leanne turned out to be my life partner. Thank you Deno. Deno was an incredibly talented snooker player and a ferocious opponent on the table. Whilst Dene leaves a lasting legacy as a snooker player and trailblazer for NZ , he leaves a lasting legacy with us as a dear friend and a wonderful human being. Deno , we love you like a brother and we will miss you. RIP Dene.

We were extremely sad and shocked to hear of Dene’s passing and would like to extend our condolences to his family. We got to know Dene in London in the 80’s when he practised at Ealing Snooker Club and Kentish Town Snooker Club (which we managed). He was dedicated to his sport and was such a lovely person. He came to our wedding and was able to catch up with the Kiwi side of our family which I think he enjoyed. It was a difficult and sometimes lonely career that he pursued back then but he did so with integrity and professionalism, rest in peace Dene.

I was so saddened and shocked to hear of Dene’s passing last week. We had a very small group of inner circle friends while in the UK playing snooker and Dene was one of them. Even though the time and distance separated us I obtained all of Dene’s real estate listings in New Zealand so I was constantly reminded of his endeavours. And it always brought a smile to my face. He had a way about him that exuded class and distinction. And he was always a treat to be around. As genuine a person as you will ever meet. He will be missed greatly by everyone that had the pleasure to know him. And our inner circle of old friends will never be the same. Rest in peace my friend. Jim Wych Canada