We’d love it if you could put a note in our guest book. It could be a memory about Dennis. It could be a reflection about a movie you watched in his honor. It could be kind words you’d like to make sure the whole family can easily see and refer back to at a later date.

Memories or thoughts about movies

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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11 entries.
Woody Patching Woody Patching from Vancouver wrote on July 29, 2023 at 10:19 am
As a junior-ish oficer in DFA, my tasks at one time involved delivering reports which required special handling to Dennis. However occupied, Dennis found time to pause and greet, often to engage or challenge.
He advanced his views with logic, sometimes passion, or perhaps just a curly question. Underneath was always warmth and a smile, or the hint of one.
His approach impressed me then, and still does now.
Sincere condolences to Helen and family.
Jean Norman Jean Norman from Canberra wrote on July 29, 2023 at 9:57 am
Hello Liz, sorry to hear of Dennis’ death. What I most remember of him is when, after my husband Bob’s death, I turned up to our regular Thursday night Tai Chi class with Lesley, he simply stood up an enveloped me in a bear hug, without a word. I can still feel it. That was 1992.
Claire Lucas Claire Lucas from Canberra, Australia wrote on July 26, 2023 at 11:57 am
Dear Liz and family, our heart felt condolences to you all. My family all send our warmest hugs to you. It feels like yesterday that I remember visiting you after school and meeting your Dad, who would kindly lend me books n tell me all about permaculture, music and Chinese politics in the same sentence! What a generous and learned man. And he raised amazing special talented children.
Sending you a hug from my heart Liz, missing you and I keep you in my thoughts always. Much love from Claire (and my mum and dad Nasrin and Ben Lucas).
David Lasky David Lasky from Seattle wrote on July 13, 2023 at 9:53 pm
I never knew Dennis, but I know his wonderful daughter.
I love movies, and appreciate that Dennis wanted us to watch a movie we might not otherwise have seen as a way of remembering/honoring him.

From his recommendations, I chose "The World is Big and Salvation Lurks Just Around the Corner" (2008). It's a charming, sometimes very dramatic movie that I would not have known about otherwise. And it's probably the only Bulgarian film I've ever seen. The plot involves a young man who has amnesia, and his grandfather who wants to help him remember his life. They ride across Europe on a tandem bike! This is the grandfather's method for rehabilitating and healing his grandson. Maybe not entirely realistic, but definitely endearing - and not lacking in depth. The movie is peppered with flashbacks that give us a backstory of the effects of the Communist era in Bulgaria.

I'm grateful that Dennis recommended this film, and that I could honor him by enjoying it! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_World_Is_Big_and_Salvation_Lurks_Around_the_Corner
Douglas Townsend Douglas Townsend from Llanbedr Pont Steffan wrote on July 13, 2023 at 7:59 am
Dennis had style, was fearless and unconsciously provocative. A career-long challenger of the conventional wisdom. Our long-running debate concerning China and the Eurasia Heartland now suspended and greatly missed.
admin for Tim Argall admin for Tim Argall wrote on July 5, 2023 at 12:42 am
Tim Argall fondly remembers Dennis for long and broad ranging conversations - especially in the 80s and 90s
Oliver Cordell Oliver Cordell from Stockholm wrote on July 2, 2023 at 5:08 pm
Remember and admired Dennis as an unassuming but highly intelligent yet modest fellow ! We were always happy to spend time with him at work in DFA and on the odd excursion , way back in the mid '60s !

As in so many cases our paths took different turns and we lost touch , for decades . Nevertheless I recall him well and want to extend every good wish to Helen and family for the times going forward in his memory ! God Bless , Oliver C
Karen Carlyle Karen Carlyle from Holder wrote on June 27, 2023 at 5:23 am
I was on posting in Beijing when Dennis (and family) arrived to take up the role of Ambassador in 1984. I remember Dennis as being very much a people person. Heartfelt condolences to the family.
Philomena Kaarma Philomena Kaarma from Australia wrote on June 25, 2023 at 3:43 am
We have been very fortunate to be friends of Dennis and Helen Argall for many years. I think I can describe Dennis as a mentor. We had many passionate discussions regarding various interests in this world. I loved his enquiring mind, his ability to further my education on topics and guidance on further readings be it books, music or films. He is in my heart and brain.
Liz Liz wrote on June 21, 2023 at 5:43 pm
Kind words and condolences from Liz's public Facebook post https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10159886793165000
liz liz from Seattle wrote on June 19, 2023 at 5:42 am
Helen made the lovely suggestion that we have a website where people can easily post memories or about watching movies from dad's recommended list.