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LOCAL LIFE
by Greg Martin
Many of our older readers well remember the hit television show , The Real McCoys ( 1957-63 ), about a family which overcame poverty , and through hard work and familial love went on to lead gratifying lives .
Remember the theme song from the series ? “ I wantcha to meet the family known as .. .. ..”.
Well in this case not the Real McCoys , but the Dennis family of East Kurrajong .
The heads of this clan also emulated the Real McCoys in the early stages of their lives .
John and his three siblings , Elizabeth , Helen and Robert , lost their father , Frank , to a debilitating disease when John was only six years old , leaving their mother , Betty , to carry the workload .
Which she did through sheer grit and love for her children .
Betty passed away in 2010 , a contented woman , knowing her hard work and love ensured all her children created happy lives .
Both Mary ’ s parents died when she was very young , and she and her elder brother was raised by their grandmother who took them under her wing when she was 84 years old .
That ’ s gran , not Mary . ( I think I may have over explained that !).
That wonderful old lady was able to nurture , love and steer the two youngsters into adulthood for nearly two decades until passing as a centenarian .
Crickey , what ’ s not to admire about John and Mary Dennis , who , with the love of family , overcame tragedy and adversity
ONE OF THE
as children to lead truly fulfilling lives . John and Mary Dennis established long careers as much-loved and respected teachers , and as highly admired members of the Hawkesbury community .
That love and compassion they encountered in their childhoods after each lost parents , molded their outlook on life as they moved into adulthood .
And that was to wring every ounce out of the time you have in this place .
To show respect to whomever crosses your path , get a good education and most importantly , to ensure their children were given love and guidance to ensure they , well , led happy and fulfilling lives .
Place a large tick beside each of those goals !
Mary and John ’ s five children have done their parents proud – each have wrung every inch out of the example set by their parents .
Corey , 44 , is a civil and environmental engineer and Global Head of Andrew “ Twiggy ” Forrest ’ s Fortesque Metals Group .
Amy , 42 , followed her parents into teaching and is the assistant principal at Rouse Hill Primary , and 40-year-old Matthew operates his own construction business on the Far North Coast .
Dave , 38 , is a legend in Australian Rugby Union , having represented Australia in 25 matches , including 18 Tests , appearing in 106 games for the NSW Waratahs , and taking his footy skills abroard , playing in England and the USA .
In the USA , David played 30 matches for the Los Angeles Giltinis ( 2021-22 ) and has recently been appointed the club ’ s senior assistant coach to his old Waratahs team-mate and Test player , Stephen Hoiles .
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John and Mary Dennis have every reason to sport large smiles . What greater task do you have in life but to provide love and guidance to your children ? They ’ re done it in spades !
6 ISSUE 176 // JANUARY 2025 HAPPY NEW YEAR ! theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT