Dennis Mayer 1943-2008
RTF Treasurer and Friend of the Rubicon

Dennis Mayer was the Treasurer and logistics specialist for RTF. It would be impossible to explain all he did to make things happen on the Rubicon Trail. On Tuesday, November 18, 2008, we lost Dennis. He can not be replaced. Rather than have one person tell you about his life and who he was, we’ve collected some comments left on the Pirate thread remembering Dennis:

“Dennis was the nicest person I have ever met. I respected him for everything he taught me, his leadership, his knowledge, and EVERYTHING that great man did to save our trails.”

“Dennis is one of the BEST!! My thoughts and prayers are with Dennis and his family.”

“He would ware his fingers to the bone to help keep our trails open.”

“I was very honored to consider Dennis a friend and learn everything I did from him. He is an inspiration to us all. I can not put into words how honored I am to have spent those last few days with him and learn from him. He is and forever will be, as Aaron said, a hero.”

“We love you Dennis.”

“I can't think of 1 person that I know that has met Dennis, and doesn't consider him a friend....that’s just the kind of person he was....always has a smile, and always willing to lend a hand, or give guidance for those in need.”

“The respect and love we have for Dennis is unmatched. He has given so much to the trail, mostly by shaping its future by leading and "mentoring" the other users.”

“I would not be as involved or passionate about our land issues (I wouldn't be who I am today) if I had not grown to love Dennis as my dear friend (and now Brother.) That smile could always change your day... I really have no words to explain how important he is in my life. Dennis we love you.”

“I love you Dennis with all my heart. You have taught me so much, and I am a better person today, because you touched my life.”

“Dennis made a comment at the VLLS training this Saturday. He said "This course will change you by the end" He was right, it did. Just hanging out with him by the camp fire, changed me. He is what everyone should strive to be. He is an amazing person, always had a smile, never let anything get him down and provided such encouragement and enlightenment in a subtle but Dennis Mayer way.”

“I don’t know if Dennis truly knows how many lives he has touched, but he is an inspiration.”

“The first time I met Dennis he treated me like a friend. The second time I saw him he treated me like a life long friend. A rare quality.”

“He always had a way of bringing my spirits up when I was down or bringing me down when I was worked up about something, a truly good man.”

“Dennis is a great man who touched and inspired a lot of people; I'm honored to have known him.”

“Mentor to many, friend to all, and the only man I've ever met who could lead from behind.”

“Dennis was many things to many people; Mentor, Teacher, Father figure, Friend, Brother and, to me, my Inspiration! I had the pleasure of meeting Dennis 7-8 years ago at a Rubicon work party. I was tired, dirty and complaining about one thing or another when Dennis made his way down the trail, offered me a cold beverage and pointed out how lucky we were to be working in such a beautiful place. "Beats workin'" I think were his words. Over the years he was always there with an encouraging word, a hand on my shoulder and a kick in the butt when I needed it. He never let his physical limitations hold him back. Even as his eye sight diminished and his legs lost strength, he soldiered on- never complaining. Yes, Dennis is my inspiration, my hero and my friend. I'm truly honored to have known this great man!”

“Dennis wasn't a huge man....but his presence was enormous.”

“Dennis never met a stranger and he had a wonderful ability to make a person feel like you’d known each other for years. He was a man who inspired, motivated and gently pushed us all to be their best no matter what the circumstances.”

“There was always a special light that surrounded Dennis and it beamed through him to all who were near. He will be sorely missed but dutifully remembered in a special place in all of our hearts.”

“The world, the trail, and a whole lot of people are better off because of Dennis.”

“You made a place in my heart the day I met you.”

“I knew him and I “felt” he knew me. He could guide me without me even knowing he was guiding, yet offer advice when asked. He had such a soft touch, both physically and in spirit. A teacher, without lectures and tests. It was Dennis’ patience that made things happen.”

“Dennis exemplified determination & grace, all with a big smile. As someone who is also disabled, he taught me to go beyond the limitations of my illness, to think of what I can do, instead of thinking of everything I can't do anymore. And Dennis accomplished all this by just being himself.”

“A Friend, Hero, Mentor.”

"Dennis, may all of your trails be open and your Jeep never run out of gas..."

You can read more about Dennis at the Pirate4X4.com or check out Dennis' page at W2DWM.com