To Mary, Richard, Gen, Emma and Caz, thank you for giving us the opportunity to share in Denis’ farewell Mass. A beautiful and fitting service.
Love from Maureen and Adrian and family.
Thank your for your kind words. It is much appreciated. Denis’ death has left a huge hole in our lives. We have had seven years to ready ourselves for this but it was never going to be enough, but as we has nearly 50 years of love and family life we can only be grateful for the time and love together.
Denis spoke fondly of you all and he valued Adrian’s friendship and wisdom very much.
Thanks you all for your love and thoughts.
With much love and peace,
Mary, Richard, Genevieve, Emma, Caroline and families
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mary, Richard Genevieve, Emma and Caz. A beautiful service for Denis.
Love from Mary, Trevor, Martina, Colin, Peter, Jane and families.
Dear Mary, Trevor, Martina, Colin, Peter, Jane and families,
How wonderful to hear from you all. Seven years of illness has been a long and draining time for us all. We tried to match his graceful acceptance of all that was to come with our own. The last 8 months in particular have been very precious and Covid has not helped as you could see by the missing 10 immediate family. Richard and Emma has 2 weeks iso. on their return to Sydney.
Denis has been cremated and will hopefully be interred with his parents at Templestowe (and me one day too).
It would be wonderful to catch up again. Life is very short.
Thank you all for your love, thoughts and prayers,
Mary, Richard, Genevieve, Emma, Caroline and families
0417 316 582
maryhitchens@tpg.com.au
Love and Condolences to each of you Mary, Richard, Gen, Emma & Caz and to your families also – I have such fabulous memories of school holidays at Templestowe with each of you and of Denis’s infectious laugh – that and his love of Red Wine … tonight I will raise a glass in honour of Denis – all my love Fiona xxx
Our heartfelt condolences to Caz and the Hitchens family. Thank you for letting us share such a beautiful service – lovely music, photos, prayers and words shared by Mary, Richard and your family. Denis was a remarkable man with a love for learning and life. Sending our love to you all, love Lauren, Michael, Annabelle and Sophia Daly xox
Deepest Sympathies extended to the Hitchens Family.
Gen, Ross, James, Sam and Ivy, So Sorry that we could not be with you today.
All our love Danielle, Rob, Alexandra, Lachlan and Sophie -xox-
Thank you for you message of condolence. Denis will be greatly missed by us all. He has been the Captain of our ship and he steered us well and we will sail on in his love and memories.
Thanks again,
Mary, Richard, Emma, Caroline and families
Thinking of you Caz and your family today.
Caz, sorry I am unable to be there to support you, but just know I am holding your hand from a distance.
My memories of Denis, were of a very knowledgeable, proud, cheery man with a quick wit who adored his family.
He will be sadly missed, but as Rich said he lives on in all of you and your children.
May you now rest in peace Denis.
Heartfelt wishes to you all,
Kate, Craig, Alfie + Charlie xx
Sending my love and condolences to Caz, Mary, Richard, Gen, Emma and all your beautiful families. I just want to hug you all. It was a lovely service for Denis. I will remember him fondly.
To dear Mary, Richard, Genevieve, Emma And Caroline,
We have been privileged to join with you in celebrating Denis’s life from here in Queensland. It brought back so many happy memories of our Templstowe days and family times shared with you.
Our thoughts are with you all.
Take care,
Barb and John Waters.
How wonderful to hear from you both, and that you were able to share in Denis’ funeral with us “old Templestowe people”. Denis will be sorely missed and he always spoke fondly of you and the family during the times we shared as parishioners of St Kevin’s Parish Templestowe.
Thank you both for your thoughts and love,
With much love and peace,
Mary, Richard, Genevieve, Emma, Caroline and families
A beautiful service, thank you for sharing it online. Lovely stories from Mary & beautiful words from the kids. I noticed the drawings too. What a beautiful family Denis created. Thinking of you all, lots of love from Jess & Harry Smyth xxx
Thanks a million for all you have done for us during the last few very sad weeks. David, my back yard is fantastic thank you, I could recommend you as a home handy man to anyone if you lose your day job. Jess thank you for your bubbly self and just being their for us. And Harry? Well the grandchildren just love Harry as do we all.
Thank you all again for your love and care,
With love and peace,
Mary, Richard, Genevieve, Emma , Caloline and families
Mary, Gen, Ross, James, Sam & Ivy, Richard, Emma & Caz & families.
Thinking of you all today with love & giving you all a virtual hug.
Love & sympathy too from the Mildura, Lorne & Benalla families who send their condolences.
Love Wendy & Doug Hammerton
Thank you all for your love and support of Denis and us over the last seven years of his illness. It has been much appreciated. Thank you Doug for encouraging Ross to organising the Live Streaming of Denis’ funeral. So, so many family and friends have watched it and expressed their pleasure at being able to be a virtual participant in these difficult times. Thank you Wendy for the masks. Patchworkers rule!. You should all be very proud of Ross. He is an amazing husband, father brother in law and son in law. Nothing has been a bother for him. We are all grateful for his organization and gift of the Live Streaming.
Thank you all for your love and sympathy.
With love and peace,
Mary, Richard, Genevieve, Emma, Caroline and families
Thank you Mary for the chance to be with you and the families and particiapte in the service for Denis who is now at peace. Blessings to you all for the future.
Thank you so much for sharing Denis’ funeral with us. Thank you for your blessings and above all thank you for your friendship.
With much love and peace,
Mary
A beautiful service, what a wonderful man Denis was. Sending all my love to Mary, Caz, Richard, Gen, Emma and family. I wish I could have been there with you all today.
Rest In Peace Denis
Sarah Fitzgibbon and family x
What a journey we have travelled with much love, laughter, food, patchwork holidays, sharing, caring and patchwork with those wonderful men. They claimed they knew more about quilt judging than we did and we just listened to them and smiled. Little did we know in Kilmore that day where our journey would take us and where we would both be today. Hopefully has got his taste for wine back and that he, and John with his beer, can enjoy a drink or two together.
Thank you for being my wonderful, caring friend. Memories are ours to have and share
With much love and peace,
Mary
A beautiful farewell for Denis.
It was a priviledge to be part of it.
Lots of love to you Mary and your family.
Maeg and Gerard
Thank you so much for being a part of Denis’ funeral via Live Streaming. When times are tough, the tough keep going. Your support, love and friendship over a 55 year span is something truly special and something I value immensely. Not only have we taught together, sewed together, holidayed together, family events together, committee-ed together, cried together, laughed together, supported each other. I thank you for all we have shared and done in love for each other and long may it continue, especially our Patchwork and Lunch Thursdays pre Covid.
With much love and peace my dear friend,
Mary
Beautiful service, I appreciated that I could attend virtually. Thank you Mary and Richard for sharing some memories, lovely words. I loved the photos. Denis definitely rocked the 70s look. My thoughts are with you Mary, Richard, Genevieve, Emma, Caz and families. Jane Northey
Thank you so much for your love, support and prayers on the death of our beloved Denis. Thank you also for your support in watching the funeral in these very difficult times. It is much appreciated.
The support of The Buttercups has been a blessing.
With love and peace,
Mary, Richard, Genevieve, Emma, Caroline and families
Thank you for taking the time to watch the live streaming of Denis’ funeral. The whole thing was surreal in view of the current times. Denis valued your friendship and loved our weekends away.
Enjoy the sunshine and value the time together that you have,
With love and peace,
Mary
A great farewell! That I can clearly remember my very first conversation with Denis in 1965 is indeed a measure of someone larger than life. Denis followed me to become President of the Student’s Representative Council at RMIT, two presidents later, so we shared much in common, including appreciation of then RMIT Catholic Chaplain Fr Brian Bainbridge, who later celebrated his marriage to Mary. My thoughts and prayers are with Mary and all of his loving family. John Costa
Thank you so much for your kind comments about our beloved Denis. It is wonderful that he is so fondly remembered by his RMIT colleagues. His poor health over many years prevented him from attending events. He was always there in spirit.
I am sure sure he and Brian are sharing a red or two together now.
Thank you for all your love and support.
Mary, Richard, Genevieve, Emma, Caroline and families
A lovely service. Sincere condolences to the entire Hitchens family.
Gen, Ross, James, Sam & Ivy – we are thinking of you. xx
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Hitchens family. Denis is a remarkable man with a great heart. it had been a great pleasure working with you. Rest In Peace Denis.
Thank you for taking the time to watch the live streaming of our beloved Denis’ funeral. He spoke very highly of you and your work and hoped that the project would be completed and of great service to the world. Keep up the good work.
Thank you again,
Mary Richard, Genevieve, Emma, Caroline and families
A beautiful service for Denis, sending love to your family.
My condolences to the Hitchens family. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Denis was a brilliant individual and I’ll will miss working with him and exchanging ideas. He had a great problem solving skill which never failed to amaze me. He was a generous person and has helped me through some difficult times.
Rest in Peace, Denis
Thank you for your kind words about Denis. He always spoke fondly of you and enjoyed your company, your intellect and working with you. His wish was that the project be finished and it would serve well, the people it is intended to to serve. We as a family hope and pray that this will come to fruition.
Thank you again for being a vital part of Denis’ business and intellectual life.
With love and peace to you and your family,
Mary, Richard, Genevieve, Emma, Caroline and families
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Hitchens family. May the love and care of those around you provide some comfort at this time. Much love to you all. XX
Thank you so much for taking the time to share in Denis’ funeral with us. Interesting times give us interesting ways to achieve similar outcomes. Even though we are shattered with the loss of Denis, we are grateful that we had him as long as we did. The pain is gone and we will all learn to live without him and eventually have happy times at family events again
Thank you for your thoughtfulness.
With much love and peace,
Mary, Richard, Genevieve, Emma, Caroline and families
Dear Mary, Richard, Gen, Emma and Caz, so strange to see you all on screen right now.
Sorry I can’t give you all a hug.
Denis would be so proud of you all – gorgeous song choices.
Sending you all my love and strength.
Thinking of you Gen & your family today. Sorry we can’t be there to support you today. You are all in our prayers.
Rest In Peace Denis.
Shannon, Dale, Ned & Noah xxxx
I am so sorry to hear of Denis’ passing. He has made a big difference in my life and I will never forget him and will miss him dearly. My condolences to Mary and her children and grandchildren.
cheers
Nigel
My condolences to Mary and to her four children
A sad loss indeed. I have many happy memories of Denis & Mary in the late 1960’s leading to my being the best man at their wedding
Others have communicated similar thoughts to me and I’d like to pass them on to say Genevieve if someone could please give me an email address that I could use
Robin Hunt. Melbourne. rvmh@clearwood.net.au
To Mary, Richard, Gen, Emma and Caz, thank you for giving us the opportunity to share in Denis’ farewell Mass. A beautiful and fitting service.
Love from Maureen and Adrian and family.
Dear Adrian and Maureen,
Thank your for your kind words. It is much appreciated. Denis’ death has left a huge hole in our lives. We have had seven years to ready ourselves for this but it was never going to be enough, but as we has nearly 50 years of love and family life we can only be grateful for the time and love together.
Denis spoke fondly of you all and he valued Adrian’s friendship and wisdom very much.
Thanks you all for your love and thoughts.
With much love and peace,
Mary, Richard, Genevieve, Emma, Caroline and families
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mary, Richard Genevieve, Emma and Caz. A beautiful service for Denis.
Love from Mary, Trevor, Martina, Colin, Peter, Jane and families.
Dear Mary, Trevor, Martina, Colin, Peter, Jane and families,
How wonderful to hear from you all. Seven years of illness has been a long and draining time for us all. We tried to match his graceful acceptance of all that was to come with our own. The last 8 months in particular have been very precious and Covid has not helped as you could see by the missing 10 immediate family. Richard and Emma has 2 weeks iso. on their return to Sydney.
Denis has been cremated and will hopefully be interred with his parents at Templestowe (and me one day too).
It would be wonderful to catch up again. Life is very short.
Thank you all for your love, thoughts and prayers,
Mary, Richard, Genevieve, Emma, Caroline and families
0417 316 582
maryhitchens@tpg.com.au
Love and Condolences to each of you Mary, Richard, Gen, Emma & Caz and to your families also – I have such fabulous memories of school holidays at Templestowe with each of you and of Denis’s infectious laugh – that and his love of Red Wine … tonight I will raise a glass in honour of Denis – all my love Fiona xxx
Our heartfelt condolences to Caz and the Hitchens family. Thank you for letting us share such a beautiful service – lovely music, photos, prayers and words shared by Mary, Richard and your family. Denis was a remarkable man with a love for learning and life. Sending our love to you all, love Lauren, Michael, Annabelle and Sophia Daly xox
Deepest Sympathies extended to the Hitchens Family.
Gen, Ross, James, Sam and Ivy, So Sorry that we could not be with you today.
All our love Danielle, Rob, Alexandra, Lachlan and Sophie -xox-
To Mary and the family. Our condolences on Denis’ passing. It was pleasing to see you could all join together in these challenging times.
Dear Steve, Bettina, Hayden and Caitlyn,
Thank you for you message of condolence. Denis will be greatly missed by us all. He has been the Captain of our ship and he steered us well and we will sail on in his love and memories.
Thanks again,
Mary, Richard, Emma, Caroline and families
Thinking of you Caz and your family today.
Caz, sorry I am unable to be there to support you, but just know I am holding your hand from a distance.
My memories of Denis, were of a very knowledgeable, proud, cheery man with a quick wit who adored his family.
He will be sadly missed, but as Rich said he lives on in all of you and your children.
May you now rest in peace Denis.
Heartfelt wishes to you all,
Kate, Craig, Alfie + Charlie xx
Sending my love and condolences to Caz, Mary, Richard, Gen, Emma and all your beautiful families. I just want to hug you all. It was a lovely service for Denis. I will remember him fondly.
Love,
Amy, Josh, Anna and Leo Langelaan
A beautiful service.
Our thoughts have been and will continue to be with you all during this time.
Mel, Michael, Jas & Josh ‘Thommo’ Thomas xxxx
To dear Mary, Richard, Genevieve, Emma And Caroline,
We have been privileged to join with you in celebrating Denis’s life from here in Queensland. It brought back so many happy memories of our Templstowe days and family times shared with you.
Our thoughts are with you all.
Take care,
Barb and John Waters.
Dear Barb and John,
How wonderful to hear from you both, and that you were able to share in Denis’ funeral with us “old Templestowe people”. Denis will be sorely missed and he always spoke fondly of you and the family during the times we shared as parishioners of St Kevin’s Parish Templestowe.
Thank you both for your thoughts and love,
With much love and peace,
Mary, Richard, Genevieve, Emma, Caroline and families
A beautiful service, thank you for sharing it online. Lovely stories from Mary & beautiful words from the kids. I noticed the drawings too. What a beautiful family Denis created. Thinking of you all, lots of love from Jess & Harry Smyth xxx
Dear, David, Jess and Harry,,
Thanks a million for all you have done for us during the last few very sad weeks. David, my back yard is fantastic thank you, I could recommend you as a home handy man to anyone if you lose your day job. Jess thank you for your bubbly self and just being their for us. And Harry? Well the grandchildren just love Harry as do we all.
Thank you all again for your love and care,
With love and peace,
Mary, Richard, Genevieve, Emma , Caloline and families
Mary, Gen, Ross, James, Sam & Ivy, Richard, Emma & Caz & families.
Thinking of you all today with love & giving you all a virtual hug.
Love & sympathy too from the Mildura, Lorne & Benalla families who send their condolences.
Love Wendy & Doug Hammerton
Dear Extended Hammerton family,
Thank you all for your love and support of Denis and us over the last seven years of his illness. It has been much appreciated. Thank you Doug for encouraging Ross to organising the Live Streaming of Denis’ funeral. So, so many family and friends have watched it and expressed their pleasure at being able to be a virtual participant in these difficult times. Thank you Wendy for the masks. Patchworkers rule!. You should all be very proud of Ross. He is an amazing husband, father brother in law and son in law. Nothing has been a bother for him. We are all grateful for his organization and gift of the Live Streaming.
Thank you all for your love and sympathy.
With love and peace,
Mary, Richard, Genevieve, Emma, Caroline and families
Thank you Mary for the chance to be with you and the families and particiapte in the service for Denis who is now at peace. Blessings to you all for the future.
Dear Diane,
Thank you so much for sharing Denis’ funeral with us. Thank you for your blessings and above all thank you for your friendship.
With much love and peace,
Mary
A beautiful service, what a wonderful man Denis was. Sending all my love to Mary, Caz, Richard, Gen, Emma and family. I wish I could have been there with you all today.
Rest In Peace Denis
Sarah Fitzgibbon and family x
My heart is with you all, tears of sadness.
Thank you for allowing me to share with you.
Many beautiful memories to keep.
Dear Margaret,
What a journey we have travelled with much love, laughter, food, patchwork holidays, sharing, caring and patchwork with those wonderful men. They claimed they knew more about quilt judging than we did and we just listened to them and smiled. Little did we know in Kilmore that day where our journey would take us and where we would both be today. Hopefully has got his taste for wine back and that he, and John with his beer, can enjoy a drink or two together.
Thank you for being my wonderful, caring friend. Memories are ours to have and share
With much love and peace,
Mary
A beautiful farewell for Denis.
It was a priviledge to be part of it.
Lots of love to you Mary and your family.
Maeg and Gerard
Dear Marg and Gerard,
Thank you so much for being a part of Denis’ funeral via Live Streaming. When times are tough, the tough keep going. Your support, love and friendship over a 55 year span is something truly special and something I value immensely. Not only have we taught together, sewed together, holidayed together, family events together, committee-ed together, cried together, laughed together, supported each other. I thank you for all we have shared and done in love for each other and long may it continue, especially our Patchwork and Lunch Thursdays pre Covid.
With much love and peace my dear friend,
Mary
Beautiful service, I appreciated that I could attend virtually. Thank you Mary and Richard for sharing some memories, lovely words. I loved the photos. Denis definitely rocked the 70s look. My thoughts are with you Mary, Richard, Genevieve, Emma, Caz and families. Jane Northey
To Mary and family our deepest condolences and sympathy for the loss of Denis.
Our prayers are with you and the family.
Paul and Nilda Dalle Nogare
(Buttercups Group members)
Dear Paul and Nilda,
Thank you so much for your love, support and prayers on the death of our beloved Denis. Thank you also for your support in watching the funeral in these very difficult times. It is much appreciated.
The support of The Buttercups has been a blessing.
With love and peace,
Mary, Richard, Genevieve, Emma, Caroline and families
Beautiful service❤️
Dear Denise and Doug,
Thank you for taking the time to watch the live streaming of Denis’ funeral. The whole thing was surreal in view of the current times. Denis valued your friendship and loved our weekends away.
Enjoy the sunshine and value the time together that you have,
With love and peace,
Mary
A great farewell! That I can clearly remember my very first conversation with Denis in 1965 is indeed a measure of someone larger than life. Denis followed me to become President of the Student’s Representative Council at RMIT, two presidents later, so we shared much in common, including appreciation of then RMIT Catholic Chaplain Fr Brian Bainbridge, who later celebrated his marriage to Mary. My thoughts and prayers are with Mary and all of his loving family. John Costa
Dear John,
Thank you so much for your kind comments about our beloved Denis. It is wonderful that he is so fondly remembered by his RMIT colleagues. His poor health over many years prevented him from attending events. He was always there in spirit.
I am sure sure he and Brian are sharing a red or two together now.
Thank you for all your love and support.
Mary, Richard, Genevieve, Emma, Caroline and families
A lovely service. Sincere condolences to the entire Hitchens family.
Gen, Ross, James, Sam & Ivy – we are thinking of you. xx
Big love Jennie, Ryan, Jack & Nathan
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Hitchens family. Denis is a remarkable man with a great heart. it had been a great pleasure working with you. Rest In Peace Denis.
Cheers
Fernando
Dear Fernando,
Thank you for taking the time to watch the live streaming of our beloved Denis’ funeral. He spoke very highly of you and your work and hoped that the project would be completed and of great service to the world. Keep up the good work.
Thank you again,
Mary Richard, Genevieve, Emma, Caroline and families
A beautiful service for Denis, sending love to your family.
Hi Lura,
Thanks a million for taking the time to be at Denis’ funeral via live streaming. It was good to know there were more than 10 of us at the funeral.
Denis always fondly remembered our Sunday lunches when nanna and poppy were alive. They were great times
Thank you for all your love and support at this sad time.
Love and peace,
Mary, Richard, Genevieve, Emma, Caroline and families
Our thoughts, love and support are with you. Here for you in any way we can be through this difficult time. with much love from the Grix family xxxxx
My condolences to the Hitchens family. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Denis was a brilliant individual and I’ll will miss working with him and exchanging ideas. He had a great problem solving skill which never failed to amaze me. He was a generous person and has helped me through some difficult times.
Rest in Peace, Denis
Regards
Ishti
Dear Ishti,
Thank you for your kind words about Denis. He always spoke fondly of you and enjoyed your company, your intellect and working with you. His wish was that the project be finished and it would serve well, the people it is intended to to serve. We as a family hope and pray that this will come to fruition.
Thank you again for being a vital part of Denis’ business and intellectual life.
With love and peace to you and your family,
Mary, Richard, Genevieve, Emma, Caroline and families
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Hitchens family. May the love and care of those around you provide some comfort at this time. Much love to you all. XX
Hi Natalie,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share in Denis’ funeral with us. Interesting times give us interesting ways to achieve similar outcomes. Even though we are shattered with the loss of Denis, we are grateful that we had him as long as we did. The pain is gone and we will all learn to live without him and eventually have happy times at family events again
Thank you for your thoughtfulness.
With much love and peace,
Mary, Richard, Genevieve, Emma, Caroline and families
Dear Mary, Richard, Gen, Emma and Caz, so strange to see you all on screen right now.
Sorry I can’t give you all a hug.
Denis would be so proud of you all – gorgeous song choices.
Sending you all my love and strength.
Thinking of you today Hitchen’s family.
Gen, Ross, James, Sam and Ivy – We wish we could be there to support you at this time.
All our love Meg, Rob, Georgia and Luke
Thinking of you Gen & your family today. Sorry we can’t be there to support you today. You are all in our prayers.
Rest In Peace Denis.
Shannon, Dale, Ned & Noah xxxx
I am so sorry to hear of Denis’ passing. He has made a big difference in my life and I will never forget him and will miss him dearly. My condolences to Mary and her children and grandchildren.
cheers
Nigel
My condolences to Mary and to her four children
A sad loss indeed. I have many happy memories of Denis & Mary in the late 1960’s leading to my being the best man at their wedding
Others have communicated similar thoughts to me and I’d like to pass them on to say Genevieve if someone could please give me an email address that I could use
Robin Hunt. Melbourne. rvmh@clearwood.net.au