Page 28 - The Old Ratcliffian 2010

The Old Ratcliffan 2010 | Obituaries OBITuaRIes Rev Fr Dennis Hare Old Ratcliffian 1942-46 Dennis Hare came to Ratcliffe as a boy in 1942 and left in 1946. He was the eldest of three brothers: Dennis, Michael (51) and Patrick (53). He was a bright and serious student, not a boy who sought the limelight, but he was greatly appreciated by his contemporaries. In sport, he became a stalwart member of the Boat Club. On leaving Ratcliffe, he joined a firm of accountants. On being called up for National Service, he joined the Royal Army Pay Corps. He enjoyed his time in the army, but on being de-mobbed in 1956, he joined the Rosminian Order. After a period of initial training, Dennis studied in Rome and was ordained in 1964. With his qualifications and his experience it was perhaps inevitable that he was called to look after the finances, first of all as bursar at Ratcliffe, then of the English Rosminian Province and finally, of the whole Order as its Administrator General. But Dennis was always first a priest and a warm, very cheerful member of the community he served. During his years at Ratcliffe great improvements were made. The antiquated heating system was replaced, the kitchen and dining areas were modernised and expanded, the Sports Hall built and many other parts of the College were upgraded. Although his time was occupied with his administrative duties, Dennis ran the Boat Club for many years (including first aid repairs to some of the ageing boats!) and was happy to run the daily tuck-shop as this enabled him to get to know many of the boys. Later he organised the liturgy of the Chapel as sacristan and he trained the altar servers. A great blow to the College occurred in 1978 when the South Wing was extensively damaged (almost destroyed) by fire. Dennis, with Fr Keith Tomlinson, set to work to oversee the repair and extension of the South Wing. Amazingly, within an extended half term break, temporary dormitories, classrooms and common rooms were erected and the school was able to resume normal activities ten days after the fire. A year later, the South Wing was reopened with its considerable number of Sixth Form study bedrooms. Further building works and alterations were directed towards the new Junior School and study bedrooms for the girls. With all of these concerns, Dennis always had time for everybody and never lost his inner tranquility. Meanwhile, he was in increasing demand to advise in and direct the financial affairs of the other Rosminian works throughout England and Wales. This was followed by his appointment to oversee the accounts of the Italian province and to help in supporting the financial need of the burgeoning communities in Africa and India. Eventually he became the General Administrator of the Order. In 1989, Dennis was appointed Provincial Superior for the English-Welsh province and took up residence in Derryswood Manor near Wonersh. His great qualities enabled him to live serenely through difficult times. His outstanding virtue was his utter faith in Divine Providence, which was never shaken, even in times of great stress. He used to say in dark moments, ‘When things like this happen, we know that God has great things awaiting us around the corner!’ After his years as Provincial, Dennis retired to Grace Dieu, where he became a much loved figure as a spiritual director to the young boys and girls for thirteen years. This was a period of his life which was particularly dear to him. Dennis was a great example and kindly friend to his brethren and a devoted pastoral priest. The very large number who attended his funeral at Ratcliffe included Old Ratcliffians, parents of many generations and members of staff who had worked for both schools over the years. These were people who had experienced his kindness, his wise counsel and his priestly support. May he rest in peace. Fr Austin Baxter (38) 2