After reading the obituary columns of the Watford Observer, it is with the deepest sorrow that I learn of the passing away of such a dear friend and a much-loved, widely liked local lad who made good.

Dennis (Denny) Walker passed away recently, however, this happy-go-lucky, carefree and cheerful character will live on in the minds of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Dennis played for the very successful St. Michaels School football team in the 1950s. As a very accomplished left back, Dennis was soon attracting the attention of top professional football clubs. So it came as no surprise when Dennis signed for the mighty Spurs after leaving school. The legendary Spurs manager Bill Nicholson signed Dennis.

Dennis would train and play alongside many Spurs legends over the years, like Dave Mackay, Cliff Jones and another local lad called Joe Kinnear, who also made good.

My own connections with Dennis commenced in the early 1960s when we were very young lads working together for S.C. Church, the button maker who had their premises at the bottom end of Rickmansworth Road. Then, in later years, working together at Odhams (Watford Ltd). In all those years of friendship with Dennis he will always be remembered as a person who had a heart of gold and would take life with a smile on his face at any occasion. Dennis was a good mate to me and to many others. I was so glad our paths crossed all those years ago. R.I.P. Dennis, dear friend.

Ernie MacKenzie

Gammons Lane, Watford