Former Ardentinny resident and friend, Dennis Gower, peacefully passed away last Saturday.
Dennis was amiable, warm and welcoming, possessing a certain quiet dynamism. Calm, kind, caring, compassionate, witty, quietly mischievous, astute, steadfast, determined & effectual! He was the one you wanted in your corner if your aim was to achieve necessary change or a peaceful resolution.
He was such a gift to Ardentinny, both to the place and to those who visited or called it home. He dedicated many years to Community Council work – being the first advocate of harnessing local hydro power and successfully opposing ill-conceived plans, always approaching every issue in a calm, fair and measured way.
However, there is one project that stands out – that of Glenfinart Walled Garden, whose community purchase and successful development largely belongs to him. He spearheaded the initial survey of village opinion on its purchase while also garnering a vision for its future use. From there he steered us through a fact finding and fundraising campaign culminating in community ownership which he went on to manage and develop into the vibrant community resource it is today.
Dennis on BBC Beechgrove Garden at Glenfinart Walled Garden, August 2013.
His tireless efforts and commitment were rightly recognised in a Loch Lomond & Trossachs Community Partnership Award, not to mention a Dragon’s Den fundraising win from Argyll and Bute’s Social Network Enterprise!
While there is sadness at his going, Dennis leaves us much to cherish and sustain for future generations.
