Once again, thank you Heritage Park Committee for your efforts. Keith and Dianne Johnson are leading up a campaign to provide for a memorial to Ray Dennis. Following is the news release:
Ray Dennis was born and raised in the community of Corunna. He taught school,
coached, and was Superintendent of Corunna Schools for more than a quarter of a
century. Ray was not only a man of education, but also a leader in the community. He
fought in World War 11, in Africa. He touched the lives of tens of thousands of people
over his life span.
Ray’s philosophy was “that every child gets a fair shake at an education”. He was the
longest tenured superintendent in the history of the school district.
After his retirement and before his untimely death in July of 1992, Ray told family and
friends that he was quite adamant that nothing be erected or named in his honor after his
death. A humble and modest man, always.
Now, as the years have quickly passed, a few people within the community and school
district, sought the blessing of the family to do something to honor Ray for his dedication
to education and community. After careful thought and consideration, the family gave its
permission to do something.
A scholarship program was thrashed about, an appropriate plaque mounted in stone, and a
few other ideas that didn’t quite have the merit that was due this man.
While looking through bronze castings on the inter-net, we came across a bronze statue
with a young boy and girl sitting on a park bench reading a book. It optimized what Ray
was all about: “every kid gets a fair shake at education” and seemed just the perfect
memorial for Mr. D.
The placement for such a statue was to be left up to the family members. After talking to
Ray’s wife, Ada Marie Dennis, she noted that the park by the dam was the place Ray
spent most of his leisure childhood days with his pal Marvin Elkins. Fishing, swimming
and spending time at the river by the old mill became one of Ray’s favorite past times as a
boy.
Ada Marie said that when stories of his childhood were talked about during his latter
years, a story about the river was always mentioned.
So, the location and type of memorial is in place. Anyone who knew Ray, or any
organizations, that would like to contribute to the cost of the project, please send a check
of the denomination of your choice, to ---The City of Corunna, Heritage Park Fund.
Please print on the memo line of the check...Ray Dennis memorial. Also, a special
thanks to Corunna City Manager, Joe Sawyer and Council for being an integral part in
this project.
The address of City Hall is:
Corunna City Hall
402 North Shiawasse Street
Corunna, Michigan 48817
For questions, Contact, Keith or Diane Johnson
989-743-5152
For more info, please click here.
