Dene Jarvis

[Witton Warrior]

Back in the mid-70's to early 80's a bunch of Villans travelled together from the Stourbridge/Hagley area - meeting at the Crabmill for a few drinks before heading in convoy home or away.

One of the drivers was a guy named Dene Jarvis - he was a fun, intelligent, car-obsessed, Villa-loving lad who I knocked around with for about 6 years. If ever we needed a lift Dene was yer man. With his souped-up Escort sporting the "Rainbow Rising" LP cover art we barrelled around England like a claret and blue pub on wheels. He always got us there safely whatever state us passengers were in!

That was a great time to be a Villan and life was generally simpler all round. We all socialised (by God we socialised!) with a crew of lads who, although mostly Villa, included two of the most rabid Man Utd fans (The Twins) I have ever known and a couple of Baggies (when they knew their place).

Dene was just one of us, no better, no worse and now he's gone and a bit of that era has gone with him.

He went to seek his fortune in America and did well, worked hard, married and had two kids. He went off the radar until we had a reunion to celebrate 20 years since the title. His name came up and we set out to contact him again. Took a while but we found him on FB and we had the odd chat, nothing crucial just Villa/family stuff.

And two days ago his son found him dead from a brain haemmorage (sp?) and a little bit of my past died with him.

A Villan through-and-through, a good mate and a bloody good driver.

See you later Dene.

[dave shelley]

Condolences to you as his friend and to his family.  RIP.

[Louzie0]

Your memories of Dene are so clear and so personal, that they will keep him forever young and vital. You were not part of his later family life, but reading that, he is so much part of a shared youth with you. What lovely memories of a man who meant so much to so many people. RIP, Dene.

[Witton Warrior]

Your memories of Dene are so clear and so personal, that they will keep him forever young and vital. You were not part of his later family life, but reading that, he is so much part of a shared youth with you. What lovely memories of a man who meant so much to so many people. RIP, Dene.

I put a link to the VP Blues match in 80/81 on FB as it was one we always remembered (3-0) and realised it was the last match my brother attended before his death.

The memories are all about that time and how it felt being 20-odd and up for anything - immortal - untouchable. Wonderful ;-)

[Witton Warrior]

Just an update - Dene's ashes were brought over from the USA by his wife, 2 children and Grandaughter - 3 of us from the "Villa Days" were invited by the family and we had a great time regaling the kids with, partially censored ;-) , tales of following AVFC.

We were surprised, and delighted, when his son Scott began to recount the stories his old man had told him - we filled in the gaps ;-)  He is already booking to come over next year to visit and will be accompanying us for his first VP experience.

AVFC - more than a football club - more like a family

[Dave Clark Five]

There is continuity there. It will help Dene's son and all of you with the common denominator of Aston Villa.