Based at the company’s Gepps Cross site, Dennis, the technical proofreader, troubleshooter and fountain of knowledge, was recently invited back to work for “one last job” that turned out to be a farewell presentation in the Gallery.

Waiting for him were 60 colleagues including Clipsal by Schneider Electric executive general manager Damien Cummins, who described Dennis as one of “the most respected and highly regarded employees” in the entire organisation.

Dennis was shown a commemorative framed portrait and acknowledgement of his contribution to the company, that now has a permanent place in the Gallery. He was also presented with a voucher to help him enjoy his passion for camping.

Dennis thanked everyone for their kind wishes and said that he enjoyed a variety of roles within the organisation.

“It wasn’t one year times 52. I wore many hats in that time. Working with the team to produce the first CD ROM catalogue was a highlight. In the latter years, you have all kept me young and I think I got more out of it than what you did.”

Dennis’s career started with the business when it was known as Gerard Industries (Clipsal) on February 16, 1959. He had only turned 16 years of age.

In those days at the old Bowden site, Dennis assisted the engineers of the day headed up by Norm Zerner. He prepared technical drawings in an era where everything was drawn up manually and filed.

During the 1970s, he performed a stint in what was then known as the Clipsal Advertising Department where he undertook media placements and sent out new product releases. Dennis even featured in the notorious Clipsal calendar. In the 1980s Dennis worked in the new product management team briefing in brochures and technical documents.

His wealth of knowledge was recognised in the mid 1990s when he was asked to create the first Clipsal Trade Product Guide on CD ROM, now an essential part of every electrical contractor’s tool box. Dennis also assisted former general manager of marketing, John Harris with the collection and creation of the Clipsal Museum.

Following 2003 and with the company under the ownership of Schneider Electric, Dennis transitioned into a new role with the MarComms team as a technical proofreader.

Above all, Dennis will be forever remembered for his incredible 52 and a half years of loyalty and commitment to the Clipsal brand as well as his kind and generous nature.