A memory of the retailers association of Queensland Haite couture evening category winner. Jason Chetcuti winner presented with trophy by Dennis Buchanan

When my wife Patrina and myself were having our honeymoon 20 years ago in Cairns we randomly met Denis on the Cairns public golf course and had no idea who he was. We invited him to join us for a round of golf and we shared some very dodgey jokes. At the end of the round of golf he told us he worked at the Hilton and we thought he was just a normal worker. He invited us back for a drink and we both stated we were not really dressed nicely enough and were all sweaty from golf but he insisted. When we walked in to the bar all the staff treated him like royalty and after a couple of drinks he told us who he was and told us he had organised a room for the night on the house and a full breakfast. It was such a fantastic thing to meet such a genuine person and he gave us the best memory for our whole honeymoon experience. I am very sad to hear of his passing and wish the best for his family. Greg Byng Wagga Wagga.

Hello Jane: I have been trying to get in touch with you and Denis for some time and it came as a shock filled with great sadness and sense of loss when I came across this tribute page. Where do I begin...Denis was my friend, mentor and my guide for so many years and he has been in my thoughts always throughout my career; much of which I owe to him. Whenever I have been faced with challenges throughout my hotel career I have asked myself ..."what would Denis have done." I mostly remember his sense of humor and his grace. Even though I am late with my prayers for you and the children - sepecially "big" Matt I hope you will accept my condolences and know how much you both have meant to me over the years...I think of you often and I will never forget my wonderful friend. Love to you Jane. If the spirit move you I can be reached at jgarden@braidwood.ca it would be great to get back in touch. Cheers, John (Garden)

I joined the Chevron Hotel in Melbourne in 1964. Denis was then GM and had just been appointed Exec Asst to Frank Christie who was then GM of the Chevron Sydney. Charles Bailey took over from Denis in Melbourne. As I got to know the staff and management of the Chevron in Melbourne I heard nothing but love and praise for this wonderful man. I got to know him better when I was appointed GM of the Chevron in Melbourne and made frequent visits to Sydney. I lost touch when he went to Vancouver and later ran into him again at the Parmelia in Perth. One of the best hoteliers ever. He'll be greatly missed. Philip Richards - Gold Coast. Qld

An ex BNE Hilton employee myself, I was part of the Dennis Buchanan error and what a wonderful period of time that was. Having been at this property from its early days having Mr Buchanan (as he was respectively known)come on board was like a breath of fresh air. His professional manner and genuine interest in all the team was evident from day one. During his reign as GM he also had his kids working in Banqueting. I myself had a rather annoying nick name of Mr Beverage while I was working at the hotel and one day while I was back of house, the boss was walking past me and I greeted him as always "Good afterrnoon Mr Buchanan" as he passed me by he says..."same to you beverage"...apparently losely discussed over dinner with the family!. This was how real Dennis was, always very dignified and an absolute "gentlemans gentleman". I was shocked to hear of his passing yesterday and if the family read this I would like to pass on my best wishes to you all and to say that your husband and Dad was an inspiration to me.

Denis was my General Manager at both the Cairns and Brisbane Hiltons. He always encouraged me to further my career and instilled in me positive values that I have greatly appreciated. Denis was a life changing boss for me. He created wonderful teams, some of who are my best friends today. His team bonding sessions were the best ever, as long as you had some interest in golf! Denis has been a big influence in my life, thank you.

I worked in marketing under Denis at The Brisbane Hilton. he was the best GM. He was friendly and a true gentleman. He was happy to offer good advice and i never saw hi angry. I remember his happy face and kind manner. They were great memeories and i will always remeber him. - Christopher Bright

Denis was my general manager during my years as executive chef at the Parmelia Hilton in Perth and I consider those years among the best of my life - to a great extent thanks to the wonderful conviviality of Denis. I particularly remember those chef tables we used to have once a month in the middle of my kitchen and Denis's great story telling was always the highlight of those luncheons for the guests and myself. I have never met a storyteller - or a boss - like him since. He will be sorely missed.