John H. Dr. Denman

DENMAN, JOHN H., 70, surrounded by his loving family, passed away peacefully the afternoon of Thursday, November 13, in Grosse Ile, Michigan after fighting a relentless battle with cancer. John was born on July 31, 1938 in Wyandotte, Michigan, to Harold and Irene Denman (deceased). He was the beloved husband of Barbara (married 42 years), father of Renee Thompson (Gregory), Rachelle Smith (Robert), and Jacquelyn Lonsbury; brother of JoAnn Johnson (Joseph); grandfather of Madison, Matthew, Michael, Austin, Nicholas, and Christian. John grew up in the Downriver area and attended Grosse Ile High School. In High School he was an athletic competitor and president of his 1956 graduating class. John was a graduate of University of Notre Dame, and Marquette University. He completed his internship and residency at Cleveland Metropolitan General Hospital. He continued his study in Oral Surgery at Boston University. John practiced his specialty in Wyandotte, Michigan for over 30 years. He belonged to The American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and also served on the board of The Great Lakes Society of Oral Surgeons. As a civic leader, he belonged to the Grosse Ile Jaycees, Grosse Ile Rotary Club, and Grosse Ile School Board (12 years) where he served as President for all three organizations. In the Downriver community, he was recognized by the Lincoln Park Jaycees as "The Outstanding Doctor of the Year" in 1971. John was also chosen as "Citizen of the Year" by the Grosse Ile Rotary Club in 1984. As an avid boater he was a long-term member of the Grosse Ile Yacht Club, serving on the Board of Directors and ascended to the rank of Commodore in 1985. John was also a long time member of the Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club. He retired in 1996 pursuing his interests in boating, fishing, and spending time with his family on Grosse Ile, Michigan and in Englewood, Florida.