Dedicated Worcester College Head Chef Rob Dennis has died from cancer, aged 58.

Following Mr Dennis’s death on June 7, the Oxford University college flew its flag at half-mast in his honour.

The father-of-five, from Wolvercote, joined the college as Sous-Chef in 1993 and was promoted to Head Chef in 1995.

Oxford Mail:

Interim Provost Kate Tunstall paid tribute to Mr Dennis, saying: “He played a major role in the refurbishment of the college kitchen, his pride and joy. He retired on grounds of ill health early last year.

“Rob’s enthusiasm for ingredients and his brilliant gift for transforming them into delicious meals sustained us all: when we are next able to eat together in college, we shall toast his memory.”

Rob Dennis was born in Hounslow in 1961 and his family then moved to Burgess Hill in West Sussex.

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His first job in the catering trade was as a commis chef at the Hotel Metropole in Brighton.

In the late 1980s he was hired by Ann Howkins at the city’s Browns restaurant and they soon became a couple, deciding to relocate to Oxford where Miss Howkins had grown up, and they settled in Wolvercote.

She worked at the Nosebag restaurant and he worked at Gee’s before he was employed by Worcester College.

The couple married in 1993 at St Peter’s Church in Wolvercote.

Oxford Mail:

Mr Dennis loved to try out different cuisines from around the world, including Indian and Thai dishes and for their 25th wedding anniversary he and his wife travelled to Bangkok in Thailand.

Skiing was also a passion for Mr Dennis and he and Ann would enjoy skiiing trips in Europe every year.

The chef was also a keen golfer and went on a number of golf tours.

His funeral took place at Oxford Crematorium on Thursday and when the cortege passed the college his colleagues stood outside to pay their respects.

Mr Dennis also spent time as Master of the colleges’ Guild Of Chefs, and was then treasurer.

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In his eulogy at the service Mr Dennis’s brother Chris said: “Since Robs death, Ann and the family have been inundated with hundreds of cards, letters, emails, texts, bunches of flowers and visits from those whose lives he touched and enriched.

Oxford Mail:

“After meeting Ann he mellowed. But he still liked to socialise over a pint or two.

“He knew all the regulars at Jacobs and the White Hart.

“We would often stop at a favourite pub or two in Oxford, he usually knew the barmen and a few customers and would soon be in easy conversation as though they’d seen each other the day before.

“Rob gave many young people a start in his kitchen and supported them through problems and wobbles. Many have gone on to have great careers.”

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Mr Dennis leaves Ann and his children Nicholas, 38, Eloise, 36, Laura, 26, Lucy, 24, and John, 21.

Mr and Mrs Dennis have four grandchildren, Ophelia, Osian, Indie, Dylan, who all live in Wales. A memorial celebration for Mr Dennis is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 14, 2021.