The Cape Town Press Club mourns the passing of Dennis Nick, who died this week at the age of 91.

Dennis was one of those rare individuals whose presence changed the atmosphere of a room. He was kind, thoughtful, generous, quietly determined, and unfailingly courteous. To those who knew him through the Press Club, he was far more than a regular attendee — he was part of the very fabric of the Club.

He had his regular place at the table with the “Usual Suspects” — Paul Hoffman, Gerald Potash, Kenny Meiring and Henry Kempen — and his enthusiasm for the Press Club never diminished. On one memorable occasion, Dennis arrived at a Press Club gathering straight from a long-haul flight from Singapore. That would have been remarkable for anyone; for a man in his late eighties, it spoke volumes about his energy, curiosity and commitment.

Even health setbacks in recent years did not keep him away. When the lift was out of order, Dennis would climb the stairs to the Grill Room rather than miss the chance to be among friends — to listen, debate, laugh and engage with the issues of the day.

His kindness was never abstract. It was immediate, sincere and quietly given.

Every email Dennis sent ended with the words, “Spread Joy.” It was more than a sign-off; it was a philosophy by which he lived — expressed through friendship, generosity, encouragement and service to others.

The Cape Town Press Club honours the memory of Dennis Nick and extends its deepest sympathies to his wife, Hilary, and to his family.