Denis was born in The Nelson Hospital in Merton on 9th September 1937 and he grew up in Wimbledon, apart for a short spell as an evacuee in Hook, Hampshire during the Second World War. 

Denis's father Leonard was originally from Portsmouth and his mother Edith was from Mablethorpe near Grimsby and one sister, June.

Denis used to go to visit his maternal family in Lincolnshire when he was young and had many happy memories of his time spent there. He was still in regular contact with his cousin Doreen until he passed away, sharing memories and a sense of humour. 

He went to school in Wimbledon, and then started his apprenticeship in compositing (printing) on 29th December 1952. He finished his apprenticeship on 29th December 1960, it was extended by two years while he served his National Service period with the RAF. He received National Service training at Cardington, Bridgenorth, Compton Bassett and Uxbridge and then spent the majority of the rest of his service in West Malling, Kent. He worked in the telephonist unit until he received his release papers in july 1960. It was a time of his life that was very special to him, and his daughters loved to hear the stories about his days then.