By David F. Rooney
When a lot of Revelstokians think of Dennis Berarducci they think of him in two ways: As Denito the Hot Dog Guy whose sunny disposition and zany costumes enlivened the corner of Mackenzie and First for many, many years; and as our community’s very own Mr. Hockey. Well, those roles are pretty well over and done for him with his decision to withdraw from most of his hockey activities.
Dennis folded up his hot dog and smokie stand about six years ago after a major heart attack but he continued to carry on being very active with the Revelstoke Grizzlie Junior B team and, most especially, with Revelstoke Minor Hockey.
“I started 40 years ago volunteering with Revelstoke Minor Hockey and I still love it,” he said during an interview at the EX Rock 106.1 FM studio last Monday, January 18.
It was a different world, even here in Revelstoke. Climate change was a phrase with without meaning and way back then the Columbia River froze over each winter, providing local kids with a slick, glassy surface.
Besides working with Minor Hockey Dennis created the History of Hockey exhibits at the Forum, he spearheaded a drive to get comfortable new seats to warm fans’ butts and he was the driving force behind the community’s winning $20,000 in the Kraft Hockeyville contest of 2013.
Dennis says he’ll continue working with Minor Hockey but the joy has vanished from his volunteer gig with the Grizzlies.
“When volunteering begins to seem like work it’s time to pack it in,” he said.
Well, Dennis, you’ve done a tremendous job for Revelstoke and I am sure it’s fair to say that almost everyone in the community understands that. Thanks for all you do, my friend.
Please activate the audio player below to hear the entire interview.
