Former Board of Director Dennis Brenner Dies

, a former Republcian member of the Board of Directors who was active in town politics and many civic organizations, died Monday at the age of 67. 

Brenner was to fill the seat vacated by Matt Peak in January of 2011, and served the remainder of that term. He lost his bid for re-election in November of that year. 

In addition to his time on the Board of Directors, Brenner served on the Connecticut Department of Transportation Commission, Manchester Library Board, Manchester Human Relations Commission, Manchester Property Maintenance Commission, Manchester Building and Zoning Enforcement Commission, Manchester Tax Appeals Board, and served as an ordained Minister since 1970, leading humanitarian trips to Haiti, Guatemala, and Peru.

"Dennis was a great man, a great friend to Manchester Republicans and to the town of Manchester," Manchester Republican Town Committee Chairman Matthew Galligan said Tuesday. "I've never met a more determined or harder working campaigner. He was a great friend, and I will miss him very much, as will all of his many friends in town." 

, Brenner died at his home Monday, April 23, with his family at his side. Galligan said Brenner had been battling cancer in recent months. 

"I've heard a lot from both Democrats and Republicans about obviously how sad everybody is to hear about his death," said Galligan. "When he would run for office or put his mind to anything, he gave 200 percent day in and day out. The Manchester Republicans wish to extend the sincerest sympathies to his family." 

In addition to his wife, Jane Carol Brenner, and mother, Marion Marie Brenner of Vicksburg MI, Brenner is survived by his daughter Lisa Ann Camp and her husband Douglas Camp of Manchester with their three children Daniel, Linnea and Caleb Camp as well as his son Matthew Dennis Brenner and his wife Christel Brenner of Weatherford, TX. with their three children Madison, Katelyn and Christopher Brenner. Other Survivors include his older brother Richard Brenner and his wife Nancy of Vicksburg, MI. and his two sisters Bonnie Buckley of Olathe, KS. and Judy Stevens and her husband Jim of Vicksburg, MI. along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

Tom Ferguson, the town's Republican Deputy Registrar, said he knew and worked with Brenner for years in the real estate field. Ferguson recalled Brenner as a "positive" and driven person Tuesday. 

"He was a kind and courteous and pleasant person to be around, and I think that can be attributed to his time as a pastor." 

Funeral services will be held Friday April 27, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Nazarene, 218 Main St., Manchester. Burial will be in the Glass River Cemetery in Perry, MI. Calling hours will be held Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main St., Manchester. 

To sign the online register book, go to www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com.