Dennis Oliver: “The consummate friend”

Visitation for Dennis Oliver will be January 5 from 3-7 p.m. at Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will take place at the Ambiance on January 6 from 2-5 p.m.

Some of D.O.’s friends gave Muddy River News some kind words about their friend.

“D.O. was the best. We were like brothers. Heck, I was the best man in his wedding and he was my best man in my wedding. When he found out he had Alzheimer’s I think it hit me harder than him.  Having had Alzheimer’s in my family, I knew the war and the fight he was about to enter.

“Was he frustrated with it? Yes, but he never really complained about it, at least not to me. That was D.O.

“He was the most compassionate, fun-loving guy you would ever want to meet. I don’t think he ever had an enemy in his life. He loved everybody. We both had our moments in our lives where there were highs and there were lows. He was my go-to guy and I was his. I will miss him for that and a million other reasons!“

Jeff Dorsey, retired radio host and longtime morning show partner of Dennis Oliver.

“People primarily know Dennis because he was an outstanding radio personality for four decades. He was a familiar, friendly voice listeners tuned into every morning to hear good music and interesting chatter with his longtime co-host, Jeff Dorsey. They could be serious, they could be silly, they could be funny. Most important, they always made listeners feel good at the start of their day.

“Dennis also was the consummate friend. Our friendship spanned nearly 50 years; from the time we were carefree college students until we were both chasing grandkids. We created lasting memories and shared adventures and laughs. All of us always felt better just being around him. Although Alzheimer’s robbed us of the Dennis we knew and loved the last few years of his life, it’s those memories and those laughs that we hold on to today.”

Don Crim, retired Herald-Whig Sports Editor and Executive Editor. He is currently senior columnist for Muddy River Sports

“Dennis was a great friend of mine for 40 years. He never meant a stranger, he was cordial to everyone. The amount of stories I have would fill a book. We went through happy times and sad times together in each other’s personal lives. No matter what, he would always say ‘let’s drink a beer!’ And we did, too many times to name.

“My heart goes out to his wife Lori, his son Kory and the entire family. While most knew him as a voice on the radio, I was fortunate to know him as a friend. The world is a less better place today but my buddy is in a much, much better and happier place today. I will miss him.”

John Potts, former Herald-Whig editor and current writer and radio analyst for WGEM.

Dennis Oliver gave me a chance to live my dream of being a DJ on the radio at KQ 102 in 1983. He showed me the way to do it right. Forty years later I’m forever grateful. Rest in peace, D.O.

Steve Boll, retired radio host and former co-worker of Dennis Oliver.

Remembering my Popa “O ” and my mentor Dennis Oliver! When I started working at 99Q WQCY FM in 1992, I finally got to work with Dennis, even though I used to listen to him. Dennis taught me a lot about being a DJ. It was a lot of work back then because it’s not like it is like today. When I went to work at Y101 FM, I got to see and work more with Dennis.

I will miss him calling me Mr. O or A.O., then I would call him Poppa O or D.O. All of the years working the Llve remotes or the Wedding Expo. All the guys were lookin’ sharp wearing our tuxedos. All of these years working with Dennis were so amazing, and I will never forget the great 29 years we had together. My heart is so broken, but I know for one thing that he’s being a DJ up in Heaven and having a wonderful time. He will be truly missed by all of us down here on earth. Poppa “O” you will always be a part of my heart. May you rest in Heaven and God bless you and keep you.

Anthony Oliver, former radio DJ and current security officer for Quincy Public Schools and Quincy Auxiliary Police officer.