Springfield Catholic Schools leader Denniston dies

Denniston had been in critical condition at University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque, N.M., following a Dec. 18 car accident.

After directing Springfield Little Theatre for 18 years, Denniston in 2002 became director of development for Springfield Catholic Schools.

“He was always a pleasure to be with and to work with,” Director of Schools Ann Meese said. “He brought a great sense of humor to the job, and he brought a lot of his connections in the community to the school system to help with fund-raising efforts.

“He liked to say he was shameless – he didn’t mind asking for help, which was a good quality to have in the job that he had,” Meese added.

Denniston’s involvement in the community was illustrated by the more than $16,000 in donations raised at a Springfield Little Theatre fund-raiser earlier this month. The money went to his wife and two children to cover medical and travel costs.

Meese said the school system’s development board would take care of Denniston’s duties temporarily. There is no plan of action yet for filling the position.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Community members – including Shawn Askinosie, T.J. Loudis and Bob and Carol Noble – and theater cohorts already have shared their memories of Denniston and offered condolences to the family through a blog. To comment, visit www.mickdenniston.blogspot.com.