Volunteers in Medicine Dedicates Tree to First Medical Director

COURT HOUSE — A flowering pink dogwood tree was dedicated to the memory of Dr. Robert Denny, first medical director of Volunteers in Medicine of Cape May County, Sat., April 28.
Festooned with yellow and blue ribbons, the dogwood was planted in front of the building on North Main Street that Denny envisioned would become headquarters of Volunteers in Medicine of Cape May County. The organization serves those who are “medically underserved” because of lack of insurance or funds.
Sandy Gott, chairman of the V.I.M. board, Rev. Wayne Conrad, and Jackie Melita, V.I.M. executive director spoke of Denny at the brief ceremony attended by V.I.M. volunteers and staff members. Most of them were well acquainted with Denny, who passed on at the age of 65 on Sept. 20, 2010.
All present joined Conrad reading the Act of Dedication:
“It is with joyous hearts and in deep appreciate that we have gathered to dedicate this tree in loving memory of Dr. Rob Denny, the first medical director of Volunteers in Medicine of Cape May County.
“Dr. Denny was for us, as he became for so many of those served by V.I.M.. not only a symbol of service to others, but an exemplar of thoroughness in medical practice, joyous organizational leadership and personal friendship.
“As this tree and Volunteers in Medicine grows into full maturity, might Rob’s life serve as a living example of the personal values, community service and dedication to the needs of the medically underserved.
“We, therefore, now dedicate this flower dogwood tree in tribute to the continuing memory of the life of Dr. Robert Denny.”
“Dr. Denny will live on at V.I.M. and as his tree grows, so grows V.I.M. — Gregg Coffey, former trustee.
Denny was born in Wilmington, Del. According to his obituary in Today‘s Sunbeam, Sept. 23, 2010, “He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and fisherman who spent the last several years traveling between homes in Cudjoe Key, Fla. and West Danville, Vt.
“He was a 1968 graduate of Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, and a 1973 graduate of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
“In 2006, he retired as medical director of Woodbine Developmental Center.
“He was also co-founder, medical director, and president of Volunteers in Medicine in Cape May County, N.J.
“He was a member of St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Penns Grove.”