Dennis Warwick (1943 – 2025)

It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that I have to inform you that Dennis Warwick, our Vice President and an Eminent Old Camdenian, passed away on 15th April 2025, aged 82 years. Having waited some time for a hip replacement he succumbed to an infection that led to kidney failure and pneumonia. Dennis was a stalwart supporter of the Old Camdenians and a very generous benefactor.  I am very grateful to Dennis for all his support, advice and counsel whilst performing my duties as Honorary Secretary. Thank you Dennis, you will be missed.

Dennis was born on 18th January 1943 and went to Holloway School (1954 -61). Dennis was owner and Managing Director of Sykes Marine (Hydromaster) Limited. The sole UK manufacturer of Self Contained Steerable Azimuth Marine Propulsion Units for vessels. Steerable thrusters originated during the late 1930s. Their first large scale operation was on US pontoon barges and ferries hopping islands in the Pacific. Later on, they were extensively used by the allied forces during the Normandy landings on landing crafts, so-called Rhino ferries, and at a later stage installed on pontoons to cross rivers in mainland Europe. In the early 1950s, a license was issued to the United Kingdom, from which Hydromaster was born. Hydromaster spent the following decades building 360 degrees steerable thrusters on this revolutionary technology.

The brand HYDROMASTER, an original UK brand, has been around for more than half a century. Sykes Marine (Hydromaster) Limited continued the product in 1987 with production facilities first in Harlow and later on in Grays. Since 2015 the brand finds itself in Dutch hands with main activities – including R&D, engineering and production – transferred from the UK to the Netherlands.

Dennis was a lifelong member of the George Ives 50+ draw: he had many numbers, which when they won went straight back into the General Fund. Dennis was always willing to support the OCC’s many fund raising projects over the years. Also, Dennis looked forward to the OCC’s Annual Lunches where he sang the school song. Sadly, he was awaiting his hip operation and missed our last reunion.

Dennis was passionate about dogs, cats, domestic animals and all types of wildlife. He supported many animal and wildlife charities.  If you wish to make a donation to an animal charity of your choice please let me know.  Contact us

Dennis’s funeral and cremation will be a private affair, however, I have the honour of being invited to Dennis’s funeral where I will represent all Old Camdenians. Therefore, I would be grateful if you could send me your memories of our Dennis, with two ‘Ns’, so that I can explain to family and friends the measure of our loss. Contact us

Flowers to John Weir Funeral Directors 130-132 High St Rainham Kent ME8 8AR by 0900am Thursday 29th.

Or if anyone prefers to donate we’re asking them to choose any animal charity.

Our most sincere condolences to Joy (Dennis’s wife) and family at this difficult time.

Ray Rowe