William Ray Dennes

William Ray Dennes was born 10 April, 1898 in Healdsburg, CA, the son of Frederick Dennes and Harriet Ray.

Will graduated from University of California, Berkeley in 1919 and was a Rhodes Scholar from 1920-1923. He got his Doctor of Philosophy in 1923. He was at Mills College teaching Philosophy from 1919-1927, and he became an Associate Professor at the University of California in 1927.

Will met Alice Silverman in a Philosophy class at U.C. Berkeley in 1917 where they became friends. Alice developed a romantic attachment to him, but on 22 June, 1923, he married Margaret Monroe Stevenson in Oxfordshire England.

He had a son, Dr. Richard M. Dennes, and a daughter, Margot Dennes.

He died 2 May, 1982 in Alameda, CA.

I invite you to send me any stories, memories, letters (even if untranslated), documents and photos concerning William Ray Dennes and I will add them to this website.

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Monsieur Ribaud Piers plays quite wonderfully. Tones drop from his bow sweet and pure. Will and his wife sat just a few rows ahead of us. She has soft blond hair and a clear skin. I liked immediately what I saw of her. He was conscious of my being there I know. After the concert he turned and smiled and waited with Margaret to introduce us. He shook hands and I turned immediately to Margaret. She has fine serious blue eyes and a very sensitive face that narrows toward her chin. Her voice is deep and very cultivated, quite beautiful. She asked if I had received the note and asked me to come to see them some evening next week. Her voice and eyes were very kind. I did not speak again to Will. I like her very much. She is quite worthy of him. I think they must be very happy and I am glad for that. But seeing him brought everything back more than before. I think she must know too. But I was gay with them.

— Alice Silverman's Diary, 2 August, 1923

William Ray Dennes

Historical data

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