I haven't been involved in the University of Salford much until recently, so I've only just learned of Denise Vernon's passing. When I was suffering from depression, I finally spoke to Denise and she instantly changed her demeanour from stoic lecturer to caring human. She made me aware that she'd noticed something was wrong and encouraged me to seek support. It's because of her encouragement that I was able to repeat the year, actually enjoy the course, and ultimately graduate with honours. She not only saved me from depression but she saved my degree. She will be missed.

You were an asset to the Drama and Media Dept and always happy to assist students in anyway, even if they asked countless questions! Thank you for encouraging me to progress with my education. Will miss our chats about politics in n.ireland and corrie. Love always xx

It was an honour and a privilege to have had you in my life since I was twenty Denise. Thank you to my dear friends Roland Metcalf and Saskia Metcalf for inviting us to say our final goodbyes today. It was a beautiful and deeply moving service for a woman who was truly inspiring. We will carry you in hearts and in everything we do from now until we meet again. I love you Denise. xxx

Gone too soon but never forgotten.Always in our hearts dearest Denise, all our love from your O’Hare family xxx

Ooooo typical me! it wasn't 1990 that I re-took my A Levels - it was 1987!

I sent a letter to Denise at then end of April as I was reflecting on the difference one person can make in someone's life. I reminded her of the time when she privately tutored me for a re-sit of my English A Level so that I could get the right grades to go to university. Every Sunday between August and November in 1990. I was lucky to get a B and did go to university, and it was definitely down to her help. I am always talking about what Denise did for me all those years ago and I told her back in April how I will always be grateful and honour the difference she made to my life. I try to do the same, now in my life wherever I can, and have a number of young people who I try to help, mentor, encourage, recommend for work etc. I know I do it partly because I recognised what she did for me. Despite being very poorly, Denise responded with care and compassion for the difficulties we theatre folk are going through because of the pandemic. She told me she had been thinking of me and my partner. I said I would call her soon to have one of our chats, but sadly I didn't make that call before I heard the news of her passing. Very sad news indeed. She was an extraordinary, tenacious, brilliant, brave and resilient woman, and I loved her fashion sense. Sorely missed. Michaela xxx

Reading these emotional thoughts reminds me when we shared so many similar feelings with you when you retired from Salford. I'm so glad you could hear those in person from your friends and colleagues who thought the world of you.

Thoughts go out to Roland and family at this difficult time. Denise was an amazing woman and touched the lives of many. I still talk about her often in conversation when reminiscing about my university days a decade ago. Rest in peace Denise, your life was well lived by you and the world is a poorer place with you missing xx

Really saddened to hear this news. Rest in peace Denise, and my thoughts are with Roland, and all those who loved Denise, including her Salford colleagues x Martin F

Denise was the heart of theatre and performance at The University of Salford. Denise was a captivating lecturer, everything she had to say was so brilliant and interesting. During my final year as I was doing my dissertation I became ill. At the time I wasn't to sure what was causing it just that I was incredibly unwell. Denise supported me without hesitation, she didn't need a diagnosis, she just saw someone struggling and did everything she could to help and support me. We had so many interesting conversations about music and feminism. There was never a dull moment spent next to Denise. I also loved watching her and Roland interact. They are the perfect example of how amazing love can be. Denise will be dearly missed. However she will never be forgotten.

I will never know a kinder, sweeter, helpful, interesting, caring person than Denise. She dedicated her life to coaching people, encouraging them, supporting them and believing in them in ways they never could imagine. Im eternally grateful to have had the pleasure of knowing Denise and she has left a huge impact on my life, i genuinely believe that i have grown for the better specifically because of her, she taught me so much about myself. I really miss her. Thank you so Denise.

I will eternally be grateful for Denise for the way she engaged with me when listening to my discussions, as well as encouraging me to speak up in the first place. University was a difficult time for me and she was amongst the people I can count on one hand who really went above and beyond in inspiring me and believing in me as an individual. I'll miss her quirkiness and warmth.

Denise you will be greatly missed! Such a strong, passionate, caring person. You have left a huge hole in a lot of people's lives. I will think of you every time I take a sip out of the beautiful china cup you gave me. Much love Jenny xxx

Denise was an amazing Professor and Person from when I studied. Her Lectures were fun and she always allowed her personality to shine through. May she rest her soul now.

Denise always looked out for everyone and was always more than happy to offer advice, engage in discussion and passion for any topic. She will be missed. Rest in Peace.

It's such a shame that Denise didn't get to enjoy more of her well-earned retirement. But I imagine what she'd say to that. She’d shrug her shoulders and tell us about all the wonderful things and people in her life and how lucky she’s been. She was never one for self pity - such a fighter, with an amazing strength of will and personality. You will be missed by many Denise and there will never be another you. All my love Tracy xxxxx

Denise was a kind, hard working and lovely woman. Her passion for theatre, the arts and her job radiated as soon as she stepped into a room. She was an incredible figure of inspiration to all students. She could talk about anything to anyone and that’s why she was so loved by all. Denise will be truly missed by the university, her family and her friends.

Such a lovely person and was always so nice to me. She will be missed x

Denise was a wonderfully warm and supportive colleague who always made time for others. She will be sadly missed by many of the people who worked with her and were inspired by her over the years. Thinking of her with love.

We hope that you find this tribute to Denise a place of comfort, support and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.

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