LEONARD DINNEEN RM
30th September 1950 to 3rd September 2026
Lenny was born on the 30th September 1950 in Limerick, Ireland to parents Florence and Leonard. Tragically, Dad, Leonard passed away before Lenny was born and Brother Kevin was just 3 years old. Eventually Florence re-married to Step Dad John who was Scottish, hence Lenny’s claim that he was a “Heinz variety!” Now living in Dundee Lenny grew up and left school to take up employment in an apprenticeship. However, Lenny was sacked from this job! Sensing Lenny’s dismay, Step dad John said “Get yourself another job son!” And so, at 22 years of age, little did anyone suspect that Lenny would choose to join the Royal Marines, even less so, that his first draft would be right back to Scotland and Arbroath, next door to his home-town!
Lenny’s RM service was exemplary. Lenny qualified as a Royal Marines Armourer in 1975, along with course mates Harry Craft and Pete Morton. This trade provided Lenny with the ideal out-let for his engineering and practical skills. Serving 22 years, in Royal Marine units; 45 Commando, Royal Marines Poole, 42 Commando, the Commando Training Centre, Commando Logistics Regiment, Head Quarters Royal Marines, Salerno Company Group Malta and operational tours in Northern Ireland, Lenny left the Corps in September 1994 from RM Poole as a C/Sgt Armourer Class One.
Early on in Lenny’s career during a posting to Poole he had what was to be the finest stroke of luck he would ever know – meeting Maggie! Married in 1975, this was truly a match made in heaven and they enjoyed a marvellous life together building a rich network of friends. A big passion of theirs was travelling and they have enjoyed many exciting and exotic holidays including; aboard cruise ships as well as in favourite destinations like Rhodes, Malta and Tenerife.
The very next day after leaving the Corps Lenny signed on as an engineer with APEX, a Poole based company where he worked for 14 years before a move to CJS, again as an engineer where he worked right up until 2025 when Lenny finally retired. Lenny had a well equipped work shop in his shed at home, where he spent many an hour building and fixing gadgets and household appliances. Not noted for his sporting prowess few of us knew that Lenny enjoyed water aerobics for gentle exercise.
Lenny’s courage and sense of humour in the face of adversity exemplifies his true Commando Spirit. Lenny was often described as a gentle giant and a man of great kindness. Lenny had a massive character with a heart of gold and total loyalty to his and Maggie’s family and friends. Lenny was a proud and immense supporter of his Royal Marine veteran’s community through the Royal Marines Association Poole and District Branch and the Friday Club where he was regarded with much warmth and respect. Lenny was always ready to lend a hand to a friend in need. No words can express how much he will be missed by his family, friends and veterans. "Rest in Peace Lenny."
Lenny’s funeral is on Wednesday 30th September at 1230, at Harbour View, Randall’s Hill, Lytchett Minster Poole BH16 6AN and afterwards at Lytchett United Royal British Legion, 93 Dorchester Road Upton, Poole BH16 5NW
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