Dennis Puleston was a naturalist of international proportions. His first trips were with the legendary Lars-Eric Lindblad. Later, he served on ships of Special Expeditions (now Lindblad Expeditions), a company run by Lars-Eric's son Sven-Olof Lindblad. This remembrance was written by Art Cooley, a long time colleague and friend and was published in the Lindblad newsletter.

Dennis Puleston dies at 95

Dennis Puleston loved days at sea. From his earliest days "messing about in boats" at Leigh-on-Sea at the mouth of River Thames to his travels around the world by sailboat in the 30s, Dennis never tired of the wind and the waves and the wildlife. Travelers with Dennis will remember that they had to rise very early to beat him to the bridge. From the earliest light, he would scan the sea and when approached he would tell of his sightings for the morning. Maybe he had seen a green flash as the sun broke the horizon or he had watched the fulmars quartering over the wake in the stern or he had found a small songbird that had landed on the ship in the night.

On June 8, 2001, Dennis passed away quietly at home with his family at his side. On June 16, more than 300 including many children celebrated his life at his home on Meadow Lane in Brookhaven. More than 30 of the participants told "Dennis stories" and shared their remembrances of times with Dennis. For all of the accomplishments of this very talented man, the recollections, time and again, focused on a kindness given, a bit of information passed on in a gentle way or a politeness offered where none was expected.
Lindblad travelers will remember the wonderful logs that Dennis prepared. Written in an immaculate cursive hand, each log was illustrated with watercolors of wildlife that had been seen. Often these paintings were of spectacular birds done in wonderful color. We shall all miss Dennis but we will cherish our experiences with him and, no doubt, tell Dennis stories for as long as we can talk.