Dennis Bruce Burcal

Dennis Bruce Burcal was the firstborn son of Nancy Darden Hall Burcal and George Jerry Burcal of Royal Oak, MI. He was born on February 21, 1947, in Old Grace Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. He died peacefully in his sleep at age 70 of heart failure on June 16, 2017. Dennis is survived by his life partner, Tina Woodley, brothers Gary, Rob, and John, and sister Laurie. His ashes will reside in the local cemetery, alongside those of his parents, near the family’s Michigan home.

Dennis served 12 years in the US Military, first 5 year in the Navy (Communications Specialist), then 7 years in the Army (Voice Intercept Operator). He loved languages; he spoke several and taught himself Latin. He learned Russian while in the Army and worked as a voice intercept operator in the Russian language in West Germany. He met and married Mary Christine (Tina) Woodley in Berlin, Germany, in 1979. (Den wrote a short story about an Army adventure, which is included at the end of his biography.)

After leaving the military, Dennis pursued a career in technical writing and editing in the aerospace industry in Southern California, eventually being promoted to Tech Pubs Manager before retiring at 67 years old. He loved to cook, loved languages and writing, and was an excellent weaver. Some of his weaving pieces will be on display at his Celebration of Life on July 15, 2017, at the Japanese Gardens, CSULB campus in Long Beach, CA.

Dennis will be sorely missed by his family, friends and colleagues. We ask that any contributions you’d care to make go to your local Salvation Army, which was Dennis’ favorite charity.

7-23-17 Update: Photos of Den's Celebration of Life, held at the Japanese Gardens (CSULB), have been posted to this website. Thanks!

A total of $301 has been donated in Dennis' name to the Salvation Army of Southern California. Thanks to all for your generous donations.