Dennis Ray Burley, dead at age 76.

His life in so many words – 285, to be exact:

Born in Polson, Montana, on April 2, 1949, fresh after the war, to Bill and Jane – a rancher and a schoolteacher. Child #3 of 4. Survived by his older sister Lynn, brother Alan, and baby sister Jan.

Spent his early, happy years in Big Sandy, hanging from water towers after curfew, and his adolescence working the ranch in Round Butte. Earned his nickname “Honey” playing fullback for Ronan High School.

Tried college for a while, then went back to the ranch. Proud to have served in the Peace Corps, helping Ethiopians farm and build schools – with the occasional dust-up with an ornery baboon.

After the Peace Corps, met a girl in Alaska: Leigh-Anne. Brought her back to the ranch. Had some kids: Sam, Ben, and Debbie.

Left the ranch for seminary college in Springfield, Missouri. Lost his hat one too many times at Silver Dollar City along the way. Drove his kids back and forth from Missouri to Montana in an old station wagon as they ate French fries off the floor mats.

Was a pastor in Thermopolis, Wyoming. Wandered the woods in ’96 cutting firewood. Settled in Cheyenne. Renovated houses. Raised his kids.

Kids left. He and Leigh-Anne left. Went south to Tennessee, near his grandson Adrien. Loved to watch him play football. Loved to help underserved Appalachians build their homes. Helped Virginians with theirs too. Helped people until the end.

An all-around genuinely good guy with unconditional and endless love to give his wife, his kids, and grandkids: Adrien, Gray, Merritt, Maize, Ella, and Wilson. Beloved by dogs, babies, and everyone who knew him. Generous to no end.

Dennis. Denny. Den. Dad. Papa. Grandpa. Honey.

You are loved. You are missed.

In memory of Dennis, please consider a donation to the Peace Corps, in place of flowers.