David Burtle

David Burtle

David Burtle, 72, of Mineral, Virginia, passed away suddenly on Friday, December 4, 2009, after a brief illness.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ann, of 49 years; three children, Joanne, Andrew and his wife Kristen, and Helen and her husband, Paul; five grandchildren who he loved dearly; and his brother Richard.

Dave was born on March 23, 1937, to Norman and Margaret Burtle in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England.

He married Ann on July 30, 1960, and moved his family to Charlottesville, Virginia, in May 1978. He resided in Charlottesville and Albemarle County until 2001, when he and Ann moved to Lake Anna, their current residence.

Dave was a member of the Tanyard Country Club in Louisa, Virginia, as well as the Lake Anna Riders Motorcycle Club. He was very proud of his Harley motorcycle and also to have made his first of many skydives at the age of 65.

He was also a lifelong avid fisherman. His career as an engineer spanned 43 years, most of which was spent working for Sperry Marine Systems and its various parent companies beginning in 1963. His job as a senior field engineer took him to every continent around the world, and he was regarded by his peers as an authority in his field of guidance systems for marine vessels - oil tankers, cruise ships and United States Navy.

To those who knew him, Dave was a quiet and gentle man and he will be missed by family and friends here and in Canada, England and Ireland.

A memorial service will be held 12:30 p.m. Friday, December 11, 2009, at Woodward Funeral Home, 200 Fredericksburg Ave., Louisa, VA 23093. The Reverend Carol Thornton will be officiating. A reception will follow at the Tanyard Country Club, 404 E. Main Street, Louisa, VA 23093.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make any donations to the charity of your choice.

Visit www.woodwardfuneral.com for online guestbook.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.