Dennis Bouvier Bourke

Dennis was my best friend from 5th grade until his passing. His picture is on my wall, in front of my desk.As I see his smiling face everyday, the good memories start to flow. He will always be missed, until I catch up with him in the hereafter.

I can't believe I was Dennis' student back in 1998, or so and so much time has gone by, at CTI Lakehurst studying recording with him as my teacher. And then, at the studio in Ocean Gate. Those were such informative times and wonderful learning experiences. I'm so glad I kept in touch with Den during the years after, and had the privilege of being a colleague of his at Lakehurst at CTI in the early 2000's while working at another program at Lakehurst. Most importantly was being able to keep in touch with him over the years, and then having the wonderful privilege of playing upright bass for a few gigs with him in 2014. I will never forget those gigs at the Anchor Inn. Miss you Den!

His family is really awesome too! Thank you so much Bourke family for making me feel welcome in your house when Den and I were practicing, and thank you Christine for trying to help me find a teaching job way back when I was looking in the early 2000s. I also remember hanging out in the Anchor Inn Bar after the show with such a nice family.

Tomorrow I will give thanks for all I've been blessed with in this life, one of which was my friendship of 57 years with you, Dennis Bourke. Kathy and I will always cherish our time spent with you and Chris, especially those steaks with that sauce, at the Anchor. Love you forever.

My good friend of 57 years I think of you often and miss you very much. I love you like a brother. Thanks so much for your friendship. Will always remember the dinners at the Anchor with Kathy and Chris and those Delmonico steaks with "that sauce".

One of the best teachers a guy could have, I'll miss you Mr. Bourke

Sorry that I forgot to say who wrote the little diddy about Dave Mason. Jimmy White [email protected]

From the very first evening recording class at Lakehurst to the present and performing at the Anchor Inn Spring of 2014 Dennis was a great teacher and friend. Absolutely one of the good guys! He will be missed...

I first met Dennis in 1970. Everything that I listen to, even today, I can trace back to him. I went to see Dave Mason on the 28th and he did a song titled " How do I get into heaven". after the show I met Dave's wife and told her of how a good friend had passed away last week. I told her how much that song meant to me with its perfect timing. With a tear in my eye she said that she would pass along that story to her husband and how much he would appriciate hearing that. Dennis you will be missed. You left an impression on every life you touched. One not need to worry about how will you get into heaven.

I met Dennis in the late 70's, and I built a friendship with him. I did a considerable amount of bass guitar for him. I remember his studio setup in his house at Arverne Ave. He played a few of his early songs on his initial recording equipment. There were two dominant attributes that I remember about Dennis. He was very talented, in his writing, recording, and producing. Also, he was always even tempered, remaining calm even during stressful situations. We lost contact for a long stretch, but fortunately we connected briefly over the past year. He certainly will be missed. My deepest condolences to Chris, Billy and the rest of the family.

When I think of Dennis, I can only think of one word that describes him. That word is "cool". I have know doubt that Dennis was ALWAYS part of the in crowd. I will miss him.

Rest in peace Dennis. You' ve touch so many people. Larry and I will always have such fond memories of you and Chrissy. It has been a blessing knowing you. Be strong Chrissy. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Larry and Patty Belluscio

Sending love and strength to everyone! Dennis was a one of a kind guy! He will be missed and I'm happy that he was part of my family since forever...Love you Bongo Denny!!

Dennis, sorry I never met you, may you rest in peace. Peter Bouvier MacDonald

I love you and miss you already. I'm grateful we got a chance to share that day last summer. You were the best and still are in my book.

Dear Christine and family,

We are so very sorry to hear about Dennis' passing. Both of my cousins (Billy Keeney and Steve Burnett) were very good friends of Dennis.
I remember Dennis very well, playing in his band at the Ocean Gate Yacht Club. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.

With heartfelt sympathy,

Denise (Salisbury) Buffardi and sons

Thinking of the Bourkes at this time of sorrow!! Great man in many ways! God be with you an family

Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Chris, I will always remember you and Dennis rocking the night away on the dance floor at your wedding~ Love and peace to you all.

Remembering you in our prayers...Dennis was one of a kind and will always be remembered that way...with our sincere sympathy...Blazak & Mondelli Families

Our condolences, thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Dennis.

It is impossible to put in just a few words, 50 plus years of true friendship. Dennis was the most caring, giving person I ever met, which was matched by his musical talent. Rest in Peace my friend. You will be truly missed.