In Memory Of
Dennis M. Furjanic
1944
2019
Dennis M. Furjanic
April 2, 1944 — April 4, 2019
Dennis Michael Furjanic born April 2nd, 1944 passed away on April 4th, 2019.
Dennis' last wishes where to be cremated and his ashes spread in a glorious and magical place called Pagoda where he hunted with his friends. He wished for no service, and hoped that his life would be celebrated with a "big party!" That was classic Dennis!!
Dennis knew he had very little time left here on earth after he received the life ending news that he had a very rare disease called cardiac amyloidosis. He was upbeat even after receiving the bad news. Dennis could always reach into a garbage can and somehow be able to pull out a rainbow. In his own words, "I am not afraid of death. I'm just on to my next journey."
His interests were many. What he cherished most was bow hunting for elk every fall In Flat Top Wilderness with his best friends, Rudy and George. His is other favorite activities were fishing, falconry, kayaking with his friend Christopher, gold prospecting, history buff, creating works of art, and last but not least, roasting pigs and lamb for family and friends.
Dennis was an elite athlete excelling in football, baseball, and track & field. He played in the "Big 33", Pennsylvania high school all-star football game. Colleges from across the country where recruiting him for their football programs. Legendary University of Alabama football coach Paul Bear Bryant offered him a full scholarship. Dennis ultimately accepted a scholarship from the University of Houston. College was not exactly Dennis' cup of tea. He left after one year to play minor league professional football in the Atlantic Coast League. He was not eligible to play in the NFL until his college class graduated three years later. When his class graduated, he was eligible to play in the NFL, and he was drafted by the Denver Broncos. Multiple knee injuries from playing in the Atlantic Coast League robbed him of his best physical asset, his speed. Because of that, his potential on the football field was not reached. But, when that door closed, Dennis found other passions to pursue. He became an actor and a member of the Hollywood Actors Guild, and had roles in movies, and the TV miniseries "Centennial". Perhaps his greatest post football talent was the emergence of his artistic talent. He immersed himself in a multitude of expressions of art. Photography, painting, and sculpture were all part of his portfolio. Carving marble and bronze sculpture was his love. His art was selected to be part of the NFL Players Association art exhibit at the 2006 Super Bowl.
Dennis is survived by his brother Tom, sister Kathy, niece Karina, step-mother Lubie Furjanic, an aunt and uncle, several cousins, and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Raptor Research Foundation, PO Box 9975, Boise, Idaho, 93707. Or donations may be made online at www.raptorresearchfoundation.org
The celebration of a life well lived will take place in Denver, Saturday April 20th at 2pm. Since a dinner will be served, an accurate attendance count in important. Please email Tom Furjanic at tomfurjanic@hotmail.com if you would like to attend. You will be sent an E-invitation detailing arrangements.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please click the leave message tab above.
Dennis' last wishes where to be cremated and his ashes spread in a glorious and magical place called Pagoda where he hunted with his friends. He wished for no service, and hoped that his life would be celebrated with a "big party!" That was classic Dennis!!
Dennis knew he had very little time left here on earth after he received the life ending news that he had a very rare disease called cardiac amyloidosis. He was upbeat even after receiving the bad news. Dennis could always reach into a garbage can and somehow be able to pull out a rainbow. In his own words, "I am not afraid of death. I'm just on to my next journey."
His interests were many. What he cherished most was bow hunting for elk every fall In Flat Top Wilderness with his best friends, Rudy and George. His is other favorite activities were fishing, falconry, kayaking with his friend Christopher, gold prospecting, history buff, creating works of art, and last but not least, roasting pigs and lamb for family and friends.
Dennis was an elite athlete excelling in football, baseball, and track & field. He played in the "Big 33", Pennsylvania high school all-star football game. Colleges from across the country where recruiting him for their football programs. Legendary University of Alabama football coach Paul Bear Bryant offered him a full scholarship. Dennis ultimately accepted a scholarship from the University of Houston. College was not exactly Dennis' cup of tea. He left after one year to play minor league professional football in the Atlantic Coast League. He was not eligible to play in the NFL until his college class graduated three years later. When his class graduated, he was eligible to play in the NFL, and he was drafted by the Denver Broncos. Multiple knee injuries from playing in the Atlantic Coast League robbed him of his best physical asset, his speed. Because of that, his potential on the football field was not reached. But, when that door closed, Dennis found other passions to pursue. He became an actor and a member of the Hollywood Actors Guild, and had roles in movies, and the TV miniseries "Centennial". Perhaps his greatest post football talent was the emergence of his artistic talent. He immersed himself in a multitude of expressions of art. Photography, painting, and sculpture were all part of his portfolio. Carving marble and bronze sculpture was his love. His art was selected to be part of the NFL Players Association art exhibit at the 2006 Super Bowl.
Dennis is survived by his brother Tom, sister Kathy, niece Karina, step-mother Lubie Furjanic, an aunt and uncle, several cousins, and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Raptor Research Foundation, PO Box 9975, Boise, Idaho, 93707. Or donations may be made online at www.raptorresearchfoundation.org
The celebration of a life well lived will take place in Denver, Saturday April 20th at 2pm. Since a dinner will be served, an accurate attendance count in important. Please email Tom Furjanic at tomfurjanic@hotmail.com if you would like to attend. You will be sent an E-invitation detailing arrangements.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please click the leave message tab above.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dennis M. Furjanic, please visit our flower store.
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