Santa Clarita veteran Dennis Witzel, who was an advocate for those who have served in the military, died at the age of 73.

Word spread like wildfire throughout Santa Clarita Valley’s immense veteran community these past few days about the tragic sudden passing of our dear friend, Dennis Witzel on Jan. 11, Dennis was kind and generous to a fault with his time and his personal assets.

As an active community volunteer, Dennis was extraordinarily busy in a number of veteran-related organizations, including being the vice president of the SCV’s Veteran Memorial Committee and helping facilitate the annual Memorial Day ceremonies.

Dennis served on the City of Santa Clarita’s Veterans Day Planning Committee, and he served as Vice President of the SCV Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 355 (The Lost Patrol), assisting with monthly meetings, funding drives and Independence Day Parades, among others.

Dennis also held a key role serving as Board Chairman of Santa Clarita Veteran Services Collaborative, an organization dedicated to assisting veterans to gain employment, Veteran Administration Services and educational advancement.

“Dennis always went quietly about taking care of business without a lot of fanfare. His mission was to give back and his energy and passion for assisting Veterans was simply contagious,” said Jerry Rhodes, fellow Vietnam Veteran, Secretary of SCV Veterans Memorial, Inc. and close friend to Dennis.

I’ve known Dennis for approximately ten years through our various Veteran organizations, including our SCV’s Veteran Memorial Committee. Dennis and his lovely wife, Sheila, were early Contributors who generously donated to our Fallen Warriors Monument at Newhall’s Veterans Historical Plaza and we’ll never forget that. 

I’ve always seen Dennis as a true gentleman and a dedicated volunteer to our Veterans Community. Clearly, Dennis was a man that you could count on to get things done. We’re all going to miss him terribly.

“Elliott and I had a very close relationship with Dennis as he was such a tremendous asset to the Collaborative,” said Judy Wolfe, who founded the Santa Clarita Veteran Services Collaborative with her husband Elliott Wolfe. “Dennis was a prince among his peers and never had a bad thing to say about anyone.”

Dr. Dianne Van Hook, College of the Canyons Chancellor, was as shocked and saddened as everyone else. 

“It was an absolute joy having the opportunity of working with Dennis and Sheila on COC’s student foundation. You could tell he was always focused, thinking and purposeful with his excellent support,”  Van Hook said. “It was clear that he was gracious, humble and a man of great character. He possessed nice manners and treated people well.” 

Van Hook also acknowledged, “I would be completely remiss if I failed to mention Dennis’ homemade delicious chocolate candy treats that he routinely brought to our meetings.”

Service arrangement details are forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that people make a donation to Dennis’ scholarship fund at the College of the Canyons Foundation, the Witzel Scholarship, here.

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