Mpls, MN - Burl Gilyard, beloved husband, son, and friend, was a writer; that's how he identified himself in relation to the world. And that world is a darker place for all of the people he reached with his talent and his big heart, as he left us May 15 at the age of 58. Complications of adrenomyeloneuropathy, his longtime chronic disease, took him from us way too soon. He was preceded in death by his mother, Cheryll Nelson, and brother, Bret Gilyard. In addition to his soulmate Nicole Cina, wife of 31 years, he is survived by his two kitties, Lulu and Mama; father, Richard Gilyard and Sharon Emery; mother-in-law, Cindy Cina (Allen Hanson); uncles and aunts Glenn and Chelly Gilyard, David and Leslie Gilyard; cousins Brian Gilyard (Diahanna), Kayle Tramel, Kurt Jorgensen (Debi Sanchez), and Brad Jorgensen (Lisa Dalton). Burl's circle was wide and deep. His smile was warm and magnetic. His laugh was quick and genuine. His love of family was deep and he was lovingly supportive of his mother as her health issues grew challenging. From his self-published teenage fanzines to his alt weekly work, magazines, and lately the Star Tribune, Burl sought the company of fellow storytellers with heart and integrity. He has been grateful to be a working journalist in his hometown of Minneapolis for his entire career. His journalism interests started early. In high school, he was a copy editor and editorialist for the Washburn Grist. At the University of Minnesota, he was the Arts section co-editor of the Minnesota Daily and in 1991 was selected the Entertainment winner in Rolling Stone's college journalism contest for his article, "Unraveling the Myth: The Lure of Robert Johnson's Legend." His career focus evolved on two tracks, music and business, first as a writer for the Twin Cities Reader and City Pages, then Corporate Report, Finance and Commerce, Twin Cities Business and the Star Tribune. He stayed committed to that work even as his health continued to get ever more complicated because he needed to do it. Connecting people, building community by telling people's stories was central to his identity. His deep love for, and encylopedic knowledge of, music, developed alongside the flourishing Minneapolis music scene. His abiding love for the bands of his youth, like Trip Shakespeare and The Replacements, continued unabated. Heck, his ringtone was the chorus from "Alex Chilton," penned by Paul Westerberg. Burl loved all genres of music, which made him a regular presence at clubs including the Dakota and First Avenue. He and his wife often traveled for music, taking in shows by Leonard Cohen in New York, Guy Clark and Jon Dee Graham in Austin Texas, and multiple trips to AmericanaFest in Nashville. As a further example of the breadth of Burl's musical tastes, his last two concerts were to see jazz giant Charles Lloyd at the Ordway and the ELO reunion tour at Xcel Energy Center. Burl radiated warmth and generosity. He kept up a steady stream of newsbits, jokes, observations and opinions to his clan. He was caring for those who were hurting. He was the real deal. His imprint on the hearts and minds of those who knew him will remain indelible. Two upcoming events will celebrate Burl: A benefit concert June 1, 2:00-6:00 at Hook and Ladder (3010 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis.) A Memorial June 12, 1:00-4:00, with a program at 2:00, at American Swedish Institute (2600 Park Ave., Larson Hall, Minneapolis.)