Mark Denis

By DOUG GALLOWAY, GREG REIFSTECK

Mark Denis, the golden-voiced radio traffic reporter for L.A.'s KFI-AM, died Saturday in his sleep at his home in Anaheim Hills from a viral infection that affected his heart. He was 59.

Denis, whose career on Southern California radio spanned four decades, was also the unidentified voice of the famed Disney-land Monorail ride.

He was always excited about even the little things on the job. "When I see a jackknifed big rig," Denis told Variety in 1996, "it's like seeing a celebrity."

Born Mark Denis Melbourne in Glendale, he grew up in Compton and attended Compton Junior College, where his first used his voice talents as he announced half-time shows. After attending Long Beach City College, he decided to focus his career on radio.

Denis started in the radio biz as a disc jockey in Hemet at the tiny radio station KHSJ in 1961. A year later he moved to KFXM San Bernardino. After he served in the Air Force, he jumped to San Bernardino's KMEN.

His career continued to bud during a three-year stint at San Diego's KGB, ending up as its program director. He came to Los Angeles in 1969, working for KFI and KEZY.

Denis found his true calling on the airwaves as a traffic reporter at KHJ for from 1982-86. He perfected his craft and returned to KFI soon after.

He became one of the first to utilize the developing traffic information systems, integrating computerized traffic reports into his broadcast from the California Highway Patrol.

Denis delivered more than 7,000 midday traffic reports each year, which built to 9,000 reports a year when he also broadcast for KFI sister FM station KOST.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Savant Melbourne; three sons; three daughters; a sister; a brother; and two grandchildren.

Services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday at San Antonio Catholic Church in Anaheim Hills.