Brian R. Ripley

Brian R. Ripley, 69, of Apopka, Florida, was born August 27, 1950 in Clovis, New Mexico and passed away from cancer in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, April 18, 2020. Brian was raised in the Chicago suburbs, where he met and married Pamela Skurkis in 1977. Brian and Pam were devoted to each other and were married for over 42 loving years. They moved to Florida in 1978 where they managed a motel for Brian’s family on Treasure Island. After initially working as a machinist, Brian started his engineering career with a Clearwater company. He then joined the Walt Disney World Company, starting in 1981 with the construction of EPCOT. After spending time with EPCOT’s Maintenance Services, he had the opportunity to work with Walt Disney Imagineering in both California and Europe during the design phase of Disney-MGM Studios, which is now known as Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Upon the theme park’s opening, Brian returned to the Studios where he remained for the majority of his career. He retired as Manager of Engineering Services after 36 magical years at a company that always offered him new challenges, wonderful co-workers, but most of all, the opportunity to be part of a company that brought happiness to so many people worldwide. Brian’s greatest joy in life was his family, especially his son, Gareth. He was an amazing father, devoted to his son at every stage of his life. He loved finding activities they could do together, including tennis, scouting, astronomy, archery, computers, and keeping saltwater/coral reef tanks. They enjoyed spending time at the family cabin on Stop Island in Rainy Lake near International Falls, Minnesota, often with other members of the extended family. Brian was especially overjoyed at Gareth’s engagement and upcoming marriage to Elise Lim, particularly since he played a key role in their meeting. Brian enjoyed music, biking, photography, reading, and watching movies and historical documentaries. He was persistently positive, had a great sense of humor, and always saw the best in others. He faced several serious illnesses and health issues over the years with dignity, optimism, generosity, and an unending persistence to overcome challenges. When he could no longer ride his bike, he bought a Harley-Davidson trike. When a surgical error left him physically unable to play his right-handed guitars, he refused to give up his music and switched to playing left-handed. He faced cancer with the same positive attitude and, at the end, was more concerned with his family than himself. Brian was predeceased by his beloved grandmother, Anna Ripley Carlson, his mother, Denise (Van de Sande) Ripley, his stepmother Phyllis (Cotter), his father, Royal, his brother David, and his mother-in-law, Marion Skurkis. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Pamela, his son, Gareth, his sister, Renee’ Garcia (Fred), his brothers, Sim (Sara) and Cass (Teresa), the extended Skurkis family, Al, David (Judi), Barry (Cheryl), Cheri (Ed), Bruce (Nina), Brian (Gloria) and Chad (Michelle), and his nieces and nephews, Keegan Garcia (Blair); Natalie, Jocelyn, Isaiah and Nathan Ripley; Krissy Bellinger (Chris); and Lauren, Ryan (Hope), Jake and Kayla Skurkis. A memorial service to celebrate Brian’s life will be held August 28, 2021 at the DeGusipe Funeral Home, 9001 N. Orlando Avenue, Maitland, FL 32751. The family will be welcoming visitors starting at 1:00 p.m., with services at 2:00 p.m. A reception will immediately follow the services on the premises. The services will also be livestreamed on Facebook for those wishing to attend virtually. Follow this link at the time of service: https://www.facebook.com/DeGusipeFH/ To ensure the comfort of visitors, face masks and hand sanitizer will be available. The family of Brian Ripley invites you to leave a message of condolence on the Tribute Wall created in his loving memory.

Brian R. Ripley

August 27, 1950 - April 18, 2020