Denis Francis McBriarty

Denis Francis McBriarty passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 31, 2017, at age 73, in his home in Apopka, FL. Denis was born March 24, 1943 in Saint John, NB, Canada to Joseph and Ena (Higgins) McBriarty. He attended St. Malachy's School in Saint John, and later took courses at Vancouver City College, Simon Fraser University, and the University of British Columbia. He met Ann Michele McBriarty (Rehders) in Vancouver, BC, Canada in 1975, and they were married on October 9, 1982 in Bridgewater, NS, Canada. Denis had a knack for technology and was an entrepreneur, establishing businesses in home security and retail across Canada before moving to Apopka in 1984. There, Denis became a residential real estate agent in the Wekiva area. Neighbors will remember his fondness for "driveway mining" in his retirement, scouring yard sales for deals every Friday and Saturday morning. Denis was an avid photographer and aviation geek, spending several weeks each year shooting photos across North America, Europe, and sunny Sint Maarten. He was proud of his vivid photos of aircraft arriving against the Caribbean scenery of Maho Beach, and he had a knack for capturing everyone's best smiles. His photos graced magazine covers and calendars, and they received hundreds of thousands of views online. Denis was permanently young in heart and spirit. He could strike up a laughter-filled conversation with anyone he met, resulting in lasting friendships around the world. He was genuine and caring, enriching the lives of those he befriended. His witty, gregarious soul is deeply missed. A private cremation service will be held Sunday, February 5, at DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory in Maitland, FL. Per his wishes, his ashes will be scattered later this year in Saint John, NB, Canada; Vancouver, BC, Canada; and Sint Maarten. Denis is survived by his wife Ann Michele McBriarty of Apopka, FL; daughter Sondra Hallman (Seth) of Longwood, FL; son Dr. Martin McBriarty (Ellen) of Richland, WA; grandson Lucian Hallman of Longwood, FL; sister Mary Gillen of Saint John, NB, Canada; and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the Philippines Orphanage Fund, c/o Lyle Kooima. http://www.gofundme.com/buildduyan Attachments area

Denis Francis McBriarty

March 24, 1943 - January 31, 2017