Denis Brunke

OBITUARY
DENIS JOSEPH FRANCIS BRUNKE
Sept 29, 1948 - Sept. 29, 2012
Denis passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, September 29, at the very inception of his 64th year, leaving the world on the same day he arrived.
Authentic, generous, gregarious, and wise, Denis nourished long-standing friendships with family, friends, and colleagues.
Denis was born in Montreal, Quebec to Pauline Gélinas and Frank Brunke. He grew up in Montreal with younger sister Linda (Bill Bracher). It was a special privilege in 2005 to meet his other sister Chantal Raymond (Stéphane Rivard).
Denis attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School. With his musician’s spirit coming to the fore, Denis and three friends formed the Fantem Five, a band which played in and around Montreal for a number of years.
Throughout his life, Denis devoted himself to work and family. In 1968, Denis and Doreen Saja married in Montreal. Three children, Jennifer, Jeffrey, and Leigh-Ann were born during this marriage.
Denis’ career in computers and Information Technology started early and spanned more than 25 years. As an independent contractor, he boarded ship at many companies including Quantum, WSIB, LGS, Loyalty Group, Air Miles and RBC. Denis had an innate ability to create effective teams out of disparate groups, and successful management and implementation of large multi-tier projects. From 2010, Denis was Senior Project Manager for City of Toronto Fire Services, working with Toronto Police and EMS on emergency services for the future of the city. This was truly his ultimate “Dream Job”.
An accomplished home chef, Denis was a member of Les Marmitons de Montréal for many years. After moving to Toronto, Denis met Fran (Sommerville). Denis and Fran married in 1998. They enjoyed hosting many fabled family get-togethers, for which Denis did most of the cooking. Together, Denis and Fran developed a globe-trotting hobby. They created memorable trips together; their adventures took them to New Mexico,Texas, Ireland and the south of France. In recent years, Denis spent part of every winter with Fran in their beloved Costa Rica where they enjoyed the beach life, as well as climbing volcanoes, zip-lining, and exploring the beautiful mountainous region of Monteverde.
Denis is survived by a much-loved and complex tribe: wife Fran, his children Jennifer Brunke, Jeffrey Brunke, and Leigh-Ann Brunke; step-children Colleen (Sommerville) McGoey, and Patrick Sommerville. Denis was proud Grand Dude to grand daughter Adele, and loving uncle to niece Jeanne Raymond. He is lovingly remembered by extended family members Harvey Carroll, Bruno Ruberto, Jordan McGoey, and Emily Stidwell. He leaves behind many friends and co-workers who loved him and will miss his smiling, intelligent presence and light.
Memorial Service/Celebration of Life will be held Sat. Oct. 6 at Ward Funeral Home, 4671 Highway 7 in Woodbridge, at 3 pm. Friends may visit 1 -3 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to help others enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner at this time. Donations may be made on-line at:
Second Harvest (Toronto): http://secondharvest.ca/tribute-donation
Daily Bread Food Bank: http://www.dailybread.ca/donate/