BORN

1959

DIED

2018

FUNERAL HOME

Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home

400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road

Gotha, Florida

Brett McKinstry Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 5, 2018.

Brett McKinstry, 58, of Orlando, FL, formerly of Ft Myers, FL, Fairfax, VA and Middlesex, NJ passed away in the early morning hours on Sunday, February 4, 2018, after a four-year battle with neuroendocrine cancer. He was surrounded by his wife of 34 years, and children.

Brett leaves behind his loving wife Tevis McKinstry and two children: son Reid McKinstry and his wife Kimberly and daughter Brynn McKinstry; along with grandson James Perrotta II, and many nieces, nephews, family and dear friends. He was the youngest of his family and was preceded in death by his parents John and Emma McKinstry along with his sister Alexandra "Sandy" Bonaduce.

Born August 19, 1959, in Middlesex, NJ, Brett was the first generation of Irish descent to be born in the United States, following his parent's immigration from Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1950. Brett graduated from Middlesex High School in 1977, where he excelled in academics and multiple sports. Following graduation, he then went on to earn his Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). There he met his college sweetheart, Tevis Seitzer. He graduated from college in 1982 and married the love of his life two years later, on June 30, 1984.

After graduation, Brett started his engineering career in North Carolina and in 1984, Brett and Tevis then decided to move to Northern Virginia to be closer to family and friends. There he worked for GHT Limited in Arlington, VA for 10 years. In that time the McKinstry family grew with the addition of his son Reid and daughter Brynn. The McKinstry's opted for a better quality of life and decided to pursue a new opportunity for their family and moved to Ft. Myers, FL. Brett began working at TLC Engineering for Architecture, on February 7th, 1994. He would spend the next 24 years at TLC, starting as the Division Director in Fort Myers and eventually earning the position of President and Chief Operating Officer in the Orlando Headquarters.

Throughout his life, Brett was an amazing husband, father, friend, coach, mentor and best remembered for his love of entertaining and hosting memorable parties. His door was always open to everyone and his circle of friends and colleagues quickly became family. That family along with his own were always his greatest passion along with fishing, the outdoors, and Virginia Tech football!
Brett's life was filled with hard work, integrity, and joy. He served as an outstanding role model for his family and every person that he touched. His most famous saying was "What do the last three letters of your name spell? … T-R-Y."

A Celebration of Life service to honor Brett will be held on Saturday, February 24th at The Sanibel Harbour Marriott's Caloosa Room from 2-4pm. Followed by an Irish Wake Style Reception in the Islands Room from 4-6pm with hors d'oeuvres and lots of beer, wine, whiskey and laughs, just the way Brett would have done it!

One of Brett's final wishes was that in lieu of flowers anyone interested make a donation and become a member of Captains for Clean Water, to help support the conservation efforts to save the waters and fishery that he loved so much. To do so please visit CaptainsForCleanWater.org/McKinstry.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
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February 26, 2018

Dillon Bush

Moving around all the time, one of the few constants in our lives was trips back to Florida to see the family. Whether it was summer break, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, it always included a big family dinner with the McKinstry's. These were an anchor in my childhood and at center of all of them was Uncle Brett, arms wide, voice booming, always welcoming and laughing. But despite all these memories, the image of Brett that will always stand out in my mind is from back when my grandma, Sandy (Brett's sister) passed away two years ago. We had a memorial service followed by an Irish wake for her and everyone was just so torn up about it; I was even blubbering too much to get up and say anything. I'll never forget Uncle Brett, once again at the center of everything, giving his amazing eulogy, talking and keeping everyone upbeat all day, looking so strong and steadfast in spite of everything. And that's without even thinking about all the struggles he was dealing with his cancer battle. He never once let it show, never once complained about it. That's just who he was and how I'll always remember him: the great, positive, pillar of strength in our family.

February 25, 2018

Cassidy Bush

All of my favorite memories growing up involve spending time with family during the Holidays. I will always remember our big family gatherings with the Bonaduces and McKinstrys and how much fun they were. The McKinstry's house was always the party spot and Brett was THE best host. He will forever be known as Great Uncle Brett to me, and he was truly the greatest uncle a girl could ask for!!

February 25, 2018

Cathy Bush

He was my mother's little brother, but much more like my brother. A great Uncle, generous to all, grill master and great entertainer, full of life until the very end! He was a role model for having it all...very successful career and fully engaged family man. We feel cheated at his passing at such a young age and his death leaves a huge whole in the lives of his friends and family. I am heartbroken for Tevis and Reid and Brynn. Love you guys!

February 25, 2018

Family

Cathy Bush

He was my mother's little brother, but much more like my brother. A great Uncle, generous to all, grill master and great entertainer, full of life until the very end! He was a role model for having it all...very successful career and fully engaged family man. We feel cheated at his passing at such a young age and his death leaves a huge whole in the lives of his friends and family. I am heartbroken for Tevis and Reid and Brynn. Love you guys!

February 23, 2018

Conni Smith

I consider Brett to be one of the greatest men I ever met. I had the opportunity to work with Brett for many years in Ft. Myers. He was the boss, but his door was always open. He was a person that made you feel comfortable, even though he had the 'bosses bark' when needed. I will think of him often wishing I had talked to him more and with memories. R.I.P.

February 23, 2018

Friend

Jim Wing

February 22, 2018

Travis Loeffler

What sticks out in my mind is one trip out we went to get bait under a bridge and he had me pull up to one of the pilons he throws the net and tells me to throw it in reverse I try but the boat doesn't do that instead it keeps going forward Brett says it again i hit the stick hard and we're good hahaha i almost hit that thing!! Another time were we caught some blow fish of the side of a road i believe near Sanabel isle.and he told us to smack em on the ground to deflate them my brother and i are like really he says ya so we do and toss em back .All in all great guy father uncle friend all of the above!!!! Love you uncle you will be missed!!!! Love Trav❤❤

February 21, 2018

Family

Darrell Loeffler

A great man and a builder of not only buildings, but friendships and love.

February 21, 2018

Tammy Brooks

Tevis, I only met Brett a couple of times, but from everything I've heard about him, he was the best of the best. My condolences to you and your family. Hold your memories close as they will get you through the sad days. And I know Brett is watching over you and helping you through the roughest times. Take care.

February 19, 2018

Friend

Lawrin Ellis

Posted by Lawrin Ellis

February 19, 2018

Friend

Lawrin Ellis

Posted by Lawrin Ellis

February 19, 2018

Brett was absolutely the best brother in law that anyone could hope for. He has always been there for me. I always admired his integrity, his work ethic, his generosity, and mostly his big heart. He will always be missed by me, my husband and my gang. Always in our hearts, Judy, Brian, Laura, Travis & Shay, Darrell, Wyatt, Gavin, Malcolm, Gabrielle and Grayson.

February 17, 2018

Coworker

Kevin Keiter

Brett was a great friend, mentor and leader to me in the 20+ years we knew one another. He had a terrific sense of humor, a sharp mind and a heart for others. My heart is hurting and we are praying that God will bring comfort to you, Tevis, Reid and Brynne.

February 15, 2018

Friend

Ed d'Avi

Brett was a friend and fellow professional. He was fun and very bright. I always looked forward to seeing him. I spoke with him about his illness on several occasions. He was thankful for every day. Whether his body had sickness or not, his spirit was rich and well. He had a spirit that inspired. I am so thankful for his life, my association with him, and those whose lives he touched. May the Lord bless them all.

February 13, 2018

Kris Tessmer

Brett, I will remember you as one of the finest individuals that I had the pleasure of spending time with. Our families have made some great memories during our time at Twin's and Red Sox Spring Training games, Tampa Bay Lightning games, or having dinner/drinks together at Osaka, Blu Sushi, Nino's or the McKinstry residence. I am glad you were able attend my wedding in Canada in 2012, having you, Tevis and Brynn there was special to Janine and I. Also, in 2016 I had an absolute blast with you in San Francisco, where we got to rock out to Metallica at AT&T park the night before attending Super Bowl 50. Tevis, Reid and Brynn, I am so sorry for your loss. Janine and I are thinking of you all at this difficult time. Please know that Brett will be remembered often by his friends from Canada.

February 13, 2018

Lynn Sweeney

I enjoyed working with Brett, he was easy to talk to. He was a vey thoughtful and nice person. Always professional. I will miss him dearly. Thoughts and Prayers to his family and friends. God Bless all of you.

February 13, 2018

Friend

Mark Johnson

It was a GREAT pleasure knowing you and working with Brett. We enjoyed talking about our kids back when we were young. God Bless Brett and his family...

February 10, 2018

Dave & Lesley Ward

Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. Will always remember meeting Brett and his lovely family in Mexico. We will raise a glass of Blue Lagoon, the boy's drink in Mexico. Sending you all lots of love. From Dave, Lesley and family xxxxx

February 9, 2018

I'm so sorry to hear about Brett. He is now in that beautiful mansion in the sky where he will not have any more pain or sorrow. Tevis, Reid and Brynne, my heart goes out to you, and send my Love. God Bess you from Freda Hill Annandale, Virginia

February 9, 2018

Mike Head

Brett was a one of a kind I've now lost two great friends from TLC Fort Myers (Brett and Mark Hauser) in less than a year. Brett had this ability of being able to be your best buddy, to laugh, drink and joke with you, but when it was work time he could switch over to boss mode and was all business with no favoritism and it was all about the company there was no animosity either way from either person you just knew he was the boss. Great guy I've missed him since I left TLC.

February 9, 2018

Brett, always on top of the respected guy list for family man, friend and work ethic.
Jim White (Indiana)

February 9, 2018

Kim Runkle

Remember me when the flowers bloom in the early spring. Remember me on sunny days in the fun that summer brings. Remember me in the fall as you walk through leaves of gold. And remember me in the the wintertime in the stories that are told. But most of all remember Each day, right from the start, I will be forever near For I live within your heart. Rest In Peace my dear cousin

February 9, 2018

James Perrotta

Brett, I did not know you personally but have always had an absolute respect for you and the way Jamie would look up to you. He told me of the many great memories you shared and I'm forever thankful that you were in his life. A man of integrity, dignity, and as Jamie and I say "a legend" that has been taken home. God bless you and your family

February 9, 2018

Always a straight shooter, go with God!
Bob Taylor, ADG Architecture, llc Fort Myers

February 8, 2018

Thomas Little

I have known and worked with many offices of TLC for many years. I have also worked with Brett when he was in the Fort Meyer's office. I always considered him the consummate professional engineer. He will be missed.
My condolences to the Family.
Thomas W. Little, Little & Associates, Inc. Jupiter, Florida

February 8, 2018

Mike Bryant

Brett, you were a big part of our success and someone who we greatly admired. Our best wishes to your family. Rest now.

February 8, 2018

Brett Wolf

It was always a pleasure to work on a project that Brett was a part of. He had a personality that would calm everyone down, and come up with solutions. He was one of the "Great Ones", and he will be missed!

February 8, 2018

Ed Lobnitz

Brett , I miss you already! I was only able to visit with you for small periods of time in the last few years, but I so much respected your straight forward suggestions and advice throughout the many years you have helped guide, direct and inspire the people you worked with to help form TLC into the company it is today.Your guidance will be sorely missed! You have left us all too soon. May God bless your remaining family and comfort us all as we weep for our loss and your joy.

February 8, 2018

Bud Gardner

I'm so proud to have had a friend like Brett McKinstry. He left a wide legacy of influence on so many young engineers. He will truly be missed.

February 8, 2018

W.Steven Brody

I met Brett in 1992 on a Job site at Dunbar High School. He was extraordinarily talented, very easy to talk with, fiercely protective of his companies image, and well respected by all colleagues in the MEP industry. I had a great deal of admiration for him, and his contribution to the industry in the Southwest Florida area was prodigious. His loss will be felt for sometime to come.

February 8, 2018

Chuck Spelman

Rest in peace fellow engineer and Irishman.

February 8, 2018

Roz Winston

Rest in peace, Brett; you will be missed. Praying for Tevis, Reid and Brynn for peace and comforting memories.

February 8, 2018

Friend

Ross Montgomery

I am so sorry to lose such a dear friend and huge contributor to our industry and mentor to all of the young engineers coming up in our profession. I am deeply saddened by your passing.

February 8, 2018

Coworker

Tyler Patak

Brett and I worked together on many projects here in South Florida. His abilities were matched by his good nature, optimism, and humor. He was certainly one of the good guys. We'll all miss him.

February 8, 2018

Brett, You will be sorely missed. Our prayers are with you Tevis, Reid and Brynn.
Julie and Bob Veldhuis

February 8, 2018

Aaron and Saloni Johnson

Brett, you were a stand-up, genuine guy who always fought for the best for others. Thanks for all the mentoring, guidance and even being a fishing guide on your boat just because you knew we were in town. We always respected your tough work side but enjoyed seeing your softer side when our kids attacked you with balloon swords and you played into it. You will truly be missed.

February 7, 2018

Jim and Lynne Valentic

Heaven has gained an angel. You will be missed. Have a cold Budweiser with Paul and jam to the Grateful Dead!

February 7, 2018

Mike Radzik

Rest in peace Brett; I enjoyed our chats about baseball, Fort Myers, and Paul's pride and joy. My prayers are with your family during the difficult time.

February 7, 2018

Tim Jones

Rest in peace my friend, you will be missed.
Our prayers are with Tevis, Reid and Brynn.

February 7, 2018

Brenda Powell

Rest In Peace, Brett. Prayers for the McKinstry Family

February 7, 2018

Brenda Powell

Brett, You will be truly missed! RIP

February 7, 2018

Mary Ann Swiderski

Rest In Peace, Brett. Sincere condolences to Tevis and the kids.

Showing 1 - 42 of 42 results

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