Brian Milton Denis

BENTON – Brian Milton Denis, 79, of Benton, Maine, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2026, at Harbor Hill Center in Belfast. Brian was born in Waterville to Alfred “Bumbo” and Muriel (Gagnon) Denis on June 9, 1947.

He attended Waterville Senior High School, where he was co-captain of his football team and graduated in 1966. After graduation, he went on to work at Keyes Fibre/Huhtamaki as a Chinet machine operator and later transitioned to maintenance before retiring in 2002.

Brian had a huge sense of humor and was always cracking jokes wherever and whenever and was quick witted with humorous comebacks on the fly. He was always friendly to anyone he would meet and was a kind person. He had a love for sports that started at an early age. He enjoyed skating and hockey at the South End Ice Rink, playing baseball and football and watching NASCAR. He was a huge Red Sox fan and remained an avid sportsman after high school where he played softball, joined bowling leagues and enjoyed a few rounds of golf, creating some unforgettable friendships. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son, Rocky and grandson, Justin, his camp visits and boat rides at his daughter, Robin’s, camp as well as spending time with his siblings, Danny and Teena, every chance he got.

In 1971, Brian married his love, Janice “Jan” Martin, and they would have been married for 55 years this September. Shortly after getting married, they purchased their home in Benton. He and Jan both shared a love for music and dancing. He especially liked the jitterbug, and they could often be found dancing spontaneously throughout their home.

Brian was predeceased by his parents; two brothers, Richard “Dickie” Denis and Gerald “Jerry” Denis, half-brother Richard Eastman; stepson Eric Emery, stepdaughter Carrie (Emery) Vigue; nephews Jeffrey Denis and Christopher Denis; as well as his best friend and brother-in-law, Dee Daignault.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Denis; son, David “Rocky” Denis and partner Nicole, daughter, Robin (Denis) Richards and husband Keith; brother, Daniel “Danny” Denis and wife Linda, sister, Teena (Denis) Daignault; granddaughters Amanda (Barnett) McCann and husband Nick, and Sydney Emery, grandsons Garrett Olson and wife Paige, Blake Richards, Justin Vigue and partner Melisa, Dylan Emery, Dana Vigue; and great-grandchildren Raegan and Jace Vigue; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service is planned for Wednesday, July 8, at 10 a.m. at Notre Dame Church, Silver Street, Waterville with a reception to follow in the church hall where light refreshments will be provided.

Services are under the care of Veilleux-Redington-Lawry Brothers, 8 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at http://www.vrlfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

the Waterville Humane Society in honor of Brian’s love for the many cats and dogs he has welcomed into his home over the years