WILLIAMSBURG — Alvin “Cary” Denard, 59, passed away Thursday, March 11, 2021, surrounded by his family after a courageous and hard-fought battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer.
Cary leaves behind his loving wife and soulmate, Michele Denard; daughter and son-in-law, Jessica and Jonathan Matthews; son, Matthew Oravetz; two fur babies, Caymus and Bella; parents, Clarence and Jean Denard; sisters and brother in laws, Sherry and Reggie Van Hoozer and Renee and Steve Wright; brother and sister-in-law Stanley and Angie Denard; sisters-in-law, Jennifer Swartz, Kiki Perry and Maddy Navarro; Dan Cook, who became his “brother from another mother”; all of these among a number of other beloved relatives.
Cary, born Jan. 24, 1962, worked in the timeshare industry that he loved so much for more than 30 years. Cary believed in the power of vacations to provide experiences that, when shared with loved ones, can serve to strengthen bonds and provide a lifetime of cherished memories. For the past 10 years he was director of sales for Bluegreen Vacations. Throughout these years, Cary formed tight connections with so many incredible people who shared the same positive mindset.
Physical fitness was a large part of Cary’s life. He was a big believer in the power of positive thinking and mental determination to achieve goals and overcome the challenges of life. After being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, his fitness goals shifted. He began working on his cardiovascular system preparing his body for double lung transplant. He used his Peloton bike for this purpose. In order to ride, Cary required 15 liters of oxygen. He became connected with a Facebook Peloton community, where he shared his story. Thousands commented on his brave journey. The response he received became part of his purpose, to inspire others to reach beyond their expectations and never give up. His leaderboard name was #RidingToLive.
Some of Cary’s other passions included cooking and music. Above all, he was a diehard Johnny Cash fan. He loved getting into the kitchen and preparing amazing meals for his family and friends to bring people together for meaningful conversations. He was the life of the party and loved sharing stories, and he was the best storyteller. This was always a great time for the family that involved togetherness and creating lasting memories, not taking a second for granted.
Cary was a force of nature, determined and inspired those around him. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He was unendingly proud of Jessica, Matthew and Michele and always found a way to make them feel supported and much loved. The passionate love and bond with Michele was evident to all. Cary adored his mother, father, siblings and many other family members, where he shared their deep roots in Dawsonville, Georgia.
Anyone who knew Cary knew that he was the most loving and caring husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend a family could ask for.
Cary’s favorite quote that he lived by was, “It’s not what happens to you in life, it’s how you respond.”
There will be a celebration of life Saturday, March 27, at Cochon on 2nd. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, please RSVP by Wednesday, March 24, to [email protected].
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio St., Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60611.
Online condolences for the family may be shared at Nelsen Funeral Home.
