Daniel A. McLenaghan, of Clermont Florida, born on March 18, 1947 in New Brunswick, Canada passed away at the age of 74, on March 23, 2021 surrounded by his loved ones.
Daniel met the love of his life, Brenda while attending St. Gregory’s High School in Chicago, IL and they married in 1967. Dan was a loving husband and devoted father. He was a master of all things, funny, kind, selfless and took many others under his wing, helping whenever he could. He always showed up with no questions asked, played the hero and never faltered. In 2001, Dan became THE beloved “Papa” pouring his endless love into all of his grandchildren.
Dan, also known as “Captain Dan” to his many friends, brought laughter and fun everywhere he went. He spent the majority of his years owning small businesses and eventually (semi) retired to Florida. He developed strong friendships within his new community, and enjoyed many humorous dinners with his “hole in the wall gang”.
His passions were family, friends, fishing and the Boat. He loved sharing and repeating his stories and sayings, “the twig doesn’t fall from the tree” and lit up a room with just a smile. He never let anyone go without one of his famous hugs and always made sure to end every conversation with “Papa loves you.”
Dan is preceded in death by his mother and father, Kathleen and Gordon McLenaghan Sr. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Brenda McLenaghan, children; Kathryn (Mike) Baenen and Jennifer (Bill) James, grandchildren; Allison, Dalton, Andrew, Hannah and Reagan, siblings; Gordon (Bev) McLenaghan Jr., Shirley Genest, Nona (Bobby) Arthur, Michael (Debbie) McLenghan and his beloved nieces, nephews and many friends.
A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
This heritage started 67 years ago with Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, who founded the First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1934. In 1938 Francis E. Loomis, son of Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, received his license to practice Mortuary Science and in 1941 established Loomis Funeral Home of Winter Garden, FL. 
420 W Main St
Apopka, FL 32712-3452
Annette Sleek says
Sending so much love to this wonderful family with whom we have been so strongly bonded for many, many years! We miss Dan keenly but rejoice that the light that he shone into our lives continues into eternity. Love you always, old friend ….
Harry (Tom) and Annette Sleek
Donna Feinberg (Manahan) says
Dan McLenaghan was one of those people who always knew that only three things mattered: how much you loved, how gently you lived and how gracefully to let go of things not meant for him. They say a true measure of a man is how much his children love him. Dan was loved by his girls to the moon and back.
My heart and love goes out to Brenda McLENAGHAN and their family. It’s a great loss of a great guy.
Heaven received a wonderful, funny, sweet guy. A loyal friend.
How sweetly tied together all our lives are. How hard it is when someone slips the bonds we share.
❤️🙏
Sharon tucker says
I am sorry for your lost not many men like him around some one who put his family first was there when his family needed him my heart gos out to his family god bless
Judy mauer says
We all have lost a beautiful and loving friend. I ask God to hold him close and keep him in his mercy. I pray for all of you and ask God to give you the strength to carry on with Dan in your heart.
🥰🙏 Love Judy
Linda Drivas says
Brenda, what a lovely tribute to wonderful Dan. He was a caring neighbor and always had a smile for everyone.
Phil Ellis says
To Dan, the man who enjoyed life. We had a lot of good time together, it’s locked in the memory banks. Rest In Peace
Nancy & Art Becker says
What wonderful remembrances. When the world looses a gentle soul we all weep. May your wonderful family find comfort in each other. God bless.
Kathy Golub says
Dear Brenda and family, I just learned of Dan’s passing and am truly sorry. We are losing way too many of the good ones. Kathy Ellison Golub