Rian Dettmer Divine

Our Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Brother passed away on June 30, 2022.

Rian Divine was born to Elizabeth Ann Mack Divine and Ralph Dettmer Divine in Elizabeth, New Jersey, on December 8, 1949.  He was brought home from Elizabeth General Hospital, swaddled, and placed in a padded dresser drawer for sleep.  As a young boy, Rian and his family moved several times, following his father’s employment.

When Rian was 12 years old, he and his family moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  Rian attended Parkway Middle School and then Plantation High School.  While in high school, Rian worked for Roberts Chevron at 3500 West Broward Blvd.

Rian attended Florida State University for several years, where he received a well-rounded education and met his future wife, Mary Kay Graf.  The two were married on November 26, 1977 at the Naval Base Chapel in Orlando, Florida, near where Mary’s parents resided. They then made their home in Fort Lauderdale.  Rian was an independent contractor and also worked for several companies as a carpenter for several years.  Then in 1985, he became employed with the Broward County School Board as a carpenter, and worked for them until 2013.  Everyone who knew and worked with him over the years held him and his excellent work in high regard.

A little later in 1985, the couple’s first child, daughter Hayley was born.  Five years later in 1990 her little brother Rowen came along.  Rian enjoyed his children and being a father very much.  He encouraged their help when he built an additional room onto their house, which they all enjoyed.

Rian was an avid reader and read a large number of books about all different subjects, but he always had a soft spot for science fiction.

Rian is survived by wife, Mary Kay; daughter Hayley (Russell); grandchildren Cassidy Swartzfager and Hunter Swartzfager; son Rowen; siblings Dwight K. Divine (Mary); Gregory M. Divine (Eda), and Deborah A. Fischer (George); cousins David Lamppert (Mary Ann) and Linda Leslie (Lou); Uncle Jack Uhrich; cousins Gwen, Bill and John; Uncle Fran Miller (Betty); cousins Jodeen, Kara, Kevin and Heather.

Rian entered into eternal life on June 30, 2022. 

We will be coming together to remember the life of Rian Divine on the evening of July 17, 2022, from 4 – 6 pm at T.M. Ralph Funeral Home, 7001 NW 4^th Street, Plantation, FL 33317. The funeral Mass will be held on the morning of July 18, 2022, at 11 am, at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church, 2731 SW 11 Court, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312.

Arrangements by T.M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home