Brian David McCosh

Brian McCosh peacefully departed this life at home, in his sleep, nestled beside his beloved wife, during the early hours of Good Friday, April 18, 2025, after a prolonged battle with cancer. At last, he has found tranquility. In his final days, he was surrounded by the love and care of his beautiful daughters, sister-in-law, and cherished family who traveled from Australia to be with him. Brian was widely known for his clever wit and slightly risqué sense of humor—amusing, charismatic, and effortlessly sociable. He could wander anywhere in the world and make fast friends, leaving an unforgettable mark on those he met. To quote his good friend Paul: “Brian is a dear friend, a great man. They don’t make them as good as he was anymore.” Raised on a 12,000-acre farm in Ruatoria, New Zealand, near Maunga Hikurangi, the first place in the world to see the sunrise, Brian grew up immersed in the rugged beauty of the land. He was an expert at mustering and shearing sheep, champion dog handler with his favorite Huntaway dog “Mate”, and a true horseman. Every afternoon, his cow faithfully waited for him at the school bus stop, ready to carry him home to their hilltop house. It was in this idyllic countryside that he welcomed his two eldest sons, Sean and Samuel. Beyond the farm, Brian was drawn to the ocean, spending countless hours body surfing and free-diving for crayfish, green-lipped mussels, and paua (abalone), cooking his fresh catches on the beach or bringing them home for supper. His passion for the sea never faded and is shared by his son Collin. Music was the heartbeat of his life—his favorites included Irish ballads, Celine Dion, and Neil Diamond. Never one to shy away from a microphone, he sang karaoke, performed at his friend’s wedding in China, and on his own wedding day, serenaded his bride with a love song. His son Samuel shares this deep love for music. And when it came to dancing, Brian’s legendary Irish jigs could light up a room, bringing laughter and joy wherever he went. Brian discovered polo at an early age, quickly rising to the ranks of professional play, competing in England, Argentina, France, and the United States. Give a shout out to his favorite polo pony “Birdie.” He eventually settled in Wellington, Florida, where he welcomed his youngest son Collin, as well as his beautiful daughters, Emma and Tessa. After retiring from polo, he transitioned into equine dentistry, traveling across the country, building friendships wherever his work took him. In 2005, Brian met his future wife, Denise, in Aiken, South Carolina—and it was love at first sight. They married in 2007, living in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and later Yantai, China. Together they shared a life full of adventure, embracing every opportunity to explore every corner of the globe and embarking on incredible adventures that few could even dream of. His cousin Roger would often join Brian on his journeys, creating unforgettable memories along the way. In 2019, while in China, Brian was diagnosed with cancer. In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he and Denise relocated to West Palm Beach, Florida, where he spent his remaining years embracing life with the same unwavering optimism that defined him. He would swim laps in the pool, bask in the sunshine, catch waves in the ocean, share pints of Guiness with friends, and prepare the most delicious steak dinners for his loved ones. His humor, which was his love language, never wavered—he continued brightening lives with his laughter until the very end. The world will undoubtedly feel a little dimmer without him, but his vibrant legacy will shine on through the people he touched. Brian is survived by his devoted wife, Denise McCosh (née Moss), and his children: Samuel McCosh (Queensland, Australia), Collin McCosh (Aiken, South Carolina), Emma McCosh (West Palm Beach, Florida), and Tessa Woolsey (Manchester, Michigan). He also leaves behind his son-in-law, Dylan Woolsey, his granddaughter, Halle Parks, and grandsons, Cael, Gatlin, and Becks Woolsey. Additionally, Brian is survived by his beloved family in New Zealand and Australia, including his sisters, Sarah Moore and Philipa Tako, his cousin, Roger McCosh, and his cherished nieces and nephews: Jodi, Kelli, Wallace, Emma, Abby, Laura, Lynnie, and Hamish. It only feels right to mention his one and only favorite cat, Valentino, who remained by his side, purring in quiet companionship throughout the day. In a remarkable display of sensitivity, Valentino detected Brian’s second cancer diagnosis, proving himself to be more than just a pet—he was a loyal and loving presence through life’s toughest moments. Brian was preceded in death by his beloved infant son, Sean McCosh, his brother, Gary McCosh, and his parents, Ellen Emma McCosh (nee Lanigan) and David Francis McCosh. Visitation Family and friends are invited to share their memories and honor Brian’s life during visitation at the Palms West Funeral Home and Cemetery, located at 110 Business Park Way, Royal Palm Beach, FL, on Friday, May 2, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral Mass A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 3, at 10:00 am at Mary, Mother of the Light Maronite Catholic Church, 46 Willow Road, Tequesta, FL. Rite of Committal A Rite of Committal (burial) will follow on Saturday, May 3, at 12:30 pm at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery, 10941 Southern Boulevard, Royal Palm Beach, FL.

Brian David McCosh

January 8, 1950 - April 18, 2025