G. Breen Bland Jr.

1945 - 2024

With the death of G. Breen Bland Jr. on Dec. 30, 2024, Memphis and the world lost a kindhearted, gracious man who loved and lived with immense passion and generosity. He was a Renaissance man who voraciously but discerningly enjoyed art, music, fine food, wine, history and architecture. A favorite person of many people, he will be missed more than words can say, most deeply by his beloved wife of 35 years, Jeanie Mercer.

The legions of family and friends who so loved and appreciated Breen– throughout Memphis, across the country and around the world– are heartbroken over the unexpected loss following health issues that worsened in the fall. Amid the past few years' physical challenges, Breen retained the perpetual good humor, positive attitude and intellectual curiosity that endeared him to friends far and wide.

Breen married Jeanie in 1989, joining her and stepdaughter Amanda in their Central Gardens neighborhood– as a fabulous (but messy) cook, he brought flavor, flair and many appreciative friends to their turn-of-the-century home. Breen's ebullience, charm and varied interests quickly made him a favorite of Amanda, her then-teenage friends, and soon all their South Watkins neighbors.

Breen first met Jeanie at Holiday Corp., where they worked as lawyers. A few years after his move to another job, mutual friend Eleanor Hyde set them up for a date. Though Amanda wrote down the wrong name after an early call ("Green Gland"), the romance blossomed– a three-week journey to Thailand with Jeanie and Amanda set the tone for many memorable trips the world over (especially to Europe, Oregon and NYC).

A cherished photo of Breen comes from those travels. After accompanying Jeanie on her planned all-day tour de force of the Musee D'Orsay in Paris (seeing every single work), they switched to Breen's preferred tourist mode– wining and dining. Although the cafe Jeanie found in an article was closing for the day, the owner reluctantly agreed to offer wine and charcuterie.

In Jeanie's portrait, Breen, the gentleman traveler (blue-striped button-down, ruddy Irish complexion), enjoys good food and wine. Most vividly, his contented smile reveals his deep and undeniable love for the woman taking his photo, his beloved Jeanie. As they left, the owner gave Breen joyful hugs and double-cheek kisses– another friend made in an instant. Similarly, restaurant staff and owners in Memphis deeply appreciated Breen, particularly at Cafe 1912, Bari and Tsunami.

That reputation for generosity and great taste extended to Gold Beach in coastal southern Oregon, where Breen and Jeanie owned property and enjoyed their longest extended stay this past summer in their condo overlooking the Rogue River. He greatly cherished salmon fishing outings with guide Sam Waller, and his already impressive wine collection was elevated after he forged a deep bond with winemaker Jay McDonald (EIEIO of Carlton, Oregon, in the Willamette Valley).

An active and generous benefactor of the arts in Memphis, Breen most appreciated music and loved singing tenor for the Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church choir for the last three decades, and the St. Peter Catholic Church choir for many years before that. An avid sports fan, especially of Tiger basketball, Breen was known to sing the pregame national anthem at full throat, to the delight of those in his section.

Support of musical arts included the Luna Nova Music Ensemble, annually hosting musicians and composers from around the world ("such a wonderful, kind and wise person," as one remembered); Opera Memphis, which is working on a piece Breen and Jeanie have commissioned; and, New Ballet Ensemble, in particular increasing access to performing arts education.

He was also active at Grace-St. Luke's on a Crossman's breakfast team, the men's retreat, and an every-Tuesday lunch group with men he came to consider brothers. An avid reader, the downsizing move from South Watkins in 2021 required 100+ boxes of giveaway books (a farewell block party ended with the presentation of a painting of their much-loved house).

His love for learning and people was nurtured growing up as the eldest of eight on a Woodstock family farm near Frayser, where he attended Our Lady of Sorrows and Christian Brothers High School. He also attended Spring Hill College, University of Dallas, served his country in the Navy, and received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Memphis.

Predeceased by parents Dr. George Breen Bland and Martha Elizabeth (Betty) Moore Bland, Breen is survived by his wife, Jeanie Mercer, and stepdaughter Amanda Mercer Thompson (Dave) of Atlanta; his siblings Teresa Bland of Bacalar, Mexico, Michael Bland of Newnan, GA, Jimmy Bland (Julie) of St. Louis, Eileen Bland (Ray Hoskinson) of Millington, John Bland (Jo Ellen) of Memphis, Betsy Stevens (David) of Millington and Patrick Bland (Sherri) of Millington; and 14 nieces and nephews. Not only will his family, including great-nieces and nephews and many cousins, greatly miss Breen's always-encouraging, uplifting presence, but the many friends he made across all facets of his full life will carry stories of his abundant kindness and wellspring of ever-flowing generosity and support. Special thanks to longtime trainer Marda Kaiser and Dr. Robert Kraus for their unwavering care.

Breen loved and celebrated every day of his life, and was joy personified.

Fond stories are encouraged at his funeral at 11 a.m. Monday (Jan. 6) at Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 1720 Peabody Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, consider memorials to GSL Friends of Music, New Ballet Ensemble, Child Advocacy Center and through your generous support of any favorite local restaurant, live arts event or museum/gallery.