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Briner, C. Robert "Bob"
Apr. 29, 1932 - Jan. 31, 2013
C. Robert "Bob" Briner of Venice, FL died on January 31, 2013. Bob was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on April, 29, 1932. Bob moved to Venice in 1952 with his family when his father built the Venice Motel, which was located at the North end Business 41. Beginning in 1953, Bob became the owner and operator of the Venice Dairy Queen, across the street from the motel. He was well known for having his regular customers' orders prepared between the time he saw their car pull into the parking lot and the time they got to the window. For 46 years, until 1999, Bob faithfully kept his Dairy Queen in operation. Every other year, Bob travelled all over the world to DQ conventions. He extended an invitation to his brother, Lee, and his wife to Hawaii on one of the conventions for Lee to celebrate his 25th wedding anniversary. After he retired, Bob especially enjoyed vacationing in the North Carolina Mountains each summer in a cabin near Chimney Rock with his friend Norman. When it was time to return to Venice, Bob rarely wanted to leave the mountains. In 2003, Bob, brother Lee, Lee's wife Linda and Norman, embarked on a 6 week driving expedition to Alaska.
Bob became very active in the Triangle Inn Association, now known as Venice Heritage Inc. He would donate countless hours of time and allowed the use of his Dairy Queen's "red table" for many displays.
Bob was also active at Venice Nokomis United Methodist Church, serving on many committees. Bob served as an usher and Chairman of the Ushers for a number of years. He was also known for opening his home to visiting ministers.
An extension of Venice Nokomis UMC, the Bargain Center, also benefited from Bob's generosity. He began volunteering there after he retired from Dairy Queen, but would recognize shoppers by their DQ order. He was a faithful volunteer every Tuesday and served on the Board of Directors.
Bob was also an active member of the Manasota Theatre Organ Society. In 1999, he and Norman took a trip to London, England with the American Theatre Organ Society and also visited Sheffield to stay a week with close friends.
Bob was known to all as a very caring and generous person who will be greatly missed.
Bob is survived by his brother Lee of Anderson, Indiana who served as Master of the Venice Masonic Lodge in 1963; nephews Clyde and Thomas, niece Terry; grandnephews and nieces Adam, Abby, Apryl, Rachael, and Zachary; and very dear friend for many years, Norman Arnold.
Visitation will be at Farley Funeral Home on Friday, February 8th from 6 - 8 PM and from 9 - 10 AM on Saturday, February 9th. Funeral Service will be at Venice Nokomis United Methodist Church at 11 AM on Saturday, February 9th. Burial at Jesse Knight Cemetery in Nokomis will follow.
In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial to Venice/Nokomis UMC Pre-School, Venice Salvation Army, Triangle Inn/Expansion Fund, Parkinson's Foundation, or the charity of your choice.
To send condolences visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Robin & Debbie De Vaney
February 13, 2013
I remember Bob's assistance at a VHS All-Class Reunion in 1988 when we had a scavenger hunt. One of the questions that need to be discovered was Bob's last name. He sold a lot of ice cream that night as he wouldn't tell his last name unless they bought a cone. At the end of the night, he wrote the organization a check. My wife, Karen, remembers Friday nights when she was very young when her dad would take her and his paycheck down to the Venice-Nokomis Bank after dinner, then stop by and get a small cone from Bob. The man has been a fixture in this city for generations, and we have lost a great piece of history. You will live on, Bob, in our memories and our hearts.
Earl and Karen Midlam
February 9, 2013
I fondly remember Bob from the '60's, growing up in Nokomis & Venice. Looked forward to getting a dilly bar at the DQ with my Dad, Dutch Deen. Bob will be greatly missed by many.
Peggy Deen-Rich-Pitcock
February 7, 2013
We will all miss Bob he attended the Old Timers Picnic every year and we will certainly think of him especially on that day. Also, he knew exactly how my dad loved his favorite blizzard and had it made before getting to the window...RIP BOB!!! He can now serve ice cream in haven and rejoice with my dad Ward Curry. Betty Curry Knight
February 6, 2013
I had the pleasure of knowing Bob outside the Dairy Queen. He was a wise, funny, awesome dresser, spiritual and truly a gentle man. I will miss him very much. I'm glad I got to tell him I love him and will miss his hugs I received without fail every Wednesday at the Venice Museum and Archives.
Rebecca Curry Rabinowitz
February 6, 2013
I'm going to miss seeing Mr. Briner every year. Such a nice man who will be missed. I was blessed to have known him.
Genoa Lobeto
February 6, 2013
Bob was as much a fixture in Venice as any person could be. Bob was kind to all, generous to a fault, and non-judgmental of others. He earned respect, and offered it equally. May he rest in peace. May his contributions never be forgotten.
David McClain
February 6, 2013
My Dear Uncle Bob,
Mom finally got that hole tore and pulled you up! I can still hear her saying "I will, I will" as you often told her the little prayer during her final days here with us. I will miss you always and cherish all the wonderful times we had together. You were such a big part of my life and I can not imagine how different and empty might have been without you. I love you and look forward to the time when we are reunited again.
Love always,
Terry
Terry Briner
February 6, 2013
Years ago when we all went to see him for ice cream, he was just the Dairy Queen guy to a lot of us. But for many years after the store closed, Bob was a valuable and important part of the Venice community because of all he did for others. He was one generous soul for sure.
Joe Dunn
February 5, 2013
so remember going to DQ on a weekly basis as my parents let us walk over there from the American legion when they were at there functions or meetings. Bob always told us jokes and never just wat we wanted every week and if we changed our mines hey would say oh heck can't use this anymore so I guess you gotta eat it too" Love this man as he will always be an icon in this once small town.I have a story to tell my girls everytime we past by were DQ once stood. RIP my dear friend as you will never be forgotten
Robin Robinett George
February 5, 2013
I am so saddened to hear of Bob's passing. He was always so very kind to me when I was a little girl, and then later when we used to bring our own children to the Dairy Queen. I will truly miss this gentle man who was a real gentleman.
Shari Dembinski
February 5, 2013
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