ARTHUR BIRNEY Obituary

BIRNEY Arthur A. Birney 1927 - 2021 Arthur A. Birney, loving husband, and father passed away peacefully on January 14, 2021. He was loved by all that met him with his easy wit and gentleness. He was born in Washington, DC. was a graduate of St. Albans School and Undergraduate and Law School at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. He served in the Army and the Air Force and was heard to say that they ended the Korean War when they heard he was coming. He practiced law with his father Dion Birney and became the Managing General Partner of Washington Brick and Terra Cotta Company where he established a long real estate investment relationship with the Charles E. Smith Companies in Crystal City, the original site of the Brick Company, founded in 1892, as well as a career in real estate, golf course and marina investment and development in the greater Washington, DC area. He was also the co-founder and Chairman for many years of Washington Real Estate Investment Trust (WRIT). He was actively engaged in many clubs including: The Chevy Chase Club, The Metropolitan Club, The Alibi Club, and The Annapolis Yacht Club. His true passion was sailing and in 1970 he co-founded Port Annapolis Marina with his lifelong friends, William Butler and Jim White. He enjoyed decades of offshore sailing and racing with the many pirates who were lucky enough to sail with Art. His hand on the wheel was always steady no matter what the adversity and he won the storied Annapolis to Newport race on his yacht, Adventurer. He was a raconteur, songwriter, and magician. Perhaps his most revered song, "The Ballad of John Glenn", was recognized by John Glenn himself and performed by scores of children and friends with its chorus, "Whoosh there he goes.... will he come back.... nobody knows". He was a true mentor to many and always had time for a joke or story. Art leaves behind Alison, his wife of 66 years, his three sons, Lex, Rodney, and Charlie, grandchildren, great-granchildren and hundreds of mates, business partners, employees and characters whose lives he filled with adventure and good cheer. Remembrances can be made to The Chesapeake Bay Foundation or the charity of your choice. We look forward to celebrating Art's life with family and friends in the future. We look forward to celebrating Art's life with family and friends in the future.

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Published by The Washington Post from Jan. 15 to Jan. 17, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for ARTHUR BIRNEY

6 Entries

Richard Duvall

February 15, 2021

In the early 1950s when I was in elementary school, I lived next door to the Birneys on Ramsgate Road in Wood Acres. I fondly recall getting to know Art and Alison (then, decidedly, Mr. and Mrs. Birney), and how friendly they were. Many years later I saw the Birneys at some charitable or professional event, but I did not take the occasion to thank them for being so nice to me and such good role models during an important part of my childhood. I do so now, however belatedly.

Jonelle Birney Sullivan

February 7, 2021

When I moved to Washington in 1980, aged 22, I was pleased to find that there was a law firm in the building where I first worked on Farragut Square called Hanson, O’Brian, Birney and Butler. As I was a Birney, I went to their office one day and asked if I could meet Mr. Birney. He invited me to lunch to talk about how we might be related. We didn’t really figure it out, but from then on he always greeted me with “Hello Kansas Cousin.” Lovely man. So sorry for your loss.

Sean stewart

February 2, 2021

Oh Captain! My Captain! Our fearful trip is done, our ship has weathered every rack, the prize we sought is won!
-I will forever remember the sailing trip I took with Art , it was a once in a lifetime experience. Art, Lex, and Charlie, our thoughts are with you as we reflect on this life well lived.

Colvin Matheson

January 17, 2021

Charlie, I am so sorry for your family's loss. Losing a parent is so hard. My memories of your Dad will forever bring smiles to my face. Over 50 years of knowing him and he was always there to make us smile and laugh. Always gentle. Always engaged. From our childhood to now. Grab on to all those great memories and his love for you all. He lived well. God bless your family and may God bless and embrace Art for eternity.

Betty White

January 16, 2021

For more than 40 years he was my boss, mentor and friend. I forever will be grateful to him for the opportunities he gave me to enhance my career and enjoy a good life. He was the best of the best and I will never forget him. Rest In Peace Mr. B. With much love, Miss Blue

Tyler White

January 16, 2021

It was a Rendezvous weekend at Queenstown. My dad, Jim White and Captain Bernie were stepping off the boat on to the dock. They we’re standing close to each other and somehow stumbled and both men fell onto the dock. It was like watching a slow motion senior citizen wresting match. As both men lay in a pile on the dock I remember being worried about possible injuries. Without missing a beat Captain Bernie tapped on my dad and said, “Well Jimmy we made it.” Both of them stood up and dusted themselves off and were fine. My Dad and Captain Birney were young at heart. Both men blessed with a wonderful sense of humor. Their friendship was special and I’m fortunate to have witnessed it.

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