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Robert Briney Obituary
passed away on June 18, 2013 as a result of a cardiac arrest due to a malignant heart rhythm. Bob was born in Staten Island, New York on October 5, 1944 to Lucinda and Alonzo Briney. He grew up in Oakfield, New York , attended Alfred University, and holds a degree from Arizona University Law School. Upon graduation, he served in the Army as a Captain in the Judge Advocate General's Corp for four years. Bob founded and served as the director of the Maricopa County Office of the Legal Defender from 1995 until his retirement in 2009. Under his leadership, the office grew in size from a few lawyers to several dozen. Bob served the indigent defense community by instilling a sense of pride in his lawyers and staff, by hiring people who would recognize the value of working hard for those who could not afford counsel, and by rejecting the notion that people charged with crime should be defined by their worst acts. Those fortunate to have worked under Bob understood that the highest quality of legal representation was his vision for an office affectionately known as OLD. Bob was a professor of law at Arizona State University, a judge, a tennis champion and President of the Biltmore Greens III-IV Homeowners Association. Among his many interests were his dogs, local sports and his studies of the American Civil War. Of all his accomplishments, he valued most his role as friend, mentor and confidante. His charitable donations were varied and numerous including local charities, churches, schools and non-profits serving the indigent, as well as the Civil War Trust and Save the Manatees. Bob is survived by his brother Allan Briney, his aunt, Janet Foord, cousins Ellen Behrhorst, Karl Foord, Lynn Foord and David Foord, his niece Carol Briney Nasby and nephew Michael Briney. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to: Civil War Trust, 1140 Professional Court, Hagerstown, MD 21740 http://www.civilwar.org/ 301-655-1400
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Briney
Cherise Hopper
June 15, 2023
I miss you god father
Love Cherise and Shelley Hopper
Susan
June 1, 2023
Ten Years. I can't believe you've been gone this long. I loved our weekly dinners, movies, conversations, and laughs. It was a challenge to keep up with our verbal sparring, which I so enjoyed. I still have the coconut painted like a football (go Pack!), the music box from New Orleans shaped as a coffin with a vampire on it, the pajamas you gave me and the matching ones for my dog, and the painting you had made of Patricia, your precious Collie. I smile when I think about the blocks we would walk so your precious Bentley wouldn't get scratched. How we would walk almost as far when taking the Honda out because it was "a healthy walk". I miss you and will always remember you.
Frank R-INV
April 20, 2023
Several years have passed since you left us and I still find myself thinking of you my OLD friend. I am very grateful for the opportunity you trusted me with and working for you. I will never forget my interview with you Bob. We not once spoke about work and all about baseball! That was great. Thank you Bob, I will never and have not forgotten you my friend. Until then...
Myra Finney
July 15, 2013
I am so sorry to hear about Bob. What a GREAT guy. I met him in Chesapeake, VA when he was taking care of his sister. Very devoted and loving man.
Laurie Shanks
July 13, 2013
Just found out about Bob's death. He was a dear friend and colleague when we were both public defenders. He was a wonderful lawyer, mentor and administrator and the legal community in Arizona is a much better place because of his efforts.
Brian Beirne
July 11, 2013
I knew Bob from the Civil War Trust conferences and tours. He and I shared interests in the Civil War and baseball. His legacy of supporting battlefield preservation will be an enduring legacy. I will remember him fondly at future conferences with the many people who knew and liked him. My condolences to his family and his friends. May he Rest in Peace.
July 9, 2013
Rest in peace Bob. I shall always cherish our time together at the Public Defender's Office. Mike Tryon
Cecil Patterson
July 1, 2013
A dear friend and very good human being who shall be sorely missed. He was a consummate professional. This is a real shock.
ed&jhoanne rapp
July 1, 2013
Though I met Bob intially through my courtroom I really got to know him through the Biltmore Greens HOA. Hopefully he can read the comments from all the people who posted to the guest book. He was a great friend and patriot. May he rest in Peace
Lindsay Ellis
June 29, 2013
Just learned of Bob's passing. What a committed advocate; he managed to balance the horrors of human behavior with a respect for the law and an appreciation of each individual's innate value. He'll be missed by friends and colleagues and those many individuals whose lives were benefited by his representation. A life well lived.
Eric J. Halvorson
June 29, 2013
I saw Bob about 3 months ago at our gym. He mentioned getting together for lunch some day. I now regret not doing this. As a young County govt. staffer, I enjoyed talking to Bob each time he would come meet with my old boss. I miss his professionalism, his bantering side, and I deep down loved his sense of humor--especially his subtle irreverance to the County "powers at be." R.I.P. Counselor Briney.
Laura
June 29, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Lynne Fuller-Mills
June 28, 2013
So sorry to hesr of Bob's passing. I knew him when he lived in Oakfield. I was friends with his sister Martha. There wasn't any mention of her, has she passed also?
June 24, 2013
Bob has been a very dear friend to me for over twenty years. For the last seven years of my legal career he was my boss. The best boss I've ever had in my life. Bob made practicing law bearable. You lawyers know how challenging the practice of law can be. I joyfully retired from the practice in June 2010 and Bob retired shortly thereafter. I am so distressed that he is no longer with us. I'm still having trouble believing I can't pick up the phone and talk to him. I'm sure many of you feel the same. There are a few men in the world I consider true gentlemen - Bob Briney is right there at the top of my list. ; they are the lawye. I will always consider him one of my dearest friends. If you knew Bob, you are one lucky person. The world is a lesser place without him in it. To Bob - if you can read all these lovely comments about you, and if you heard all the kind things said about you at your memorial service, I hope those words help you on your journey. Godspeed my friend. Mary Verdier, OLD, retired.
June 23, 2013
As the former Maricopa County Attorney, I had the opportunity to interact with Bob for a number of years. He was the consumate professional and always sought the very best for his clients and worked diligently to enhance the criminal justice system.
He will be missed and I wish to extend my condolences and prayer's to his family.
Rick Romley
Scott Collins
June 22, 2013
I met Bob over 30 years ago through my older sister who was a close friend of Bob's in the 70's- 80's until her untimely passing. Bob was close with my entire family and remained a pillar of strength in so many ways during a very difficult time. No truer words were spoken in Bob's eloquent obituary than the statement regarding his true passion: “friend, mentor, and confidante.” Bob was all of those things to me as a role model in my life from about the time I was 16 forward; always checking in to make certain I was on the right path, doing well in school, and taking an interest in my accomplishments. We would go to Suns games together, and meet for lunches, and dinners from time to time. Bob was always looking out, as if to take over for my sister and carry out her work as she would have wanted; as a friend, a mentor and confidante. I feel so incredibly lucky to have had him in my life and can honestly say that his presence had and will continue to have a profound impact on my life. Thanks for being such a great guy, and a great friend Bob! I will miss you terribly; but think fondly, and will raise a toast today and in all good days with you in mind! Never forgotten~
Greta Handgis
June 22, 2013
Bob, You were a lovely man and a wonderful boss. I feel so honored to have known you. Happy Trails...you leave behind many smiles.
Gordon McAlister
June 22, 2013
Bob was a great guy and a good man - a rare combination. The world will be different without Bob in it, but then my son says he would not be a lawyer today if it hadn't been for Bob so the world is different because Bob was in it as well.
Rebecca Macbeth
June 22, 2013
Bob was one of those people that just lit up the room when he walked in. Ever and always with something smart, funny, and irreverent to say, he was one of my favorite people on the planet. Such a kind and decent man, Bob was a consummate professional, absolutely dedicated to excellence in our court community. I will miss him deeply.
Ann Siner
June 21, 2013
Bob made everyone laugh with his dry sense of humor. He was truly an outstanding man. I can speak for his love of pets and how well he treated his dogs.
Nanette Kenyon
June 21, 2013
I have missed seeing Bob around the Courthouse since his retirement. He always had a smile on his face and a kind hello when we would meet in the hall. I am saddened to hear of his passing. Rest in Paradise Bob. You will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
June 21, 2013
Mi familia emigro a este pais buscando el sueño americano y en el camino tuvimos la fortuna de cruzarnos con un hombre de principios eticos y morales inquebrantables y lleno de nobleza y generosidad. Gracias Robert por dejarnos servirte y ser parte de la vida de un gran ser humano. David Anaguano
Gordy Griller
June 21, 2013
What sad news about Bob. In working with him over the years, he never ceased to amaze me by his humor, upbeat, caring attitude, and forceful advocacy for indigent defendants. He will be greatly missed.
Jeannie and Walter Whalen
June 21, 2013
Bob was a wonderful neighbor and a good friend ... Walter so enjoyed joining him at Civil War Round Table monthly lectures (his passion) ... We loved having him drop by from time to time for dinner or chats, often asking if he could take our golden retriever for walks after his sweet collie Priscilla passed on ... On many occasions, he joined us for dinner with family and friends, all of whom found him to be a lovely and very interesting friend ... Our hearts are heavy over his loss, and we will miss him dearly ....
Francis Anaguano
June 21, 2013
On behalf of the Anaguano family, our deepest sympathy's to Bob's relatives. My mother worked for "Mr. Robert" for over 20 years and he was always a kind and generous person.
Geoff & Sandy Beer
June 21, 2013
Generous and gregarious are the first attributes that come to mind when reflecting about the life of this kind-hearted man. As current President of the Biltmore Greens HOA, Bob continued to serve his community even after retiring from a lifetime of serving his community. He will be missed!
Craig Heiser
June 20, 2013
Bob was a truly outstanding human being. He was intelligent with a great sense of humor and did not want to be the center of attention. He was also an excellent tennis player who loved the game and the competition.
He is missed by a great many and will not be equaled by anyone.
Bill and Barbara Topf
June 20, 2013
Bob was a wonderful and loyal friend and all around terrific guy. He will be missed. Barbara and Bill Topf (Santa Rosa, Ca)
June 20, 2013
Great man. cared about others. Had a successful career and gave back ; met Bob thru the Civil War Trust. will definitely miss him
Ed Christie
St Paul, Mn
Lisa Bolinger
June 20, 2013
I was very blessed to call Bob my boss and more importantly my friend. He made each and everyone of us feel special and important at OLD. Thank you for the past 18 years of laughs, good times, and your counsel.
G Green
June 20, 2013
Rest in peace, you will be missed..
Love
Fr. Richard W. Frank
June 20, 2013
I met Bob and became a friend in June,2011, at Civil War Trust conference at Lexington, KY. He became my benefactor and gave me one of his complimentary reservations to the annual conference for the next 3 years. We would email and call occasionally and enjoyed getting together at the CWT annual conference. In fact, the last time I saw him was when we went out for a drink during the Conference at Jackson, MS on June 1. He always took an interest in me and what was going on in my life. I tried to answer his questions about the Catholic Church and moral problems. I will miss him. And I will pray for the repose of his soul.
Fr. Richard W. Frank - Glasgow, MO
Janet Cornell
June 20, 2013
Sad news on Bob's passing. My sympathies to the family. I always enjoyed working with Bob-over the years. He was always the first rate professional and role model.
Gary Pearlmutter
June 20, 2013
Bob was a wonderful person and a great attorney, who we will miss. His work and contributions to Arizona's legal system will remain with us, along with his spirit. It was strong.
Trina Belanger
June 20, 2013
While Bob was exceptional at his work, he never took it all too seriously and helped those around him do the same. He was first a great guy, and second an attorney and manager. Before and after meetings, he'd inquire about people's vacations, what fun they were having, and the like. He never put business ahead of the fact that he was interacting with people. That quality made him a uniquely enjoyable person to work with. Although I've not seen him in years, I feel sad that the world is a little more somber without his irreverent, good-natured grin.
Cherise Hopper
June 20, 2013
We the Hopper family are very sad about his passing. He was a very smart, kind, respectful man. He was my god father, I called him "uncle Bob". We will miss him dearly.
Lisa Christianson
June 20, 2013
A great attorney and a valued mentor. Never saw him without a smile...He will be sorely missed.
Lorraine Lugo
June 20, 2013
Decanse en Paz Gran Abogado!
John Reynolds
June 20, 2013
One of the sharpest minds and quickest wits of anyone in Maricopa County. He always made the time to talk to you.
Naomi Manasco
June 20, 2013
Naomi
Joe Howe
June 20, 2013
Nice guy, good lawyer, friend -- from a third of a century ago. RIP, Bob. Joe
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