BRIAN DAVID COON

Miss you Brian, wishing you were here to make us laugh. Just don't ever think we'll ever be as blessed again. Crazy to think that you are gone. Miss you very much, your friends... Julie, Matty, and Kevin.

John and I were just thinking and reminiscing about Brian this evening. We remember you guys taking us out for dinner at the Lobster Galley in St. Ann's. Thanks for the lovely evening. God Bless.

For all of the times you made us laugh, for all of the times you caused us sadness, for the gift of you for forty two years, we thank you and we ask you God to bless our son with your wisdom, your love, your perfect and divine will that Brian may bring to those he knew great blessings. We ask in Jesus' name. Amen. Mom and Dad

Thinking of you Brian.

Thinking of you!!! Can't believe it has been a year since you left us...

Norma Jean, dear cousin, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I'm only learning of this today, searching the internet for you, as I've lost contact information. Your son looks so familiar to me; he was obviously a McDowell, his picture reminds me of pictures of my father and my older brother. My prayers are with you. Please contact me, 405-820-4585 or [email protected]. I love you.

Oh my goodness.. I am so sorry. I knew Brian LONG long time ago.. It's been 25 years or more. There was a big group of us that really raised heck in Mission Hills. We were not bad kids, but we sure loved hanging out. We had so much FUN!
.. tonight .. God sent me an Angel when I read this. Brian, you will always be apart of the hills.. thank you. xoxo Laura Burkhalter (aka SAM)

ps. I needed to see this.. I needed an angel, and God sent me you. You did not die in vain.

Dear Brian,
As the time for this guest book gets closer to being closed, I can't help but to be sad yet again. I felt this book was a way to be connected to you one last time. I will certainly be sad when I can't check in here and read the entries and browse through your pictures. So before the close of this online book I just wanted to say goodbye Brian, I love you and I promise to watch over Tanja as long as she lets me. lol.
If there is anyway for you to bless the waters to make this fishing season any better, that would be wonderful!! (wink, wink)

These are my thoughts for those of you who really knew Brian. I can picture him right now looking down at us with his hands up in the air saying “What the!”
So on behalf of Brian and myself, I’d like to thank Robert Johnston for adding just the right touch to the funeral. It was a beautiful thing. I know Brian loved it.
Then there is Henry who went above and beyond to fix our car so it is now safe to drive. It is awesome! Now I can drive myself to the boat to work.
To all our friends Julie, Bob, Kevin, Bill, and Annie who kept a close eye on me. Thanks to everyone else, you know who you are. I wouldn’t have gotten through this without you. They say God will never give you more than you can handle.
The kindness you have showed me is the Brian in you that will live on. Keep him in your hearts.
Now there is one more thing you have to do is to live your lives to the fullest.
Brian wouldn’t have wanted anything less. Thank you all very much. Love and peace.
Tanja Minks

It's not possible to imagine the deep pain that the both of you are experiencing over the loss of your son. Please accept our deepest sympathy.

Gary and Jeri

Dear Mom,

I hope and pray that you feel better. Our thoughts are with you. Easy does it.

Love
Michael and Theresa

Dear Norma Jean and Robert,

I don't have words to express how sorry I was to read about the loss of your son Brian.

Please know that you all are in our thoughts and very special prayers.

With Love, Jane

Your Morlino neighbors and friends

Dearest Bob, Norma and Family....You're in my prayers. My heart is breaking for you. May God's grace bring you comfort and peace. Love, Annemarie

Dear Norma Jean and Bob, I was so sorry to hear you both were in the hospital having heart problems. I am praying for you both to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for good measure. I am also calling on St. Joseph, in Ray's name. Love and Prayers. Shirley

With the sympathy of Jim and Mae Torcellini, the Holy Sacrifice of the mass will be offered for the repose of the soul of Brian Coon by Rev. W. Dillard, St. Vincent's parish

From the Distler family, San Diego, CA

To honor the memory of Brian David Coon a tribute gift has been made to Scripps Health Foundation by Mr. and Mrs. Christopher P. Perreault, Bristol, Connecticut and will be designated for Mercy Hospital, San Diego Unrestricted.

Tanya,

I am deeply aware of how much your heart is suffering from the loss of Brian. I know time will heal the loss but the time it takes will seem forever. You were good for him. He was good for you. I am glad you had each other to give solace to. Thank you for the pictures. Please add more if you can. I will obtain a copy of the guest book when the month has ended and give you a copy. Bless you and Haile

Blessings.

Norma Mom

10 August 2010

Dear Norma and Bob,

Some years ago Neil Diamond made it to the top of the popular music charts with a song that told of one persons caring in the support of another. It was titled, "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother". While the song was nationally acclaimed, it is not all certain that its underlying message experienced the same popularity. Perhaps it would have even less appeal today.

The message in that song, like the message we often encounter in the Gospels, is that we as Christians are not only responsible for ourselves, for our own salvation, but at times even for those we love and who love us in return.

As Christ-bearing parents, you accepted the burden of responsility for the spiritual welfare and salvation of your son. That responsibility is one you took seriously because Brian was the victim of a physical hardship. Faith dictated your action; we cannot ignore the physical "pain" of those close to us because it is our pain as well. No one realizes this more than parents in their relationship to their children.

Recall the story of the paralytic in the Gospels. He did not ask Jesus to heal him. It was not the paralytic's faith but the faith of those who carried him to Jesus that moved the Lord to act. It will be your faith, your love for Christ that prevails in the decision of the Lord to grant Brian a place in heaven. You must now be willing to lift this child of yours to your shoulders and, with your faith in the mercy of Jesus, discover that the burden is light because love and trust in the goodness of God makes it so.

The Masses for the repose of Brian's soul will help convince the Lord that your love for Him is reflected in the generosity with which you have always lived your faith. My Masses will also include this plea that your faith may be fortified by the reality that God is truly merciful and desires the salvation of every soul. Brian will henceforth understand and benefit eternally from your conviction that it is so!

Gratefully Yours

Fr. Anthony Chylewski

P.S. My dear friend Fr. Lou will assist me with the privilege of offering Masses for the repose of Brian's soul.

Phone call from Lebanon

Linda Mattrey from St. Vincent's parish spending the summer with her family in Lebanon, called Brian's parents specially to express her broken heartedness over the death of Brian. Linda and her husband Fred Mattrey were with Brian in Medjugorje. She expressed her prayers and condolences.

A series of Gregorian Masses will be celebrated for the repose of the soul of Brian David Coon beginning on August 10, 2010. Requested by Patricia Wogan-Kelly

Dear Norma Jean and Bob

I am so sorry I was not in town to get your message or to attend the mass for Brian.

I was shocked to hear of his death and heartbroken for both of you.

I hope the masses I have scheduled bring you both some comfoet.

You are in my heart, thoughts and prayers. Love, Pat

Pat went to Medjugorje with Brian and Gerry

Our hearts are with you all during this most difficulat of times.

Our own experience of losing an adult child still scars the heart. We understand.

Much love -

Maryolive Shoupe

Dear Bob and Norma
May the love of God surround you during this time of sorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers

Fran Mayer McFarlane

Dear Bob and Norma

Ellen Sieman called me yesterday asking if I knew of your loss of son. I am so sorry I did not. My prayers will be for both you and your son. In time God will heal the hole in your heart. Bob, so many of our friends are in heaven waiting to greet him. Just know I love you. Fran

With the sympathy of Lisa, Lori, Linda and Mary Lou Terramagra. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for the repose of the soul of Brian Coon. Our Lady of the Rosary Church Corner of State and Date, Offices 1629 Columbia Street, San Diego CA 92101

This is the church where Tanja was baptized.

Dear Norma Jean and Bob, Sympathy and understanding are with you. I heard about your son from a classmate. He sounds like the best kind of son parents would want. My sympatnby and prayers. With much love. I can be a good listener.....from Fran Doyle Cargill, classmate of Norma Mercy College of Nursing

Dear Bob and Norma

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If there is anything we can do please don't hesitate to call. I cannot imagine how difficult it is for you both to endure the pain of the loss of Brian. God rewards our pain with joy and Brian is in a better place now. You still need to be here for your other children. Your not done yet. We love you. God bless. Jim and Christy

Prayers and condolences from the East Coast Coons, Love Dave

Dear Norma,

At a time when your own heart is filled with sorrow, I am in awe of your faith and kindness....I appreciate your thoughtfulness. The loss of a child has to be most difficult. I pray at Mass every mroning for Brian and all of the family. With much love, Betty

Dear Bob and Norma

Praying for you and wishing you peace. I am so sorry to hear about your son. Michael told me at the 12th year anniversary AA meeting at Twiggs last Sunday. Please accept my deepest sympathies. Linda G.

Dear Norma Jean and Bob

My payers are with you with compassion and love. Compassion is a beautiful flower born of understanding.....

Lee Murphy

Dear Norma and Bob,

Please know that you and all your family continue to be in our hearts and prayers.

I was at my Mother's when Jane called us with the news.
We left the next morning (4 a.m.) for Framboise. Brian's death was announced at St. Andrew's, Framboise worship on August 1st.

I was not able to download the material you e-mailed. I'll check with Jane to see if she has been able to do so.

May God's love and peace surround you in these challenging days.

While Brian's time on earth has been shorter than any would wish or imagined, he has exchanged time for eternity.

With love and prayers,
Kathryn

The other day I went with Tanja to pick up her car from being repaired by a close and dear friend. Thank you and bless your soul for the repairs you made on Brian and Tanja's car. It seems like a whole new car, I couldn’t believe the difference in the way it drove. Words cannot express how grateful we are.

The last time she was in this car was with Brian the day he passed.

When we picked up the car we arranged to have her take the rental car to return it. I would drive her car and follow her. Before we continued driving anywhere we stopped at a car wash to wash and clean both cars. As she was cleaning up she brought up to me Brians brown suede shoes. She had them clutched close to her heart and looked at me with tear dropped eyes and said tenderly "look! awe his comfy shoes” I think she walked away at that point with a comforted smile on her face talking about those being the shoes he was wearing that day.
We finished cleaning the cars up and was on the road. As I was following her I was trying to find some rock music on the radio. Driving along and singing along I am coming to the realization that I am sitting in the very seat where Brian may have passed. As the tears start rolling again and the sadness was getting heavy I tried to hold it back, I needed to concentrate on driving and supporting Tanja. I start to sing because it always helps me feel better and I sang the words of these songs like “Lean on Me” at least until I found my rock music. So song after song and changing station to station I just kept hearing these songs that made me cry and were sweet and really just kept reminding me of Brian. It seemed as if he was sending me messages through the radio and as crazy as it sounds, that’s really what it felt like. It was a kind surreal experience, maybe because I was sensitive, maybe it was too hot?, maybe because I was hungry, or maybe I just wanted to believe. So further along the road and I still have yet to find something I can rock out to, I start cracking up and could see Brian with that boyish grin on his face. Gotcha!
I had slight goose bumps and I was feeling a bit excited, a little anxious, and a little scared. It was just weird. I pulled up and hollered for Tanja and frantically told her my experience and to take it for what she wants but I was trying to tell her that Brian is in that radio! Lol Ok that sounds crazy. Tanja started laughing and she called it BRIANRADIO and I was happy with that. And actually I have been feeling better ever since so I thought I would share the experience in hopes it might either entertain you or help you or both. Thank you for allowing my entry to post finally.

Allow me to mention in the highest honor, your best friend and your girl of 15 years, TANJA MINKS. Brian? Please watch over her and keep her strong. She is an amazing woman.

Dear Tanja,

I know that we have only been friends a short while, but I feel in that time, you and Brian have become my best friends. I love you both and will love you both for an eternity. You have both made me laugh every damn time I see you two. Hilarious, incredible and amazing were the stories you both have shared with me. You both were so selfless and supportive when I needed you. Watching your relationship and living among it makes me a better woman. Knowing how long you have been together and all that you both have endured gave me some hope that even in this harsh cruel world, true love and honor could actually exist.

I can't imagine the pain you must be enduring, having to sit on the sideline so silent and so strong. Tanja I know you will be the most affected by this tragedy, I send all of my love. I am so sorry for your tragic loss. I know Brian loves you and always put you above everything else. I cherish your relationship. You made him a good man. Its very clear. He came home to you, always. You were his home his life.
I believe that Brian loved his family. I know he especially loved and adored you. I have faith that Brian lives on within you and that is never going to go away.

Just tell me what to do boss, I’m right here ready to help you through this.

Dear Brian,

I miss you and my heart is heavy and conflicted with grief, sadness, and pain. You provided such comic relief in my life, I didn’t know till now how much I needed that. When you and Tanja became our new neighbors, I met two best friends for life. I am really lucky and I feel quite honored to know the both of you. Thank you for telling it like it is, and I appreciated your straight up honesty. Thank you for the times I needed to hear the straight truth as much as it may have hurt. Thank you for helping us with the car, the house, the yard, and the dog, and enduring my drama. Thank you for being patient with me by actually taking the time to inform or educate me when I asked questions about technical things. I’m gonna miss you Brian.

Funny thing is that I am going to especially miss the thing that annoyed me the most, can you believe it?
When you make fun of me when I totally flop trying to prove something to you. I didn’t hear the end of it, sneakin a punch in when I least expected it, time, after time, after time. Oh the burn!!! It used to bug me so much that it would be at the top of my list and my mission to fix it. Because I couldn’t go down like that.I had to prove to you that I could fix it. So at least once I fixed it, although the taunting never ceased, I knew I would at least be able to laugh about it along with you. Lol

I don’t know that I will ever meet someone with the special kind of humor that you have about you. The manner in which you present it would probably go unnoticed by most people. Which makes me really appreciate the value of your gift. You will make me laugh everytime I think of you and everytime I make a mistake and everytime I struggle to fix it. And if I don’t laugh, Tanja will be laughing and then I will make it a mission to fix it for her, and then I can finally laugh along with her. We love you Brian I hope you will make us laugh every time we remember you.

Dear Coon Family,

I am so sad to learn the news of Brian's passing. I see his beautiful smile, and I remember him as when we were children in grade school. Though we have all grown up and moved on, we share a strong connection and a bond as if we are one extended family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this very difficult time.

Love and prayers,

Shawna Hunt Huerta

I am so sorry to hear of the death of your son Brian. I know you must be devastated. We all need a time to grieve - quiet time for reflection to sift through memories and come to grips with what has happened.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We all need a time for tears, not for the one who is now at peace in heaqfven, but for ourselves as we realize that things will never be the same.

Love and Prayers, We all need a time to just "be" when we can open ourselves to God and let the reassurance of His everlasting love start to heal our broken hearts. Praying for you and wishing you peace....Mary Blake and Family and Rose Marie Zaloudik and family - first cousins of Norma Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Dear Ones

Please forgive my "tardiness" in writing you - I don't do e-mails. God bless you both in the loss of your son - I am so sorry, but we know he is in a far better place than we are!

It was such a treat to see you and Bob and so glad to meet Bob - he's a sweetie. Thanks so much for the book and the "yummy" candy. It was so thoughtful of you! Come by anytime you can - Stay in contact!

Love and Blessings

Aunt Marcella
90 year old aunt of Norma
Mustang, Oklahoma
visited with her a week before Brian died.

To the Coon family. Thank you so much for allowing me to sing at the service for Brian. It was an honor to be a part of a celebration of the life of my friend and your son/brother. I still cannot believe that he is gone. I will always hold such special memories of our friendship and growing up together.
Robert

Dear Norma and Bob,

My heart aches for you both. I admire your faith, strength and love. I did not know Brian personally but after the beautiful celebration of his life, I felt I did. It was wonderful and Brian's rosary was so beautiful!

I decided I will send money in Brian's name to The Smile Train. Brian made many people smile so I think he would like helping a child smile.

Bob, how many men can say that they spent as much quality time with their son as you did? I pray that all the wonderful memories will comfort you both, his brothers and sisters, also you, Tanya in the years ahead.

Love and hugs,
Kathleen and Ramon Pinon and Family

The family wishes to express their gratitude for all the masses that have been said for Brian and for all the condolences which have been received through cards, messages and flowers.

As my soul can I will send along a personal thanks.

norma mom, brian's mom

Dear Norma Jean and Bob

The celebration of Brian's life was a beautiful tribute showing the love you have for your son.

May the angels lead Brian into Paradise -

Love and Prayers,

Shirley Parker

Bob,
We were so sorry to hear about your son. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Rich and Rosalee

It's been many years but we just heard from Bob & Mary Vance about the loss of your son.
We would like to extend our condolences, its never a good thing to lose a loved one.
Don & Chiu Ying Spooner.

Dear Coon Family,

I was so saddened by the news of your Brian's passing. His loss will be felt by everyone who knew and loved. him, You'll miss him so very much more, but I hope you can be comforted some by the pleasant memories of your life ( though much too short) together.
My family's thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Sincere sympathy,
Beverly Castle
cousin in Massachusetts

> Norma
> It is with great sadness that I have learned of Brian's death. May he rest in peace. This is indeed a terrible time for you and all the Coons I remember him with great fondness and will continue to pray for you and all the family that you will receive the special grace and support that you now need. I will also remember Brian and pray that he is now happy in heaven Not much consolation for you as I am sure you would prefer his presence here with you. I am doing a Sabbatical programme in San Francisco and am returning there in late August but stopping over in San Diego en route so hopefully I will get to meet with you. Until then you are in my thoughts and prayers Blessings. Nollaig (Sr. James)

Brian's St. Vincent's teacher, now in Ireland

Wish Heaven had a phone so I could hear your voice again. I thought of you today, but that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday, and days before that too. I think of you in silence, I often speak your name. All I have are memories and a picture in a frame. Your memory is a keepsake, from which I'll never part....... God has you in his arms, I have you in my heart!

Miss you BC...
Nancy

Bob, Norma and Family

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.

Love, Isabel, Evelyn, and Roy

MacIver cousins in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada

We are thinking of you with deep sympathy.

God bless.

Linda and David MacIver
Sydney, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Dear Norma Jean and Bob,

At this sad time when there is little anyone can do, May you know that many understanding thoughts are there with you. With Sympathy....We're so sorry to hear of the passing away of your son. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Donna and Joel

Give me a handful of lillies to scatter....Virgil 70B.C.

For you in your time of loss, deepest sympathy.....

Dear Norma and Bob, we read in the paper of the unexpected death of your son, Brian.

It is heartbreaking to have this early loss and one whose life was filled with such good spirits.

We mourn and pray with for healing and comfort on the passing of your beloved son.

Peace in our hearts, Donna and Dan Dinan
St. Mary Magdalene Apostle Catholic Church

I miss your smile.

Dear Friend
I just returned from my travels and I can hardly believe what I am reading! If you remember we had our babies around the same time and I know how your heart must be feeling. I ache for you and your family. This is not supposed to happen. A very young life so suddenly....I totally feel your loss. I'll choose to remember him as the young child I remember. But my thoughts and prayers are for you at this time. When you are ready, I'm here for what ever you need or want to do.

Deeply concerned

Janet Hentigan Sundstrom
class mate of Norma, Mercy College of Nursing

Dear Norma Jean and Bob
I am so sorry for your loss. It was a great loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Love

Jerrie Leta Hulet
maternal cousin
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

We were so sorry to hear of Brian's sudden passing.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mike and Foy

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for the repose of the soul of Brian with the sympathy of the Kielty Family by Rev. William Dillard on Tuesday December 21st at 7:30am.
St. Vincent's Catholic Church

Hi Bob and Norma - You, and your family, are continually in my heart-of-hearts. I have a picture of Brian at my desk at work and I continue to send love, and light to you both. I love you dearly.

Dear Bob and Norma Jean,
We know you will get through this devastation through your strong faith and religous beliefs, as well as the support from your very large circle of loving family and friends. Joel and Donna

Dear Bob and Norma Jean,
Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted. Matt 5:4

Words can't express the sorrow we feel for the loss of your son, Brian. Born in 1968, that's the same year as my son. In mid-life, who can know why these things happen.

May the Lord give you strength at this time. And peace, knowing that one day, through your faith, you will all be together again in everlasting joy in heaven with our maker.

Sincerely, Patricia and Leo Kaszas

Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures 1 Cor 15:3

At the request of Shirley Parker, Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross will be celebrated in a Mass for Brian on August 3, 2010 by

The Rev. Anthony Chylewski

Dear Bob and Norma Jean
May the love of family and friends carry you through this difficulat time. With deepest sympathy and warm personal regards, Elizabeth and Bernie

To Norma and Bob

Blooms so small and innocent
Can't know the pain you feel
Their faces to the sun are bent
Wish Godspeed the time to heal.....

Thinking of you with my little humble poem.

Your new distant cousin, Peggy Kunsman
Clairemont, San Diego, California

Norma Jean and Bob
My heart goes out to you at this time. I can only imagine the depth of sorrow you are experiencing with Brian's death. It is such a tragedy and I am praying for you both and your family.

May God bless you and keep you in his care. If I can help you in any way, I would do whatever I could. With love,

Rosemary Watson
St. Vincent's parish

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for the repose of the soul of Brian David Coon by Rev. William Dillard, with the sympathy of Myron and Andrea Lyon
St. Vincent's parish
San Diego, California

Bob,

I am sorry to hear about the untimely death of your son Brian and pass on my sincere condolences. I don't think I ever met Brian, but reading of his shortened life, I can see that he was a great son to you and your wife, and that had I known Brian, it would have been my pleasure. All the best to you and your wife in this time of mourning.

Sincere regards, Pete Petrofsky