Brian Jones

Brian Jones was a quintessential Vermont woodworker and an extraordinary man. He grew up in Binghamton, New York, but fell in love with the Burlington area as a young man while exploring New England looking for a place to settle, following a year spent traveling the country on his motorcycle. Brian always said that trip-and the people he met along the way-were where he "got his college education."

When Brian met his future bride, Zoe Breiner, he said, "it was love at first sight." He and Zoe shared over 40 wonderful years together, with shared interests from gardening, baseball (the Cardinals), and yoga, to miniatures, music, and motorcycle touring. They designed their "forever home" in Williston, VT, where Brian custom-made every door, piece of trim, and cabinet in butternut, oak, ash, cherry, and sapele mahogany.

Brian had a way of creating dreams for his life and then making them happen.

His love of wood and the challenge of creating furniture became his lifelong passion. Brian's interest in design and his thirst to learn inspired him to start a custom woodworking business. He became known for curved work and attention to fine details. His one-of-a-kind designs had a certain simplicity that allowed the wood grain to be the predominant feature. He bonded personally with quality craftsmen who became lasting friends and professionally joined with him to complete many challenging projects throughout the years.

Many days found Brian deeply immersed in his creative work, but he developed other loves as well. After being introduced to yoga, Bikram yoga became his life blood for 17 years. He then went on to join Second Circle Studio, which he described as the most beautiful and loving yoga community he ever belonged to. Brian also loved music and was a regular at the Flynn and the Lane Series.

He traveled, first after high school around the United States in a 1963 snub nose Chevy van, and then, on the invitation of his sister Marsha, traveled through Baja California and Mexico on a six-month trip with $200 in his pocket. His solo trip on a 500 Suzuki motorcycle took him through California, Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada, where he saw Bryce Canyon, Mesa Verde, Grand Canyon, and Yosemite, and then cross country to the Northeast. He had what he said was a trip of a lifetime. Years later he continued to explore the US and Canada on motorcycle touring vacations with Zoe and his cousin.

Zoe passed away in 2015, a loss that shook Brian's world. He stayed close to members of Zoe's family and his own family and friends, but he was clear that he wanted a companion to share life with. Brian and everyone who loved him will forever be grateful for the strong and beautiful relationship he found with his second love, Pam Otte. She and Brian grew together while sharing a lot of interests, including cooking, walking, kayaking, and traveling. Most recently he and Pam toured England and Ireland with his sister Cyndi and her husband Steve.

Brian's response to his ALS diagnosis several years ago made it clear who he was as a person. Despite his failing body, he continued to live life to the fullest. He and Pam entertained friends with his special home cooked eggplant parmesan dinners and Sunday morning brunches. They spent time in nature, traveling, and with family and friends.

When Brian was diagnosed, Pam stepped up lovingly to care for him. Her invaluable help, day in and day out, enabled Brian to stay active and enjoy life through the years they spent together, right up to the end. Brian continued to enjoy long walks with Pam, first with walking sticks and then a scooter. He meditated with his yoga circle and was the same generous and supportive person he had always been. Brian faced his illness with strength, grace, acceptance, and gratitude for a life well-lived.

Lou Gehrig, who was diagnosed with ALS at the height of his baseball career, said in his famous speech at Yankee stadium, "For the past two weeks you have been reading about a bad break. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. " Before and after his diagnosis, Brian always said he was the luckiest man he knew.

In preparation for his death, Brian hosted a celebration of his life on October 4 th at Cedar Knoll Country Club, where he had played golf for many years. Over 100 close family and friends attended: Pam, his five sisters and their spouses-Cyndi Jones and Steve Birnbaum, Peggy and Garry Clark, Marsha Jones and Gary Scardina, Beth and Skeeter Wage, and Theresa and Mario Lizzio-many members of the Breiner and Jones extended families, his loving yoga community, his golf buddies, and many other dear friends. All were deeply moved as Brian and others shared stories of his life.

Brian met his death with peaceful resolve and courage, passing away on November 18 th surrounded by close family and friends at the age of 72, as part of the Death with Dignity program. He was loved by many, and he will be deeply missed. But his stories, his spirit, his love, and the positive way he lived life will endure forever in the hearts of all who knew him.

Contributions in Brian's memory can be made to:

UVM Health-Home Health and Hospice, 1110 Prim Road, Colchester, VT 05446, or online.

Planned Parenthood of Northern New England: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-northern-new-england.