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Metairie, Louisiana

Brian Avenel Obituary

Brian Theodore Avenel, age 72, died tragically October 17, 2013 while scuba diving in Maui, Hawaii the day before marrying Kathy Lynn Dunlap. He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert Joseph Avenel and Vivian Marie Petitfils, his grandmother Cornelia Estopinal Petitfils who raised him from the age of 6, his only son Miles Owen Avenel, his precious angel who brought him so much joy for 33 years, and his brother Calvin Avenel and sister Yvonne A. Walker. He is survived by his siblings Albert J. Avenel Sr., Loretta A. Merrill, Laura-Lee Sinclair, Charleen Finger, Lee Ann Porche , Alfred Alemany, Debra Alemany, William Avenel, Barbara A. Thibodeaux and Cathy A. Politte. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends as well as his family of dogs, "Dutch, Lizzy and Rocky". Brian was a graduate of St. Bernard High School Class of 1960 where he was named "Mr. St. Bernard High". He loved sports and participated in high school football, basketball and track. He was a four-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving in Vietnam. He attended LSU, Delgado, UNO and Texas Tech. He retired from Lockheed Corp. after 30 years of service and had a secondary career as a private investigator and paralegal. He was elected Republican Committee Chairman for St. Bernard Parish. One of his biggest thrills in life was attending the inauguration of Ronald Reagan, his favorite President. Brian never met a stranger and often volunteered his time with the Humane Society, Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church and nursing homes with his therapy dog "Dutch". He loved LSU football, cycling on the Trace and just participated in another M.S.Tour for the Cure. His life was forever changed December 6, 2012 when he met Kathy at a St. Tammany Hospital Hospice event. They quickly fell in love, were inseparable, experienced a joy neither thought possible for nine beautiful months, and planned their dream wedding and honeymoon in Maui. Brian often said, "if you die in Hawaii, it's like going from heaven to heaven". He loved life and touched so many lives along the way. Life without him will never be the same. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 395 Lafitte St., Mandeville, LA on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 12:00 o'clock noon, with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM. Interment will full military honors will follow in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens, Chalmette, LA. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the St. Tammany Humane Society or Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. Condolences may be expressed online to Brian T. Avenel's facebook page and at www.tharpsontheimer.com. THARP-SONTHEIMER FUNERAL HOME of Metairie is in charge of arrangements. Information, please call (504) 835-2341.

To plant trees in memory, please visit theĀ Sympathy Store.

Published by The New Orleans Advocate from Oct. 24 to Oct. 25, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian Avenel

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November 5, 2013

Our heart aches for your loss at this time. May the God of comfort be with you at this time and as long as you need him.(1 Cor. 1:3)

Charles & Lauren Green
Marrero, La

Joan Leon

November 3, 2013

I'll miss seeing you at Our Lady of the Lake and around town in Mandeville, Brian.
May God bless you!

Michelle Pender

October 31, 2013

Brian, you will be missed. You were a great neighbor and a friend to us all. I'll miss seeing you walking your dogs (your babies) and having that opportunity to say hello and chat. I'll never understand how this could have happened, but I know Heaven has become a lot brighter.

Danny Campo

October 31, 2013

So very shocked and sorry to hear of Brian's passing. After a long separation, after high school we had just run into each other this past year. Brian is one of those people, even though separated from him for too many years I was proud to call a friend.

Betty Cassaly

October 27, 2013

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Brian's passing. I bet he is keeping them laughing up there in heaven while we are in tears here on earth.

Donald, Alexis, Autumn, Joseph, Lillian Campo III

October 26, 2013

We are so sorry to hear about Uncle Brian. Our deepest sympathies go out to the rest of the family. We love you and pray for you. Time will make it easier and faith will make it better.

Donald and Angela Campo Jr.

October 26, 2013

There are no words to describe how deeply sorry and saddened we are by this sudden loss to the family. Our sincerest apologies for not being able to make the service, but know that you all are Always in our thoughts and prayers.

October 25, 2013

We were on St. Bernard Republican committee and I never knew a finer man. I hope when The Lord calls me it will be like Brian in a place I love doing what I love with the people I love . Just sorry to see you go. I guess it is true only thr good die young . Pam Nevle Albany

Kayla Porche

October 25, 2013

Seems like only yesterday I was laying in my bed, saddened by the tragic and quick death of my cousin, Miles, that I was signing his guestbook. I remember my Uncle saw it and had to tell me how touched he was by what I wrote. I can't believe I'm here again, writing about Uncle Brian. I've said it before, he was the only guy quite like himself! You had to love him. Two things I think of when I think of my Uncle...He never let me leave without a big tight hug, and he always said "love ya babe" He had a heart like his sister, Vonnie and couldn't help by spread his love and joy(even after the loss of his only son) Uncle Brian had his son taken from him and he didn't act in anger towards God. He lived on, got closer to God, found the love of his life, and made every day count. I will be missing him and simple things...like his voice and how he was so obsessed with politics...how he was a big flirt and I'd have to roll my eyes at silly things he'd say. My prayers go out to Kathy and all our family.

Shere Finger

October 25, 2013

Brian I'm still in shock over it all. I will always remember that beautiful, radiant smile and your bear gripping hug. You were definitely "one of a kind." What a reunion it will be to see you, Miles, and Vonnie again. Until then we will be there for Kathy and support her through this. I love you, Brian. Shere

Kim Perrilloux

October 25, 2013

I met Mr Avenel a few years back when he'd come in the TP to place memorials for his son. He was such a wonderful person. He always had a smile. He will truly be missed. RIP Mr. Avenel. My condolence to the family.

Vince Morales

October 25, 2013

Brian was one of the good guys, a friend, school mate, and work mate for many years, Many are saddened by his passing, he will be missed.

Christian and Melissa Serpas

October 25, 2013

Brian was always smiling, happy and ready to lend a hand. God bless you Brian, you'll be missed.

Bobby Putfark

October 25, 2013

Via con Dios, Brian., was good to have known you.

Kerry Wichterich

October 25, 2013

To hear of your departing, I am sadden. You will be missed by all who knew you. The days we worked together at Michoud Assembly Facility will stay with me. You, being kind, considerate, and always positive toward others was because you genuinely loved people. I will always remember your smile. See you soon my friend.

October 25, 2013

May God rest your soul, Brian, and bring peace and comfort to your family and friends. We didn't know you for long, but you always had a smile! Smile down on us now!
Sandy, Mark, Amanda, & Jessica Paxton

Zide Bowers Jahncke

October 25, 2013

My sincere sympathy to Kathy and to Brian's Family.
Fondly, Zide
La Madeleine - Mandeville

Jennifer LaBruzzo

October 25, 2013

Mr. Brian was well known, and loved by many. It was obvious through his Facebook posts that his family , his dogs included, and fiance“ meant the world to him. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

RIP Good Buddy

Gene Bischoff

October 24, 2013

Cathy, Brian and me go back a long way to the Reagan Presidential campaigns, to Brians run for School Board where I was his campaign manager. We had our ups and downs as most friends have but our bond of friendship always won out. He was a good father, and good friend as I reflect upon his life. We lost contact over the years but we reunited again at his son Miles Funeral, he was so glad to see me again. Cathy I send my deepest sympathy to you as the lord gave Brian to you and took him away so swiftly. The only consolation is that is will once again be reunited with his son Miles. I know Brian has never gotten over Miles death as the lord took him at the tender age of 33. I don't have to tell you but Brian was a special person and would have made you a wonderful husband Cathy. May God Bless you.

Lisa Breland

October 24, 2013

Uncle Brian you were a ray of sunshine and a breath of fresh air. Your smile, laughter and zest for life were contagious. You and Kathy did more together in the 9 months you were together than what many people do in a lifetime. You will missed by all! We will be there to support the love of your life, Kathy.
Love, Lisa

Ashley Breland

October 24, 2013

Uncle Brian,
I am so heartbroken and still in shock. I have truly enjoyed the time I shared with you and Kathy this past year. It was truly special. To see the love y'all had for one another was wonderful. I promise you Kathy will always be a part of our family. I know you are smiling up there being with your son, but we will miss you terribly down here. RIP, I love you!
Your great niece, Ashley

Joan Burga

October 24, 2013

My deepest sympathy. Kathy, I'm so very sorry for your loss. You and Brian's family and friends are in my prayers.

Ashley Breland

October 24, 2013

I am still so heart broken and still in so much shock. He was definitely the happiest he's ever been the last year of his life. He was so excited to marry Kathy and we have enjoyed their company so much this past year. I know he is sitting right next to his son in heaven. Kathy, you will forever be a part of the family. RIP Uncle Brian. I love you and you will be missed tremendously.

Gretchen Richardson

October 24, 2013

We are so sorry to lose our wonderful neighbor and friend. He was full of life, joy and generosity. Our condolences to all of his family and Kathy during this most difficult time. We will miss your smile and warmth. Gretchen and Shane, Matt and Ben

Staff of Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home

October 24, 2013

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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