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Brian Mynes Obituary

1934 - 2013
Brian Thomas Mynes of New York City, 79, passed away on July 18, 2013 with his family and dear friends by his side.

Brian was born in New York City on March 30, 1934 to Veronica (Cooney) and Henry Mynes.

Brian was the consummate New York City boy growing up in Yorkville. He was a Merchant Marine, having sailed the world 16 times. Many of his trips were to supply our troops during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. When he was back in New York City he worked as a Sandhog helping build many of the modern tunnels and waterways under the NYC streets. Brian was very proud to be part of Local 147 NYC Sandhogs. While working full time and attending school at night, Brian graduated from Fordham University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Later in life, Brian was a Resident Superintendent for buildings in Manhattan and an active member of 32BJ SEIU Union.

Brian had a passion for art, having commissioned a number of paintings depicting life in New York City. He also appreciated fine clothing, most notably vicuna and qiviut. This is a trait he acquired from his mother who worked at Bloomingdales when he was a child and was fine-tuned through his international travels.

Brian was very active in Alcoholics Anonymous and recently celebrated 41 years of wonderful fellowship on April 1, 2013. Brian was famous for throwing large parties and well known as the Captain of the Big Apple Boat Ride every summer.

Brian had the uncanny ability to make everyone he met feel special. He was also a remarkable storyteller and we will miss the colorful way he shared his experiences. He traveled the world to share the mission of AA. Brian was extremely proud of his Irish heritage and enjoyed a family pilgrimage back to Co. Louth, where both his parents hailed from. It was one of the highlights of his life.

Brian is survived by a son, Lawrence and his wife Linda of Brewster, NY; three grandchildren, Kaitlin, Lawrence Jr. and Linda; brother Harry of Tarrytown, NY; nephew Mark Mynes and nieces Colleen Klami, Rochelle O'Mara and Kelly Collins.

He is predeceased by his parents, brother Jimmy, sister Veronica Collins, niece Lynn McKenzie Collins and faithful dog Sam.

A celebration of his life will take place on Sunday, August 4th at 3:15pm. All Souls Church, 1157 Lexington Avenue (at 80th Street).

Donations in Brian's memory can be made to Stepping Stones Foundation, 62 Oak Road, Katonah NY 10536. Please include a note the fund will go towards the Wits End Restoration.

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

Published by New York Times from Jul. 23 to Jul. 24, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian Mynes

Sponsored by Linda, Larry & Family.

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Marc Schoenitzer

November 23, 2013

A true Irish Gent! Had the pleasure of getting to know Brian as a fellow traveler in the "Pure Breath League". We had him come to Northern Calif. on a number of occasions to speak. Always willing and always gracious. On one of our visits, a few of us had the honor of taking Brian to the building he was housed in during his Merchant Marine days in San Francisco. He had quite a moment of reflection abut this period of his life. He was generous in including us Calif. folks in his invitation to join the Big Apple Group at the AA International Conf. both in Minneapolis and Toronto. I missed his presence in San Antonio. I hadn't heard he passed until today. His memory and legacy of generosity and goodness will continue on. He truly was a fine man and a hell of a lot of fun!! Carry on Brother!

Tom and Belinda Costin

November 7, 2013

Our condolence and prayers for the Mynes family and especially for our friend Harry.
Just learned about Brian's passing yesterday. It is so hard to believe as Brian was "life" itself. He will always be remembered as one of the most unique personalities from the old SFDS neighborhood. R.I.P. Brian, you will be missed.

August 7, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Family today. Love Helen Fleming-Balvin

Linda Vincent

August 4, 2013

You Are One of My Biggest Giants! I want to be like you when I grow up. Nobody can make me Laugh like You! God Bless You!

August 4, 2013

Brian, save me a seat xxxooo

Annah Perch

August 3, 2013

Miss you already, Brian. You were a great source of support to Stepping Stones and to me over the last eight years and I will forever be grateful.

A wonderful friend and inspiration, you will be missed.

joel weissman

August 2, 2013

Brian..the backbone of our 227 neighbourhood..remembered fondly by Elizabeth and Joel Weissman

Susan S

July 26, 2013

You are a bright and guiding light in my life, my buddy, Brian. Thank you for making the world a wonderful place. 'Twas Heaven here with you!

jeanette mason

July 24, 2013

a steady member of templeton, brian was co founder of the aa tent at ground zero to help to continue to carry the message, as we do, to the first responders who prepared that holy site; god's speed, brian

Bonnie Kauder

July 24, 2013

Brian, thanks for the memories, from day one.

Me and Mr. Darcy (when he was a kitten)

Judi McMahon

July 23, 2013

Rest in peace, dear Brian. You were always a special man, and a great walk-the-walk, talk-the-talk friend of Bill W.
God Bless You Real Good!

Karen Smith

July 23, 2013

I loved Brian's zest for life and can still feel his enthusiasm. To be with him was to know that joy would abound!

Richard G

July 23, 2013

I had the honor and privilege of meeting Brian about 26 years ago at the Midtown meeting of AA. I heard him speak about his experience and I identified and I laughed, uproariously when I needed to most. He shared his hope and his strength with everyone in the room. He had a gift for storytelling that poked fun at himself in such a way that put all at ease and yet passed a strong message. My life is better for having met him. I had the honor of helping him celebrate his 41st anniversary at Templeton and he made me laugh so hard I nearly lost it. He will be missed by all. Godspeed Brian the Sailor!

Ariana Solomon

July 23, 2013

Brian was a good friend and always had a riveting story o tell. He appreciated a kind gesture. I will always have Brians stories as he passes on and will wear his Sandhog hat in pride.

Gary Kniffen

July 23, 2013

It was always a joy to see and hear Brian. When I'd walk into a meeting, and see That Brian was going to be the speaker I knew
That at the end of the hour I was going to feel lighter and happier

M. Joseph

July 23, 2013

My condolences to the family as you mourn your loss. May you draw close to the hearer of prayer during this difficult time.

July 23, 2013

Memorial Website for Brian

http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/mynesandyours/homepage.aspx

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

John Krtil Funeral Home; Yorkville Funeral Service, Inc. - New York

1297 1st Avenue, New York City, NY 10021

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