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Brian Afton Obituary
OLEAN - Brian W. Afton, of Olean, passed away Friday (July 25, 2025) in Buffalo, after a short illness, surrounded by his loving family.
Brian was born in Olean on April 19, 1945, at St. Francis Hospital, the son of William Edwin Afton and Jeanette Grover. On Sept. 15, 1985, in the Amity Masonic Temple in Buffalo, he married the love of his life, Betsy, who survives.
He graduated from Portville Central School in 1963, then earned a BS in mechanical engineering.
Brian worked for various businesses, including the Gouche Maps, Olean Finishing Machine, Dresser Rand, Rolls-Royce and the Yoga Betsy Yoga Center.
He was a member of the Rama Lodge and the Rosicrucian Order (AMORC).
Brian enjoyed the outdoors; he liked to skin dive, go hiking and practice meditation/yoga. He was also a photographer and author of various books on historical fantasy.
Brian is survived by his loving wife, Betsy; a daughter, Denise (Bob Torrey) Afton; two granddaughters, Mia (Larry Steward) Lineman and Olivia Lineman; and siblings, Pixie (John) Dufour and David (Christine) Vlamis; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, William and Jeanette.
A memorial service will be held at noon Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, at the Olean Meditation Center, 2275 Dugan Road, Olean. A celebration of Brian's Life will follow at the Center. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Olean Meditation Center or the Olean YMCA.
Arrangements are under the direction of Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean.
Online condolences may be expressed at guentherfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Brian Afton
Sponsored by Guenther Funeral Home Inc - Olean.
3 Entries
Ed Anderson
August 5, 2025
So very sorry to see that Brian has passed away. I worked with him a number of years at CF Industries in Olean. Brian was a very intelligent and meticulous craftsman. He had a great "dry" sense of humor and was interesting to be around. He was a "deep thinker" and always had new ideas. He will be dearly missed by those who knew and associated with him. Deepest sympathy to his family and friends!
Ed Anderson
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Kathleen Falk Bishop
July 31, 2025
As a former student at Yoga Betsy, I remember Brian very well. Every now and then he would fill in for Betsy and his meditations at the end of class were phenomenal. I send my deepest condolences to Betsy and family on their loss.
David Boyer and Cindy B
July 28, 2025
Brian W. Afton was an engineer. Both he and his spouse Betsy are part of the Rosicrucian Fellowship. He will be missed by many. He was a kind, honest and very intelligent man with a great sense of humor. Brian was interested in creative endeavors; the more creative and positive for people, the better.
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