William Tyler Brawner

BRAWNER

WILLIAM TYLER BRAWNER

After 90 larger than life years, William (Bill) Tyler Brawner died in his home in Worton, MD, on Tuesday, July 26, 2022.

Born in 1932, his adventurous spirit had its beginnings in Washington, DC where, as a child, he was keen to roam the city and exhibit his playful sense of youthful mischief that would soon become his calling card. Growing up in Forest Hills afforded him the opportunity to leave no stone unturned in nearby Rock Creek Park, a place where he and his cadre of friends would devote much of their free time building bridges, rope swings and discovering the new.

During the summers, he and his family spent the majority of their time at their beloved home in Cape May. Between surfing waves, biking around town and causing plenty of pranks in between, it was abundantly clear that he had found a true home away from home. Cape May served as a veritable playground for "Billy" and the experiences he enjoyed there would come to leave a permanent imprint.

In his later years, he attended Landon High School and thrived as a star athlete in both soccer and football. His natural abilities were undeniable as he prospered both on and off the field during his treasured four years there as a "Grizzly Bear." University of North Carolina Chapel Hill was his next stomping ground and, much like Landon, managed to leave his mark there as well. He joined Zeta Psi and managed to soak up everything the college experience afforded (and then some).

His first foray into real estate began shortly after graduation when he dove into the residential real estate market and began selling homes. He enjoyed great success during these formative years as he honed a business discipline and instinctive feel that would prove to shape his career in development. In time, he elected to take his newfound ambition to the family company and, with it, his uncompromising vision for the possible.

With the creation of the company's signature property on 888 17th Street, Bill would soon spawn a period of growth for the company that would prove historic. The company thrived on his watch as he embarked on several high-profile projects in areas such as Dupont Circle and Foggy Bottom. His pioneering efforts to revitalize areas of the city would go on to spark a real vibrancy, something that he took immense pride in watching unfold. The company's portfolio grew steadily in the decades to come, culminating with the fulfillment of his longtime dream to create a first-class marina and resort on Maryland's Eastern Shore. The flagship property of Haven Harbor Marina was, quite simply, the result of imagining a dream come true.

One of Bill's most cherished accomplishments was his contribution as Chairman of the Building Committee of Children's Hospital. In this role he was able to create a shared vision for the future of the city by ensuring the community had access to a state-of-the-art facility. At the time of completion, Children's Hospital was truly a landmark creation and has since been woven into the fabric of the city. Over the course of his life, he continued to deepen his commitment to the lives of the communities to whom he was a part of. Whether in D.C. or Kent County, MD, Bill's involvement was purposeful, and left a proud legacy in his wake.

Regardless of the season, Bill was particularly fond of spending quality time with family and friends - skiing, boating, traveling, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay.

He was an unrivaled father who adored his children. As a grandfather, he doted on his 12 grandchildren, teaching them the importance of generosity and, more significantly, how to have FUN. His infectious sense of humor and enthusiasm for life were among his finest qualities and certainly not lost on the younger generation.

He is survived by his children, Margaret, Elizabeth, Sophie (Hoy), William (Greta) and James; grandchildren, Thomas (Courtney), Grace, Tyler (Kim), Mallory (Austin), Ira, Christopher, Olivia, Addison, Rhenna, James, Mia and Brooks; great-grandchildren, Brawner and Suzanne.

Bill was a member of the Chevy Chase Club, the Metropolitan Club of Washington, DC, and the Chester River Yacht and Country Club.

A celebration of his life will be held at 6pm at Haven Harbor South on August the 26.