Brian S. Dearborn ’66

SOUTH PORTLAND – Brian S. Dearborn of South Portland, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on Friday, May 22, 2015, at age 71.There is no way to encapsulate just how deeply Brian loved and was loved by his family (and yes, Brian, encapsulate is being used in your obituary because you would get a kick out of it). He could show a gruff, no nonsense exterior that was his false front for the incredibly kind, sweet, and generous man he was. His smile, bear hugs, sense of humor, ready laughter, viewpoint, endlessly thoughtful gestures, and unconditional love will be missed beyond words and held so dearly in memory. Who else would wear an Elmo costume just to make his granddaughter smile? Brian and his family shared a love of the ocean, including memories made at Spring Point Marina, Bug Light, York beach, and on Casco Bay boating as a family on the KimRonC. In recent years, Brian, Chris and Bella enjoyed vacationing in their RV and especially the people (and pets) they met along the way. Brian and Chris loved simply being together, and with family and friends. Both readily reached out to engage others, getting a stranger to smile with a witty remark and finding joy doing so. For those who like the facts, here are the highlights. Brian was born to Edna Coty and Lynwood Dearborn. He was raised in South Portland, where he continued to reside until his passing. Brian graduated from South Portland High School in 1962 and from Maine Maritime Academy in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. After dating since 1961 in high school, Brian married Christine Walsh in 1966. They have two children, Ronald S. Dearborn and Kimberly J. Dearborn.Brian shipped out with Lykes Brothers in 1966 for 3 years, following which he worked at his mother’s restaurant, Edna’s, at Morrill’s corner. He bought the Spot to Shop at Cash Corner in 1972 and turned it in to Bri’s Variety, later expanding it to include a restaurant. It was a family affair, including Edna and her famous muffins and comfort food, and long time patrons that became extended family. During which Brian also owned the Dairy Queen next door for five years. He brought t-ball to South Portland for the first time with his friend Ray LaBonte in 1973, then coached Little League, was the Babe Ruth Commissioner, and actively supported SPHS as a basketball booster member. He also served as a South Portland School Board member, a South Portland City Council member, and as Mayor of South Portland (a fact revered by his granddaughter during a field trip to Town Hall where his picture hangs). After Bri’s closed in 1998, Brian worked as an assistant manager at Walmart for over 10 years. He was a long time member of the Elks, vice president of the Country Gardens Condo Association and commissioner on the Civil Service Commission of South Portland. Brian continued to love cooking for family and would make enough for the patrons of Bri’s whether serving two or 20; old habits die hard. He is survived by his wife, Chris; his daughter, Kim, his son, Ron and daughter-in-law, Holly; his granddaughter, Megan; his beloved dog Bella; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tim and Sally Walsh, and their children, Ryan and Hayley. A gathering for family and friends will be held at the Hospitality Center at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Rd., South Portland, on Friday, May 29, 2015, at 4 p.m. The burial ceremony will be private.The family extends endless appreciation and gratitude to Dan and each of the emergency responders who did everything they could to help Brian and support Chris; and to Tom Bayley, Patty and the patrons of Bayley’s Camping Resort in Scarborough, ME who reached out to support Chris and her family.

In lieu of flowers, donationswould sincerely be appreciatedin Brian’s name to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland P. O. Box 336, Westbrook, Maine,of which he was along time supporter. – See more at: http://obituaries.pressherald.com/obituaries/mainetoday-pressherald/obituary.aspx?n=brian-s-dearborn&pid=174945204&fhid=16699#sthash.YUyk8H1S.dpuf