tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915033531179438334.post3005127386325520263..comments2014-08-15T07:50:19.239-07:00Comments on In Celebration of Brian O’Neill: Memories of Brian from his Twin Brother AlanMark Pothierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09379055663467552454noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915033531179438334.post-37003068614291116172010-05-13T09:18:21.790-07:002010-05-13T09:18:21.790-07:00The Captain went ashore last year and never could ...The Captain went ashore last year and never could be found. We searched the harbor for his smile and left the ship aground. We staggered back and took our posts and went out with the tide but with him gone, the crew dispersed, the ship continued on. I stayed aboard, I don’t know why, while others made the break. <br />If he were here he’d cheer me to “go find a better ship” but there isn’t one could take me near the joy we’d felt with him.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915033531179438334.post-26332002576785339332010-03-31T20:58:42.273-07:002010-03-31T20:58:42.273-07:00I only recently and with great sorrow learned of B...I only recently and with great sorrow learned of Brian's passing. Although we had lost touch in recent years I have always felt close to Brian and remember with fondness the times he and I and our families spent together. While I can remember Brian in many ways, for his humanity, his leadership, his dedication, I chose merely to remember Brian as a true friend. My heart goes out to Marti, their daughter and son, and to Alan. I share your loss.Randy Clement, HCRS/NPS Retirednoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915033531179438334.post-54752367987925964442009-09-03T12:35:44.269-07:002009-09-03T12:35:44.269-07:00Alan - Thank you for your brotherly thoughts of sh...Alan - Thank you for your brotherly thoughts of shared experiences with Brian from your early childhood days to your precious private moments in the last days at Brian's bedside. Although I was unable to attend Brian's Celebration of Life, my thoughts, prayers and smiles(as Brian would have gently insisted upon), were with him, you and his wonderful famiy on that Day of Celebration.<br /><br />As you, Greg and everyone have so eloquently stated, Brian's personal, professional, and character traits put him at the top of America's Park, Recreation and Conservation Giants! Equally as significant is his warm genuine compassion for all people!<br /><br />During the past 3 months, since his Celebration, I have had time to reflect on the few times we shared the same space together. Whether it was when we were at meetings in the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, National Park Service, National Recreation Park Association Conferences & meetings, or just hanging out, Brian is at his best in utilizing his creative and innovation skills in achieving results.<br /><br />It is almost 3 years to the day when I was with him last in his Golden Gate Office. Once again, he took his valuable time to set up meetings for my Board Trustee and myself with the Yosemite Institute Leadership. Upon arrival and departure - A Warm Embrace and Twinkle in his eye! You ask why I refer to him in the present - He still and will always be with us!Jim Rienhardtnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915033531179438334.post-15975151216249193142009-07-16T17:01:09.919-07:002009-07-16T17:01:09.919-07:00Alan, you and Brian were each enormously influenti...Alan, you and Brian were each enormously influential in helping me make Partners in Parks a successful and satisfying enterprise. You helped me see the possibilities and stretch myself to reach, at least some of them. Brian's heartfelt sermons about the value of partnerships I daresay made my job easier, as over time, park leaders became for receptive to including outside assistance of all kinds. It was truly a sad moment when I read of Brian's passing in the latest issue of "Arrowhead". It is also rather sobering, as we are the same age. So I am reminded of my mortality. While I am no longer engaged in Partners in Parks, there are experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. You and Brian remain in my heart.<br /><br />Sarah Bishop<br />Paonia, COAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915033531179438334.post-17957512920230662732009-06-01T08:15:31.986-07:002009-06-01T08:15:31.986-07:00I would met Brian at workshops and conferences ove...I would met Brian at workshops and conferences over the years. I loves his bright smile and enjoyed our talks about the agencies and the interpretive profession. I knew Brian had a brother, but did not realize he was a twin until I mistook Alan for Brian at a partnership meeting.<br /><br />Both brothers have helped agencies with their partnership program. Brian will be greatly missed and I feel fortunate to have met him and Alan. Alan thanks for your write up.<br />Amy Galperin<br />BLMAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915033531179438334.post-43513652068225588272009-05-29T21:35:59.705-07:002009-05-29T21:35:59.705-07:00I didn't know Brian O'Neill but I admired him grea...I didn't know Brian O'Neill but I admired him greatly. My deepest condolences and thanks to you and your family. <br /><br />-- a lover of the Golden Gate National ParksAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915033531179438334.post-58725072733633229252009-05-24T20:24:35.814-07:002009-05-24T20:24:35.814-07:00It was such a pleasure to have had the opportunity...It was such a pleasure to have had the opportunity to know Brian. He was warm, funny and inspirational. He has made our country and our world better with the life he has lived -- it was an extremely well-lived life. His life is truly a legacy - not just for Golden Gate parks but for all parks - national, state, and city...all public lands. Any special places where friends come to enjoy them and to steward them have his legacy to continue. <br /><br />He had a very contagious spirit...one that will live on in anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Peace to his family. May you find comfort in your memories and in the many thoughts and prayers that are extended to you.<br /><br />We certainly will treasure the legacy that Brian's life has given us.<br /><br />Kimberlee RileyKimberlee Rileynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915033531179438334.post-78809093514993251782009-05-21T13:48:07.643-07:002009-05-21T13:48:07.643-07:00So much has been said about Brian’s vision, brilli...So much has been said about Brian’s vision, brilliance in forging partnerships, dedication to the nations resources and improvement of the national park system, kindness to everyone he knew and indefatigable spirit. All are attributes that we know to be true.<br /><br />While Brian’s legacy to San Francisco is immense – his contribution to all of NPS is greater. The number of people who were mentored, assisted and encouraged by Brian to go on to be great leaders within the Service is incredible. When we were struggling to put together a Friends group at VINP, Brian and Greg provided the guidance to make it happen. While at Gateway and National Parks of NY Harbor, Brian – with his vast experience in running a huge urban park - was the person I turned to for leadership and encouragement. <br /><br />Alan – Thank you so very much for your personal remembrances of Brian. Even though we have been close friends with Brian and his family for 32 years, there are many things about his early years that we loved reading about for the first time. <br /><br />Our family has so many unforgettable memories of special times together – Brian making breakfast for everyone on camping trips in his impossibly huge cast iron frying pan; Brian urging us farther and higher on any number of hikes; Brian zipping down the hill ahead of everyone else on ski outings – and then rousing the group to go out and party at the end of the day when all we wanted to do was go home to bed; Brian fearlessly covering the net during mixed doubles tennis matches with his long left-handed reach; Brian washing up the dishes after one of Marti’s delicious Thanksgiving dinners and then ironing his shirts for the next work week; Brian teaching Phyllis how to make stained glass lamps; Brian teasing the kids about girlfriends and boyfriends – but sincerely wanting to know what was going on in their lives; Brian in his Halloween costume going to the hospital to cheer up a friend with a silly practical joke. <br /><br />He was a wonderful, loveable man who put his boundless optimism and energy into everything that he did. When you had a conversation with Brian he always made you feel like you were the most important person in the world. How we will miss those impish twinkling eyes and his loving, warm hugs. While his passing is hard for us all to reconcile – I have to agree with Doug, that he isn’t really gone, but has just moved on to the next level to make things better for the rest of us when we follow. He will always be a part of all of us who knew and loved him. <br /><br />Marc & Phyllis KoeningsMarc and Phyllis Koeningsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915033531179438334.post-19694378916216885812009-05-20T15:46:49.210-07:002009-05-20T15:46:49.210-07:00I worked at Golden Gate NRA from 1976 until my tra...I worked at Golden Gate NRA from 1976 until my transfer in late 1991. I served as the South District Ranger for 10-year period. During most of my tenure in the South District, Brian was the Superintendent and set the standard. He always expected the best and knew that you could get the job done with class, and along the way make new friends. One of the reasons for everyone's success is that Brian trusted and respected all employees. I would watch Brian stop and give his full attention to a maintenance worker or interpreter or whomever, first by addressing him or her by name and asking something about their spouse or significant other by name or about their child. He always left people with the feeling that they mattered.<br /><br />During those formative years, many former and present National Park Service leaders were a part of that incubation and maturation. Jim Milestone, Superintendent of Whiskeytown NRA, started the native plant nursery. Tim Stone, Superintendent of Cowpens NB/Ninety Six NHS oversaw the SF Cleanwater Program work along the Ocean Beach corridor. Tim was able to have the City design and build restrooms on NPS land, along with being the impetus for the VIP program and Habitat restoration program where the district received over 43,000 hours of volunteer time in one year. Brian always encouraged us to do more. Back then we began to partner with the community, starting with our Sutro Heights neighbors. Frank Dean, presently of the WASO office and the former Superintendentof Saratoga NHP/Erie Canal, worked tirelessly on establishing a relationship with the hang gliding community that culminated with an MOU. Other successful people who worked tirelessly were Norah Martinez, Chief Ranger, Wrangell-St. Elias NP; Kevin Cochary, Deputy Chief Ranger, Acadia NP; Stephen Prokop, Superintendent of Kalaupala NHP, who saved numerous lives and is recipient of the DOI's highest award for saving a life along with two Exemplary Act awards; Lee Shenk, former Business Manager, GGNRA; Ricardo Perez, Supervisory park Ranger, National Capital Region and so many more. The major reason for so much personal success and growth is that it starts at the top, and Brian fostered and allowed people to stretch and grow way beyond their pay grade and their imagination. Brian was secure in himself and he always celebrated your success with you. For me Brian was the real deal and it was a blessing and priviledge to have worked with an icon and to be a part of his legacy.<br /><br />Brian, we will miss you immensely and thank you from our hearts that our paths have crossed and that each of us were touched by your warmth, encouragement, enthusiasm and love of Parks and what they stand for.<br /><br />Godspeed from your Park Service family.<br /><br />Steve Gazzano<br />Cape Cod, MassachusettsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915033531179438334.post-72353788224256829572009-05-19T20:59:49.813-07:002009-05-19T20:59:49.813-07:00What a remarkable person, Mimi O'Neill is, to have...What a remarkable person, Mimi O'Neill is, to have raised two remarkable sons like Brian and Alan. I have worked in the same agency with the O'Neill boys for over 20 years, and my respect for them reached its crescendo after Alan's account of the brothers' unabashed admiration and devotion to their remarkable mother. Thank you, Mimi, for giving us not one, but two beautiful men, who played such important roles in our agency, our community, and our planet, but were never self-important to those around them. Mimi, may you continue to live long and thrive. But when you do pass those pearly gates, I'm sure Brian will be waiting there with his infectious smile, with that twinkle in his eyes,and with a heaven decorated with 200 santas.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915033531179438334.post-23080656074861585112009-05-19T12:58:00.000-07:002009-05-19T12:58:00.000-07:00Dear Alan,
Thank you so much for sharing your wo...Dear Alan,<br /> <br />Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful special memories of Brian<br />with all of us. I'm not totally certain that I ever directly met Brian,<br />but have attended meetings where he was present. Being in the same line<br />work locally, I have certainly felt his presence and first-hand seen and<br />experienced the wonder of the many things he achieved in our Bay Region.<br />Through your wonderful narrative, I feel that I know him better now,<br />even if I did meet him only indirectly. <br /> <br />I also feel a greater connection with him (and you) since I, too, am a<br />twin and so many of the things you write about are startlingly familiar<br />to me. When Dan and I were young, before really talking 'real words',<br />my mother swore we had our own language that we used to communicate to<br />each other. At first, she felt that delayed our language skills and<br />ability to socialize with others. They separated us in second grade and<br />we'd come home after school and tell each other every detail of what<br />happened in our respective classes that day.<br /> <br />We, too, were identical through grade school. No one could tell us<br />apart and my mom, too, had this incredible ability to tell who was who -<br />even when our backs were turned to her! To this day, she still can tell<br />our voices apart on the phone, even though others often mistake us for<br />each other on the phone. We would trade seats in classes because no one<br />could tell the difference. One teacher put us on opposite sides of the<br />classroom to remember which twin was which, and then couldn't remember<br />which twin he'd put where. We delighted in confusing him. <br /> <br />As twins, we were inseparable. We did most everything together and got<br />along famously. We shared a paper delivery route job for years and<br />would switch routes every so often to have a change of pace. That way<br />we didn't get bored with 'our' route. To this day, I don't think we've<br />ever fought with each other. We may have slightly differing opinions,<br />though rarely, and if we did it was not an issue. We, too, have never<br />felt jealous of each other and take great pride in each other's<br />accomplishments. <br /> <br />Although I never got out West until I was about 10 years out of college,<br />my twin and I have always loved parks. We grew up in West Virginia and<br />were fortunate to have so many wonderful local and State Parks in our<br />area. We'd spent so many hours exploring local creeks, learning trees,<br />and hiking through wonderful Eastern Appalachian forests. Going with my<br />Granddad to his fishing cabin on the North Fork South Branch of the<br />Potomac River was a great opportunity for exploring that we anticipated<br />with delight at the announcement of each visit. Later, when my parents<br />retired to the Deep Creek Lake area of Maryland, we delighted in skiing<br />at Canaan Valley and scouring the area for places such as Cathedral<br />State Park and Dolly Sods.<br /> <br />We thoroughly enjoyed biology as high school students and thought that<br />would be our college major. However, after we got in college, we both<br />decided we wanted to major in Landscape Architecture mostly because that<br />would give us the opportunity to become park planners. That notion was<br />even more confirmed when I was fortunate enough to have Ben Howland from<br />National Capital Region NPS as a guest lecturer in graduate school at<br />UVA. After I graduated, I went to work for Northern Virginia Regional<br />Park Authority and he went to work for the West Virginia State Parks.<br />Now I am on the West Coast and he is on the East Coast, but we're in<br />constant contact with each other via e-mail and cell phones. <br /> <br />So, Alan, I can very much empathize with your loss of your twin brother<br />and appreciate sharing wonderful memories of Brian - his life, his<br />family, and his accomplishments. Cherish his memory. The world is a<br />better place due to him. . . and no doubt you, as his twin, as well.<br /> <br />David J. Pierce<br />Grants Programs Manager<br />Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department <br />david.pierce@prk.sccgov.orgAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915033531179438334.post-41016422129628274032009-05-19T08:50:00.000-07:002009-05-19T08:50:00.000-07:00Like Richard Nixon and probably thousands of other...Like Richard Nixon and probably thousands of other fans, I fell in love with Brian O’Neill the first time I heard him speak. It was that combination of passion, charm, wit, common sense, intelligence and bottomless warmth that did it for me. I could tell you his subject, but it’s irrelevant. I heard Brian and then wanted to be Brian. To have his zest and spark and life. Not to mention height. Smile. Job. Rolodex. Amazing track record. And (double bonus) Alan for a brother! What an extraordinary guy he was, what a transcendent jewel he made of his life, and how I will miss not just him but the idea of him laughing out there on the West Coast--moving and shaking and making everyone proud. <br /><br />Love to you Alan, and peace.<br /><br />Jana Prewitt<br />Former Director of External Affairs, DOIAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915033531179438334.post-19393635388261706362009-05-19T03:05:00.000-07:002009-05-19T03:05:00.000-07:00How amazingly wonderful!
Alan, thank you for shar...How amazingly wonderful!<br /><br />Alan, thank you for sharing those priceless stories of yours and Brian's life growing up together. Truly, he was blessed from jump street to have a sibling so much in sync, and parents so loving and supportive. No doubt it contributed to his mellow, loving, expansive personality.<br /><br />I had the opportunity to meet Brian at the "Mosaic in Motion" diversity conferences that NPCA and the NPS spearheaded back in the 90s, and confess that I was never quite certain which of the wonderful O'Neil brothers I was experiencing subsequently.... before i received notice of Brian's transition, I was tantalized by the recollection of meeting him quite recently at a function (could it have been the NPCA Annual Dinner in DC just last month?) in which he inquired when we were coming back to volunteer at Golden Gate.<br /><br />What a radiant human being! A generous, wonderful, loving person...<br /><br />Alan, we will continually be sending out prayers for you, because it is unimaginable to me what it might feel like to miss a lifetime companion such as Brian. I take comfort from the fact that your recollections, like mine and those of his innumerable friends and admirers, attest to a life soo well lived. God Bless you! Brian, we love you, forever!<br /><br />love, audrey peterman, atlantaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915033531179438334.post-14811944233357388572009-05-18T17:33:00.000-07:002009-05-18T17:33:00.000-07:00Bill Mott said
The loss of Brian to his family, t...Bill Mott said<br /><br />The loss of Brian to his family, the many people who knew and worked for and with him and the numerous friends he made wherever he appeared, will be felt by many. He leaves all of us with an emptiness and sadness that will be hard to fill.<br /><br />My father, William P. Mott Jr., often spoke about Brian and of "passing the baton" to him for the care and management of not only the the Golden Gate National Park, but also the National Park system. We have now lost two great advocates and supporters of the National Parks. It is now up to those many persons Brian inspired to step forward and carry out the programs and work he so enthusiastically embraced.<br /><br />Brian will be deeply missed by many but he will always be with us in spirt.<br /><br />William P. & Zee Zee Mott, Larie Mott & Jim Flaherty and Brian and Nicole MottBill Motthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02991898105683945742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915033531179438334.post-91565934032741020562009-05-18T11:44:00.000-07:002009-05-18T11:44:00.000-07:00For those of who never had the opportunity to visi...For those of who never had the opportunity to visit SF88, the restored Nike Hercules Missile Base in the Marin Headlands, you must always know that the foresight and vision for this restoration falls on the shoulders of Brian O'Neill. Brian's concerns for the restoration of this historical site has sparked other simular sites thoughout the National Park Service to open their sites for tours and interpretation. Volunteer site restoration teams were keynote accomplishments under Brian. This is only one outstanding accomplishment under his leadership. Thank you Brian, you will be missed.<br /><br />Al Kellogg <br />President of the Nike Historical Society.Al Kelloggnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915033531179438334.post-60501008944169916362009-05-18T10:20:00.000-07:002009-05-18T10:20:00.000-07:00Thank you, Alan, for the beautiful remembrances of...Thank you, Alan, for the beautiful remembrances of growing up with Brian. There's no doubt that having a wonderful brother like you gave Brian great joy his entire life. I don't think any twin relationship was closer than the one you and Brian shared. Those of us who were lucky enough to know Brian for many years also were made to feel part of the extraordinary O'Neill family. Thank you.<br /><br />Howard LevittHoward Levittnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915033531179438334.post-32687258624844963032009-05-18T07:06:00.000-07:002009-05-18T07:06:00.000-07:00I too was honored to have known Brian and worked w...I too was honored to have known Brian and worked with him on Open Space issues, volunteerism and partnerhsips as a colleague. I was an aspiring young District Ranger at Sandia RD in NM next to Albuquerque when Brian was just starting out in San Francisco. He was my idol and sometimes mentor even when he was not aware of his influence. He was always so great and supportive to be around. He just made me feel better about myself and glad a sparkle in his eye. Sometimes I think he actually might have been one of Santa's helper's here on Earth. I was profoundly rocked to learn of his passing today when I got Pam Gluck's note to a colleague passed on. I had become so wrapped in my own world--what a loss to the whole world of community based conservation and each of us personally. My heart goes out to all his family and especially his twin-Alan.<br />Alan/-- your very tender, and personal writng of Brian and your growing up is so sweet and real. I was remined of my last days with my father as he died and your depiction of the special time of closure was recalling so much for me as well. I think it a great and proper tribute to rename his park to the Golden Gate National Parks--, but more importatnly is to remember all the faces he touched and souls that are forever changed to be stewrdships of this earth--because of knowing him, Brian had that kind of effect on me and he lives on now in my memory as a beautiful place. <br />Floyd...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915033531179438334.post-82012656242534663432009-05-17T18:45:00.000-07:002009-05-17T18:45:00.000-07:00Woody and I feel honored to have known the O'Neill...Woody and I feel honored to have known the O'Neills...we met in college and took many trips together before and after we all started our families. We cherish our memories of college parties, camping trips, the beach house, ski trips and most of all the meaning of friendship and love.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915033531179438334.post-90505131456998953672009-05-16T18:56:00.000-07:002009-05-16T18:56:00.000-07:00Alan,
Thank you for a deeply moving and touching ...Alan, <br />Thank you for a deeply moving and touching remembrances of Brian. It is so reflective of what Brian was all about. I feel blessed to have known Brian and to have worked for him for a short while while he was the Acting Associate Director for Partnerships in Washington, D.C. a few short years ago. While he was my offical supervisor, he was much more; a trusted friend, a caring and deeply thoughtful individual, a visionary, but most importantly a person who had the ability to connect with everyone he met. He reminds me of the famous statement said by Will Roger, "I never met a man (or a woman) who I didn't like". That was Brian. One favorite story was the time I was talking to him in his office and as his eyes closed and he drifted off, only to open them a few seconds later stating "I wasn't asleep only thinking". That Brian; always thinking even when he looked like he was sleeping. <br />All my love to the O'Neill family for sharing Brian all these years. An inspiration for all of us.<br /><br />Tom Ross<br />Retired HCRS and NPS (1979-2006)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915033531179438334.post-51514752209453335612009-05-15T18:52:00.000-07:002009-05-15T18:52:00.000-07:00It is so amazing to read all the wonderful words f...It is so amazing to read all the wonderful words from everyone. It will keep Brian alive in everyone's hearts. Although I have not seen him in a while, I feel so connected to him. God Bless you all and please know you all are in my heart.<br />Love, Michelle LewisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com