Loss In Our Forum Family - Bryan Passed Away

[Bill C]

Bryan passed away this morning - posting from his blog:
_________________
Family, Friends and Loved Ones: Bryan passed away this morning at 6:30am mountain time. He passed in his sleep and was in no pain. Bryan cared deeply about all of you and we thank you for your caring and support.

Funeral services will be held in Cerritos, California on a date to be determined. Details will be posted as soon as possible.

____________________

[Linda G]

This will never seem true. Connie, we are all with you, even if not physically. When you think of something you want or need from ANY of us, we are here.

[Tom V]

Bryan had a unique combination of talents. He was incredibly gifted as a technician, artist and friend. He shared so much of his time, effort and vision with us, it is impossible to understate his contribution to our community. The beauty in nature that he saw and shared will continue to inspire us. Rest in Peace Bryan, you are missed.

[ChazR]

Oh, Connie. What can anyone say. He brought us all together...sort of like a second family. I can't tell you how badly he'll be missed.

[deMille]

The loss of a fine person is the most difficult. Most of us have never met personally yet our interaction within this group has rewarded us in our acquaintances and Bryan was the reason for much of that happening. It is an honor to have shared that time.

The best to his family and to the family here.

Dale

[Auminer]

We LOVE YA Bryan...God Bless!

[Wilm]

Sorry to hear that, especially the day before Christmas ....

We've kept Byran in our Christmas-prayers and for sure he is now in the painless heaven.

Thanks Bryan for putting us all together ! From up there, you will see all of us thinking about you :)

With condolences,
Wilm

[KeithM]

I can't express how shocked I am to hear this. Our thoughts are with you Connie.

Keith.

[High ISO!]

I'm saddened by this news.
I'm so sorry.....
Bryan was an inspiration to this forum, and many others. He was able to do anything he set out to do, and he did it with expertise!

My condolences to Connie and the rest of Bryan's family.....
Alissa

[AzRich]

Connie- I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet both of you. Please feel the presence of all of us in supporting you at this time. Physically we are all over the world, but emotionally we are all right there for you. Make sure that all those who cared for Bryan know that we are here and we all benefitted from our contact with him.

If we can do anything to help of your family, let us know.

[Sleeping Bear]

Goodbye my friend, until we meet again without the cares of this world.

Prayers and hugs for you Connie.

[LightWriter6208]

Wow..Connie..my condolences as well...I'm shocked to say the least. Bryan was much loved and will be missed.
Love to your family,
Alice

[coolrun]

Very sorry to hear this news. My condolences to Brian's family and friends.

[Wolfspirit]

So sorry to hear this Connie. He will be missed by all of us. His pain is now over but his spirit will live on in all of our hearts. Peace and prayers..Warren

[Auminer]

Condolences from Serge:
Very saddened to hear this news, condolences to Connie and Family.
Bryan was a fine photographer and friend to many, responsible for keeping the peace
and keeping this unique far flung community going,

Rest in Peace Friend.


Serge

[chris72]

I feel terrible to hear this news, but I know that, our friend "BRYAN will be forever here from this forum !!!" We must continue this !
George

[Ross]

I am so sorry to hear this :( Bryan will be very much missed. Connie, my thoughts are with you at this very sad time.

Ross

[GaryB]

RIP Bryan. You will be a huge loss to our forum family.

Gary

[sandman]

So Sorry to hear this terrible news , my sympathys to all his family ,

Brian

[fujifilmnut]

Connie,

Sandy and I feel fortunate to have had dinner and a wonderful evening with Bryan and you. Having you see our hometown, home, where we shoot our local pictures and spend an evening talking bout photography is something we will never forget and talk about often.

We felt instantly comfortable with both of you the moment we set eyes on you in your Jeep and hugged at the gas station where we met. I laugh about trading email messages as we narrowed the distance of your arrival, impressed how you and Bryan operated as driver/navigator/communications command central! :)

We hope you will be able to stay in communications with us and let us know how you are doing.

Your friends,

Sandy and Jim

[Bilbo]

Really sorry to hear this news.

Bob

[jhawk1000]

Connie

How time flies! It seems like yesterday when you, Bryan, Linda and I enjoyed a few days together in your home. We had such a good time and I was the one ill and Bryan seemed to be the indestructible one. I recall the times we met in Wichita, in Colorado even before you moved there with pain now but also recall the fun we had. Bryan driving us over 4 wheel passes while you navigated. I recall you taking the wheel and sliding us around a sharp turn while Bryan grinned at the reaction from the flat landers in the back. So many memories of such a nice man and nice lady. Bryan will be sorely missed but I do take comfort in the fact that his pain has gone and he lived a life well founded and as he wanted life to be. Not a lot of people can say that. It is now time for us to support you and the family and friends left behind. One day the pain will lessen for you and you will remember the fun times, the smile, the exuberance and it will bring joy at a life well lived.
Peace to you and all those whose lives Bryan touched.

Mel

[Ol'coot]

I just saw this post and Janice and I very saddened by this news. Although we never met Brian in person we felt as though he was a part of our extended family. Our sincere condolences to Connie and Family and to all on this forum, as our dear friend will be missed.

[Theo2005]

My deepest condolences to you and your family Connie.

[Ol'coot]

From Janice, Tony's wife
Connie, although I don't post here, I often read and look at the beautiful photography. Bryan has been in our prayers for many months now. He has brought so many people together in a close relationship through this forum. We all feel as if we knew him on a personal level. He will be missed. God Bless you and your family and know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

[photoworks]

It's been a while since I read the bad news...
No words to spell for the man that brought so many people so close.

Connie,
My deepest condolences to you, your family and your close friends.

[Steve P]

I can't really add anymore that hasn't already been said... Shocking shocking news. You'll never be forgotton Brian.

[Igor]

Rest in Peace, Bryan.
We'll always remember you.

[es136]

Rest in peace Bryan. Your generosity has touched our hearts. Your friends are grieving your loss across the world tonight.
Connie, I wish you and your family strength in this difficult time.
Eddie

[BadpicKev]

i am sorry for your loss connie. bryan was kind to a lot of people

[Brabara]

Connie and family I am so so sorry, a man in his prime.. its so unfare.......What an excellent photographer he was... I have spent many hours looking at his brilliant photographs.......XX
Barbara

[pauly99]

Connie, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Bryan brought inspiration and community (which continues) to a group of photographers who would otherwise be lost on the internet world.
Although I never met Bryan in person, he helped me along the way and as I found out the news today, I can only think of one thing that we can do... grab our cameras and enjoy our passion.

[Melody]

For whatever reason I seem to find comfort in various quotes and poems, I just found this one and it seems fitting for our 'family forum'


The Broken Chain

We little knew that morning that God was going to all your name,

In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone,

For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide,

And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same,

But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

-Author Unknown

Most will understand why I used 'green' it certainly isn't my favorite color;)


Melody

[rekhon]

This is a sad news.

I tried to post something a while back, but couldn't.

There weren't any words coming up, i had read this in the Christmas morning and now all my holidays will have this news in them. Bryan has made so much and made this global family come together. It's an incredible thing to create such a community. A community that through it's marvelous folks brought joy to me, to George, to JP and many others. Tears of happiness and tears of sadness had been shad.

But staying here feeling sorry doesn't do any one any good. I propose to you, that through our huge pool of various skills and through our good hearts, to keep our family and Bryan name for ever.

I say that we should make a Foundation in its name. A foundation that helps aspiring photographers to reach theirs next levels. We can all contribute and give a little.

I will offer the web hosting and the website creation for this foundation. I think that together we can make a difference for various people around the globe.

Sorry Connie, I know it's a hard sad time for you, but i hope God in his greatness will, in time heal your wounds! May peace be with you!

[Serge]

I say that we should make a Foundation in its name. A foundation that helps aspiring photographers to reach theirs next levels. We can all contribute and give a little.

I will offer the web hosting and the website creation for this foundation. I think that together we can make a difference for various people around the globe.



A very noble proposal, the legacy is already there, it is being felt and shared by many in diverse places right now.

[Jacqui Jay]

Just coming to this news this morning.

Bryan and this forum were part of my first experiences of both the computer world and cameras. I had so much help and advice from here and it made a big difference to my progress as a photographer. I always stood in awe and admiration of Bryan and aspired to be like him – I still do.

May he rest in peace, knowing that his spirit and inspiration live on through so many people.

[SiHing]

My deepest, heartfelt condolences go out to Conny and all of Bryan's family and friends! I still can't and don't want to believe that Bryan is gone; I do find some comfort in the thought that he spirit will be around forever though.

We went through a similar experience about three years ago, with all the endless fighting and hoping, without "winning" in the end, and I know how hard things have to be for you at this time. I really feel with you.
I have always managed to pull strenght out of remembering the happy and good times we all had together. May you find comfort as well soon!

Alex

[JPS]

Sorry to come in late, but I only heard about Bryan this monday morning, coming back to work.....

I don't know what to say, -in these cases the fact that one has to write in a language which you have to THINK before to write- so it's difficult for me to express exactly my feelings, but I first wanted to send my sincere condolences to Connie and his family...

Most of you -the older one in the forum- know how Bryan could be -and HAVE BEEN- generous and thoughfull ! In MY CASE, I will allways remember what he did for me: when I had my first Fuji S2 Pro broken, and no cash to get a new camera, he -with the help of many members of the forum- offered and sent me a Nikon D70..... just like that !!! I still find it hard to beleive !!! ...and I know I'm not the only one that Bryan helped out...

So, for his kindness, his dedication to this site, and his love of photography in general, he will be missed for a long time....

I really feel bad....

:cry:
Jean-Pierre

[NRA]

I am so sorry to hear this sad news. This forum was my first after my return to photography and Bryan was always there with help and advice, even when he was poorly he helped me.

God Bless.

Nigel

[Camarochas]

Connie, I am truly sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you. I'm sure you have a lot of great memories to keep Bryan's spirit alive.

Charlie

[toners]

Bryan will be missed, but the inspiration he passed on to us will remain. He had fine technical and photographic abilities, and great enthusiasm and joy in using them that came through via this Website. But most memorable is how he shared these things with this community. Much of my work that I am proud of was inspired through this forum.

[photoworks]

Posting from Bryan's blog
---

Celebration of Life


In Remembrance of Bryan Maine

1968-2008

In deference to his wishes, Bryan wanted a gathering of his friends and relatives to celebrate the many memories that have enriched all of our lives.

A celebration of life memorial gathering will be held.

Date: January 10, 2008

Time: 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Place: Sheraton Hotel, Garden Terrace Room

Address: 12725 Center Court Drive, Cerritos, CA 90703

website: www.sheraton.com/cerritos

RSVP by Jan 7, 2008

Phone: Robert Maine 562-865-1857

or email: robertmaine@gmail.com

In lieu of flowers please make donations in his memory to the American Cancer Society.

[Bruce Lorenz]

:-( so sorry

[robinp]

Such terrible, sad news.
Condolences to you and your family Connie although that seems an inadequate phrase for such a sad loss.
This forum has been (and remains) a unique presence on the internet - we are all in dept to the great man who started it all and gave so many of us the inspiration and help we needed as we floundered in the new discipline of digital photography.

Robin

[lightwrangler]

I can't add much, I just heard about this. Shocked and saddened, I am thankful for knowing him. He gave much to this forum so I can only imagine what he gave in the physical world.

My thoughts are with his family,
Adrian

[Bill C]

Remember Mike! He was an avid participant here for many years, however, was banned a couple of years ago. He sends his condolences:

As I haven't been able to post on the S2Pro site for several years I'd like to post condolences here for Brian and Connie's family. Brian and I never saw eye to eye regarding photography but his site was a beacon to all of us with shiny new Fuji S2's back in the day when they were first released.

He built a formidable international site around this camera and its obvious advantages. He will be missed.

If someone here is still able to post to the S2 forum, would you please be so kind as to post these comments there for me? I would be very appreciative.

Mahalo.

HulaaMike

[JPS]

Oooooops ! Late as usual...

I just got an email from Mike, aka HulaMike, asking me to relay his condolences to Bryan's family !

Nice to see that, even far away and not anymore member of the forums, people do feel the loss of Bryan !

J-P.

NB. Sorry if I'm not using the absolutely correct words in these circumstances to express what I mean to say, but I'm sure you understood it :dunce: !

[jesd]

I am so sorry and send my condolences to Connie and Bryans family.

I have always enjoyed this site and when I started with photography this is where I learned A LOT. So THANK YOU for that Bryan, and may you rest in peace.

Jes

[Andre]

Wow, a lot can happen in a short time. I haven't been on here in a while, and I was shocked to hear the news.

Bryan was the cornerstone of this site, and a damn fine photographer. I never had the pleasure of meeting him as many others here did, but I did have the pleasure of his advice. It was always straightforward and honest. It helped, and I appreciated that, and never took it the wrong way.

Such a piece of bad luck for such a young guy.

Bryan, you've touched a lot of people. Connie, my thoughts are with you.

Andre

[Bujo]

My heart goes out to everyone in his family. I met Bryan when he came to Kansas, years ago, and he let me use one of his lenses to shoot for a few minutes down on the river. I asked him how much it cost so I knew how much I owed him if I dropped it. He laughed and said $8000.00 and I told him I'd have to buy him a small car...lol. He was a good guy and always helped me out with lens knowledge and equipment questions.

I was in the hospital recovering from my second surgery for my cancer back in December and I apologize for not making it back to the forum sooner. I've tried to ignor anything to do with this horrible disease recently, just so I could have a sense of normalcy in my life.

As Bryan was a mentor to so many photographers young and old, I try to be a mentor too. As he was dedicated to producing a spectacular image, I try to as well. He had a great hand in helping out lots of people and I know this will continue in those he helped and influenced. With a single view of his portfolio one is inspired and I hope it continues to have an impact on photographers for years to come.

God Bless and long live the "Arm Pod,"

Bujo

[TimothyH]

Connie, I am so sorry to hear of the death of Bryan. I have been away from the forum for a while. My father was involved in his fight with cancer. He has passed away as well. It seems the whole world is suddenly different when someone so important to us is lost. My thoughts are with you.

Tim