A
life well-lived…
It
is with profound sadness that the family of Brian Searles announces
his passing on June 5, 2024, in Tampa, Fla., while undergoing
treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He was surrounded with
love by his wife and children until the end.
Brian
was born in Schenectady, N.Y., on March 12, 1947, to Frances
(Edwards) and R. Vincent Searles. He was raised in Vermont and
educated at Essex Junction High School (with four years as class
president, according to him), Champlain College (AD), Trinity College
(BA) and Saint Michael’s College (MPA).
Brian
lived a life of public service, starting as a police officer in Essex
Junction and eventually rising through the ranks to become the chief
of police in South Burlington. His first job for the State of Vermont
was as executive director of the Vermont Police Academy before he
moved on to become the commissioner of personnel, deputy secretary of
administration and secretary of transportation in two different
administrations. Brian was exceptionally proud of his team at the
Agency of Transportation in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene as they
worked tirelessly to rebuild the state’s transportation
infrastructure. He also served as St. Albans city manager and
director of aviation at the Burlington International Airport.
Brian
also volunteered for his community in many ways. He was active in
many organizations, including the United Way, Local Motion,
Preservation Vermont and the Vermont Criminal Justice Council, to
name just a few. And he was still working on getting that train to
Montréal.
Brian
had a lifelong love of music, instilling this in those around him,
and was never shy about sharing his limitless knowledge. His children
were the benefactors of his extensive vinyl collection, concertgoing
excursions and spontaneous music trivia quizzes. Brian also enjoyed a
good golf game, a nice chardonnay, a good book and an ice-cold Jai
Alai while watching the birds in his rookery.
Brian
is survived by his wife of 55 years and love of his life, Elizabeth
(Torrey); his son, Brad Searles, his wife, Amie, and their son,
Brendan; and his daughter, Kate Searles Brayton, her husband, Jim,
and their children, Jack and Fern. He also leaves his sister Wendy
(Searles) Young; brothers, Chris Searles, Tim Searles and Pat
Searles; and in-laws Bill Torrey, Barbara (Torrey) Hillinger, Jim
Torrey, Karen Searles, Carl Giddings and Bob Young. He will be deeply
missed by his nieces, nephews and the many friends who will love him
forever.
Brian
was predeceased by his mother and father, his sister Kathy Searles,
and his sisters-in-law Pam (Torrey) Giddings and Marjorie Torrey.
A
celebration of Brian’s life will take place on July 31, 2024, 4 to
7 p.m., at Hula, 50 Lakeside Ave., Burlington, VT, with remarks
starting at 5 p.m.
In
lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Brian’s name to Local Motion, 1 Steele St. #103, Burlington, VT 05401; North End Food Pantry, 1416 North Ave., Burlington, VT 05408; or Audubon Vermont,
255 Sherman Hollow Rd., Huntington VT 05462.
This article appears in Jun 12-18, 2024.
A great human being, willing to talk and laugh at about anything. Had not seen him in years, but found him answering his condo door when I was gathering signatures. Immediately we were back to the days of his state government adventures, both the head banging and agreements. I am deeply sorry to hear of his passing.
One of the nicest guys who ever lived. I was privileged to work with him when he was Commissioner of Personnel. We listened to the verdict of the OJ trial in his office – and were both stunned. Rest in peace, my friend. You were much loved.
Kathy Callaghan
Brian was one of the finest public servants I have ever known. I had the pleasure of working under him at Vtrans and he demonstrated the kind of leadership that made you proud to work there. He was also a wonderful friend. The times we shared on the golf course with Jeff Munger and Barry Driscoll always produce some really great memories.
Elizabeth, Artie and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of this really great guy.
Charlie Miller