Obituary of Kendell Patrick Brimstein

Kendell Patrick Brimstein (January 26, 1938 – November 26, 2021), 83 yrs. old, Webster, NY

The world changed for the better on January 26, 1938. While Ken was born in Chicago, he called Rochester home for most of his 83 years. He was a product of the city, shaped by its Catholic Churches, Aquinas Institute, and The University of Rochester. After a 3-year stint in the Marine Corps and some college work in Canada, he returned to his hometown. He loved Rochester and was attuned to its evolution over his lifetime. As its landscape changed, he maintained his intimacy with the city through constant exploration of its culture – art festivals, ballet, food, golf courses, coffee shops, road races, park trails, all side-by-side with his wife Norma.

His body served him well throughout his years. He was a life-long golfer with a fluid swing and a drive that arced up, faded gently to the right and descended straight down from its apex. To his three children's delight he housed the impossibly large "Moon" trophy in their basement on Harvington Drive for more than his fair share of years. Early on, he enjoyed the JCC with family in tow. There he played handball with his friends, while his kids reveled in exploring the pool complex and the facility's maze of offerings. His mid-life crisis was a healthy one, defined not by a sportscar, but a budding passion for distance running. It was the same sport that he had earlier instilled in his two sons on summer night jogs around the cinder track tucked behind Listwood Elementary School. The Rochester, Boston, Marine Corps, and Ottawa marathons were all indelibly worn on the soles of his sneakers and served as an inspiration to a family that still actively engages in the sport. He was an avid gardener/landscaper who cut a beautifully curving puzzle-piece edge and groomed a lawn befitting of Oak Hill. Recently, he and Norma enjoyed hiking Webster's extensive network of trails. Fiercely independent and capable to the end, he drove everywhere, adeptly followed the intricacies of the financial world, routinely exercised at the gym, regularly immersed in nature, and prayed daily for his family.

It's fitting that his last meal was Thanksgiving dinner, because he was consistently grateful for life, stayed curious throughout, and maintained an adventurous spirit. Ken was a rare constant learner who grew as a person, became more liberal, kinder, and compassionate. He also never took his responsibility of being a good husband, a dedicated father, and an informed, active, and civil citizen lightly. So, after years of faithfully playing the role of the steady hand and observant leader who always showed up, we choose to believe that good karma brought his family together for one last meal, and placed us all in that room, completely present, to witness the end of a life well-lived.

Ken is predeceased by his parents Patrick and Edith Pease Brimstein, his beloved horse Thunder, and dogs Foxy, Bosco, and Dutch. He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Norma Heberger Brimstein, his daughter Wendy (Philip) Epstein, his sons Patrick and Rennie, his sisters Judy (Larry) Kesel and Joan Brimstein (Tim Gorman), his 7 grandchildren – Emily (James) Rouse, Rebecca Epstein (Nik Koscielniak), Grace Epstein, Alexander (Anna), Aviaja, Quincy, and Ginger Brimstein – and his great grandson Jack Rouse.

Friends may join the family Monday, December 13, 10:00 am at St Cecilia's Church (2732 Culver Road) for his Funeral Mass. Please wear a mask.

For those who are not be able to attend Ken's service may view it LiveStream through the Paul W. Harris Funeral Home Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/paulwharrisfuneralhomepetsatpeace/.
Please note: A personal Facebook account is not required. If prompted to “Login” or “Create New Account,” simply click the “Not Now” link to bypass the prompt. Livestream will start 10 minutes prior to the service time.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting URMC Wilmot Cancer Institute's Apheresis Department (whose staff cared for, nurtured, and befriended Ken over many years… he thought the world of them), any animal shelter, or someone fallen on hard times.