D&R Greenway Land Trust mourns the loss of Chairman of the Board of Trustees Brian Breuel, who died in late May. “He was an enthusiastic, committed leader who cared deeply about the mission of preserving land,” says D&R Greenway Land Trust President and CEO Linda Mead.
His wife Shirley speaks of his pride in the legacy of D&R Greenway: “While driving around the area, Brian would proudly point out properties that D&R Greenway had preserved. He loved being involved with the organization and believed deeply in its work.” “Brian was truly a guiding light,” says Linda. “He clearly understood the value of preserving green places in our community, inspired by his two young grandchildren.”
Brian was a graduate of the Lawrenceville School, Princeton University (where he was about to celebrate his 50th reunion) and the University of Florida College of Law. He held masters’ degrees in financial services management and financial planning, and founded Wealth Strategies, LLC, located in Lawrenceville.
A Renaissance man, Brian took a mid-life five-year sabbatical, sailing on a Hinckley yawl in the Caribbean. His lust for adventure led him to work on a cattle ranch in Wyoming and become a certified Advanced Open Water scuba diver. Brian wrote books for major publishers about insurance and annuities as well as wealth preservation strategies. He served on numerous boards including the Lawrenceville School, his Alumni Class at Princeton University and Westminster Choir College.
“One of his biggest passions was for the environment. In his quiet way he transferred that love for natural beauty to everyone on the board,” says Phyllis Marchand, who succeeds him as Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Brian focused on building a strong and stable D&R Greenway, using his financial acumen and strategic thinking to guide the organization into the future.”
“Brian was a wonderful gentleman and thoughtful leader who cared deeply about D&R Greenway and our mission,” says Linda Mead. “He continued to participate, even during his final days. His presence will continue to be felt through the contributions he made. He was especially excited to establish the Revolving Land Fund. As Brian said to me during our last meeting, ‘Preserving land is the most important thing we can do.’”
