Brian M. Bizier

Friday, August 26, 2011

Brian M. Bizier, 1978-2011.

Brian M. Bizier, whose motto – “it’s not about the parents, it’s about the children” – inspired the lives of hundreds of troubled teens and children across Central Massachusetts and Southern Maine, died suddenly on August 12 from complications related to Lyme disease, tragically cutting short his career as a clinical counselor. He was 33.

Remembered as a “passionate and gentle presence” on the front lines of mental health care in some of New England’s toughest communities, Brian spent the past two years on a unique Counseling Services, Inc. program aimed at creating a broader vision of what counseling in Southern Maine could be.

“When Brian spoke people listened because he was always so thoughtful with his words,” said Nadine Fenderson, Brian’s project supervisor.

After earning a Bachelor’s in Humanities from the University of New Hampshire in 2001, Brian rapidly honed his skills at New England mental health and substance abuse treatment providers, including Devereax and Sweetser. He earned a Master’s in Counseling from UNH along the way.

Admired by his colleagues and clients for his humility and open heart, in private life Brian also displayed great wit and often half-joked that he “looked for God his own way.” But his love of reading and his bookshelves packed with philosophy, psychology and poetry classics showed the inspiration for mending lives came from the profoundest sources.

During his teenage years, Brian shined on the soccer and baseball fields of Hollis-Brookline High School in his native Hollis, NH. Over time, he blossomed into a world traveler, versatile guitar player, World Cup soccer aficionado and self-taught gourmet cook, who passionately grew his own vegetables and herbs. He once said, “my garden is my church.”

Above all, he was a young family man.

Just four years ago, he and his wife of 11 years, Melanie, set-up a homestead in the rolling hills of Springvale, Me. There he shared his gourmet touch during Christmas Day feasts that featured his special 10-hour cooked beef bourguignon and homemade tiramisu. The air at those gatherings filled with magic when he played music with his daughter, Sierra.

Brian lived a huge life in a short time. Those closest to him felt blessed to be near a true and young New England renaissance man.

Besides his loving daughter, Sierra Connell-Bizier, of South Berwick, Me., and wife Melanie (Taylor) Bizier, of Springvale, Me., Brian is survived by his beloved dog Tug, his in-laws Diane and Craig Holbrook, of Lebanon, Me., his mother, Barbara Bizier of Hollis, NH, his maternal grandmother, Muriel Goodwin of Hudson, NH, and his older brothers Steven, Andy and Jimmy. Tears are also being shed for him by many cousins, nieces, nephews, other family members across New England, and friends, both professionally and personally, from Hong Kong to Sarajevo.

A memorial service will be held for Brian later this year in Southern Maine. Arrangements are by the Johnson Funeral Home, 26 Market st. North Berwick, Me. Online condolences ca be expressed at www.JohnsonFuneralHomeMe.com.

In lieu of flowers, please plant a garden. Reach out. Change a life.