Brian Harry Kroot

Brian was born on September 19th, 1956, in Portland, to Hyman and Margaret Perrson Kroot. As a child, some of Brian’s earliest memories were going into work with his father early on Saturday mornings to work in the print shop. Brian graduated from Deering High School in 1974 with an avid interest in photography and as a member of the football team. He continued his education at Rochester Institute of Technology and majored in Printing. Brian or “Root” as he was called by his fraternity brothers, served as Pledge master and President of Theta Xi.

Brian met his wife, Deborah Noyes Kroot, of Portland, on Long Island, ME at a Labor Day party in 1980. Deb enriched his life with a passion for sailing and traveling, most notably to their favorite vacation spot in St. Maarten. After marrying in 1986, they had three children, Jason, Travis and Alexis who became the focal point of their lives. Brian never missed any of the kids’ sporting events and logged thousands of miles driving them regionally to different ski competitions. He was a family man at heart and made special time for regular ski trips out west, vacations down south, and boating along the Maine coast on “Cupecoy”, named after their favorite beach in St. Maarten. His pups, Nitro, Guin, and Neva would ride everywhere with him and were most happy when they were by his side. After suffering the tragedy of losing his wife, Deb, in 2008 he spent his last four years living life completely and embracing every relationship he had.

Professionally, Brian began working with his father upon graduating from RIT and together, they turned Northeastern Composition Company into Northeastern Graphic Supply, a printing supplies distributor. Brian grew NEGS to become one of the largest distributors in New England and later acquired a second office in Enfield, Connecticut. He was greatly respected within the industry and served on multiple organizations, most notably as president of the North American Graphic Arts Suppliers Association. Those who worked for Brian remember him for his compassion, generosity, and friendship.

Throughout his years, Brian developed many different passions but none ever matched his love for skiing. Sugarloaf became his true second home and this is where he spent the majority of his winter. In 2004, he earned his pilot’s license and loved every minute he was in the air flying his plane “Sugar Papa”.

Brian spent his time after his initial diagnosis in December of 2010 reconnecting with old friends, traveling, and enjoying every minute. He attended numerous concerts, sporting events and was able to travel to Italy and Israel with his children only 3 weeks before passing. His battle against Leukemia was nothing short of heroic and in the community he was an inspiration. Perhaps only stronger than his will to fight was his appreciation of the doctors and nurses at Maine Medical Center, Brigham and Women’s and especially at Dana Farber. He was a favorite patient to many and known best for his wonderful sense of humor.

Brian is survived by his mother of Portland; his three children, Jason, Travis and Alexis; his sister Merry Kogel; aunt Harriet Weisman; father-in-law Earl Windy Noyes; his uncle-in-law, Donald Adams and his wife Patricia Adams, of West Hartford, CT.

He was preceded in death by his father Hyman and his wife Deborah.

Family and friends are invited to a time of Visitation from 4-7 pm Sunday, August 5th, 2012, at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home. A celebration of his life will be held at the Woodfords Congregational Church with Rabbi Harry Sky officiating on Monday, August 6th, 2012, at 10 AM. Directly after, Interment will take place at Temple Beth El Cemetary in South Portland . A reception will follow at the Kroot Residence, 12 Coveside Rd. Cumberland Foreside. Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Brian's guestbook.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites everyone to join or contribute to the Jimmy Fund Walk which was one of Brian’s favorite events of the year. To donate online or join – visit http://www.jimmyfundwalk.org/2012/bkroot. Checks may be made out to “Jimmy Fund Walk” and sent to Jimmy Fund Walk, P.O. Box 3595 Boston, MA 02241. (please include memo line – “Brian Kroot 234550833”).

The Kroot family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Dina Duffey, who truly enriched Brian’s life over the last year and a half. Her compassion and continuous love were instrumental in his ability to persevere through the obstacles brought on by his disease. Brian was also very grateful to his many close friends who followed his battle ever so closely, rooting for him each day. Finally, the family would like to thank his anonymous bone marrow donor, Dr. S and all of the incredible people at DFCI, MMC and B&W who afforded us an extra year with our father.