Robert Brierley

He arrived at Ellis Island in 1934 with $50 in his pocket and soon began working three jobs. He joined the Army Air Corps and rose to the rank of Master Sergeant working as an instructor to airplane mechanics. Hoping to go to Europe to fight the Germans, he was instead transferred to the Amarillo Air Force Base where he met his future bride, Sybal Hazel. He became a U.S. citizen in 1945 and retained dual British and American citizenship. He was a true American patriot, grateful for the opportunities he found here and proud of his military service.

He remained happily married to Sybal from 1943 until her death in 1998. A romantic sentimentalist, he grieved her passing every day.

Bob was an avid skier, a sport he continued into his 80’s. He and Sybal introduced members of the Amarillo Ski Club to the new ski area in New Mexico in the mid 1950’s, thus beginning his life-long relationship with Taos Ski Valley (TSV) and the Blake Family. Bob helped form Taos’ first ski patrol in the early 1960’s and was instrumental in building TSV’s first condominium, the Kandahar. He served as financial advisor and corporate officer for over fifty years and was a member of TSV’s Board of Directors at the time of his death. Bob served Taos Ski Valley longer than anyone except for Rhoda Blake. He and Sybal hosted many parties in Taos and shared their home with friends from around the world. For many years, Bob, dressed in his U.S. Army uniform, was one of the Grand Marshals in the Village of Taos Ski Valley’s annual Fourth of July parade. He was touched when his friends at TSV honored him on his 90th birthday with a surprise party, and friends from around the world sent their greetings.

In addition, Bob was a former member of Amarillo Range Riders, retired credit manager of Diamond Shamrock, President of Amarillo Credit Association, and a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Amarillo. He was a loyal fan of the Blackburn Rovers and the Dallas Cowboys.

A true “English gentleman” who never hesitated to voice his political opinion, he could talk for hours about world events. He was a scholar in the noblest sense of the word: he was passionate about learning. He and Sybal traveled the world, but few destinations offered him the satisfaction he derived from the courses he took at King's and Christ's Colleges, Cambridge. He compensated for his failure to conquer cyberspace by devouring print sources on world history, economics, and politics. BBC’s Parliamentary channel was a grand source of entertainment for him. Friends suggested that his dog, Callie, a Jack Russell terrier, barked with an English accent.

He had nearly 96 years of a wonderful life and managed to side step lingering illness, home health care, Meals on Wheels, and what he called "one of those old-lady places they've invented fancy names for," all of which he hated. Against all odds, he maintained his independence, quest for knowledge, and his wry sense of humor to the end.

He is survived by his dog Callie, several nieces and nephews, as well as many friends in England and Taos Ski Valley. Special thanks to Dr. David Brister, the Blake family of Taos Ski Valley, Kim Mason, Carla DeFrance and Chris Chirnside.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to whoever runs against Obama.