Pat
The Engineering Class of 1971 met in Galway last weekend and we were shocked and very upset to learn of Finbarr's death. As you know he was top of our class and very popular with all of us. The Class wish to express our sincere sympathy to you and the boys and we will remember Finbarr in our prayers.
On a personal note, as a flatmate of Finbarr's in Galway, I find it difficult to accept what has happened. Valerie and I remenber your visit to stay with us in Drogheda in the late 70s and your visit to Finbarr's mother in Roselawn. I find it hard to believe what has happened and both I and the Class of 71 know that a fine man has left this place.

John Martin

Dear Pat
The Engineering Class of 1971 met this weekend in Galway and we were shocked to learn Finbarr's death. As you know he was top of our class and very popular with all of us and we wish to pass on our condolences to you and the boys. There is little one can say at a time like this but we will remember him fondly.
On a personal note, as a former flatmate of Finbarr's, I find it hard to believe what has happened. Valerie and I remember your trip to stay with us in Drogheda in the 70's and again when you both were visting Finbarr's mother in Roselawn.
Our prayers and the prayers of those of the Class of 71 are with you

John Martin

Have just heard with great sadness of the death of Finbarr.  Westport mourns his loss.  The Bruen and Staunton boys grew up together in Westport, Co Mayo, Ireland.  We were great friends and neighbours.  They were multi-talented but with their feet very much on the ground.  Gentlemen through and through.  Deepest sympathy to Pat, Kevin, Michael, Séamus, Declan and extended family on their great loss.  May his noble soul enjoy the light of Heaven.  Prayers and kind thoughts, Seán and Sal Staunton, Westport.

Dear Pat,
Shashank & I were greatly saddened to hear about Finn's death. We had enjoyed so much having you at our home for the BWA reunion so recently.  Finn was truly a gentle and caring person, never failing to inquire about our family.  Shashank respected him for his fine intellect. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Brian, and Michael. As we are in California, we were unable to attend the funeral.  I will call you when I return home next week.
With sympathy & warm regards,,
Medha

Dear Pat, Michael, and Kevin:

I am currently on assignment in Canada and regret that I could not attend the services with Laurie.  I was deeply saddened when Laurie phoned me to tell me about Finn’s passing.

I worked with Finn at Exxon Production Research Company in the 90’s and, like others who worked with him, respected his engineering capabilities and insight.  I had the highest regard for Finn’s engineering knowledge – he was a brilliant man.  I recall at times during meetings or in one-on-one discussions with him, he made me feel inferior and I recall asking “Finn, can you explain that in layman’s terms?”  I also recall the many conversations we had when I was doing yard work in my side yard.  Finn would be driving by and then stop to have a chat.  We usually talked about what each of us was working on, new Exxon projects that may be coming up, and “gossiped” about individuals we knew who got promoted or transferred to new assignments.  He always had a positive outlook and a sense of humor.

Finn will be missed.  Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss; my prayers are with you.

Pat:

I just learned of Finn's death. I am so sorry. I, too, remember him as being a gentle, kind man.

Dear Pat, Kevin and Michael

Finny - as George Davenport and I used to call him - was and will remain a dearest friend! For 10 years, since I joined ExxonMobil, the three of us worked together many difficult projects, and through tough times, learned to trust, depend on and support each other.

With Serghios, Jed, Rollins, Kailash, Bob Appleby, we enjoyed our lunches at the "Table of Truth" in the Concourse Level of Greenway Plaza. This was our Hydepark Corner at which we freely discussed all matters and practiced freedom of speech. Politics, ExxonMobil, sports, religion, characters around, etc ... Founding members of the Table of Truth had nick names: Finn's was the Bear (Bruen). One had to earn a nickname from the Table of Truth, and most often was  bestowed on him by Finn or George.

It is NOT easy for me to write about FINNY ... Between his kind Irish heart, his photographic memory, his brillant sense of humor, his christian behavior everyday, his dedication to the family, his loyality to his friends, ... one can't help but LOVE to be around Finn.  We traveled many places together, Vancouver, Oslo, San Francisco, etc ... It's through these trips that one discovers how kind of a person Finn was.

By God, if Finn is not in heaven, who would make it.  May God bless his soul and strengthen us till this day.

With the greatest respect for FINNY's memory.

Adel

Dear Pat, Kevin and Michael,
 We are so very sad to hear of Finn's passing.  We fondly remember all the special times together when we lived in The Woodlands.  Finn had such a kind and gentile manner and what a great father. We hold you dear to our hearts and lift you up in prayer during this difficult time. Our deepest sympathy.

Dear Bruen family,

I can't tell you how many times over the years that we have thought of you guys, especially about the "stereo system" you and Finn received when you attended that Time Share presentation many moons ago.  I always loved Finn, with his great sense of humor.  It is with tremendous sadness that I write this note.  Even though we have not seen him in years, he has always remained in our hearts, as you have, Patty.  The pictures are wonderful.  I know that Finn has a special place in heaven.  God bless you and your family.  Our prayers are with you.

Dear Pat, Michael and Kevin, and Bruen Family,
We are very, very sad to hear of Fin's passing.  He was (and still is with our Lord) a wonderful, amazing man!  We enjoyed knowing him when he coached your Michael and our Michael years ago in soccer.  No words can express our sympathy, just know that we send our love and most importantly, our prayers.  We are truly praying for you, Pat and your boys.  I know that our Lord will comfort you and give you strength to endure.  Also, if I can be of help the end of July or during August - I will send you my contact information via private communication.  We are still living overseas, but will be in The Woodlands during that time. Love Always,  Louise Yearout (and Tim, Rebecca and Michael Yearout)

Dear Bruen family:

Please accept our deepest condolences for the passing of our dear friend Fin.  

I have known Fin since joining ExxonMobil four years ago.  I truly enjoyed working with and learning from him.  He has impressed me with his extensive knowledge and personal kindness.  Fin has been a good friend and his tragic loss has left a great void in my life.

Please accept our sincere sympathy in this moment of pain.  Fin and you are in our thoughts and prayers.

With the kindest regards,

Sincerely yours,

Dr. Neven Krstulovic with family

Dear Bruen Family,
Wes, Brian and I were extremely saddened to hear about "Coach" Bruen's passing.  He was an excellent coach/teacher/role model for every young life he touched.  He will be missed by all.  You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Ammerman Family

Dear Pat & Family

Hazel & I are on the road near Detroit, so we'll be unable to attend the services.  My best memory of Finn was our experience during the Sleipner audit in the early 90s.  He was the voice of reason and the concrete expert on the audit team. He kept the rest of us grounded in the practical aspects of the construction that eventually proved to be the key to the diagnosis of the accident.  We'll all miss his technical expertise; but I'll especially miss him as my golf spectating companion at the Woodlands.  Our deepest sympathy and condolences.  Finn will be in our prayers as we attend Mass this weekend.

Dear Mrs. Bruen and Family: As I look at Fin's  picture, I fondly remember the many years I have known him. It all began when he worked at Brian Watt Associates. I immediately recognized Fin to be a great engineer. To my personal delight, he eventually joined us at EPR. He was a great colleague and friend to many of us. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to know him  and to work with him. I will miss him, but I will think of him often. Especially, during World Cup Socccer I will rout for Fin's favorite team, the Irish.

Dear Bruen family,
I am greatly saddened by this tragedy. I have worked with Finn since he started with Exxon, both back in the EPR days many years ago and more recently in his work at EMDC. In fact, I was with him in what well might have been his last work "meeting" here.

I have wonderfully fond memories of Finn. We spent many days together in travel to places like Norway, UK, and Vancouver BC. Our first travel together was many years ago to New Orleans. The weather was bad and the plane detoured to Birmingham Alabama and we were thus horribly late. Nevertheless, he never had a bad word to say about anything. He was always unflappable. 

Finn was one of the few really smart people I have ever been associated with. He had tremendous engineering insight and was highly respected for his judgment. More importantly, he had integrity and a very caring heart.

I miss him.  To Kevin and Michael – you had a wonderful father. Cherish his life. To Pat, I am very sorry and offer my condolences.

Pat, Kevin & Michael
My heart goes out to each of you.  I know this is an extremely hard time for each of you.  You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Family,
I am so saddened by your tragedy and significant loss.  I wish I could be there to offer love and support at this time.  Praying for you as you face this new reality day by day.  Thinking of you every day.....

love,

Carolyn Librizzi

Brian and I are deeply saddened by the news of Finn's passing. We were so happy to see him after all of these years on our recent trip to Houston for the reunion. Please accept our deepest sympathy and affection.

Michael and family, 
My prayers and thoughts are with each of you during this most difficult time.  I remember the beautiful smiles you and your dad would exchange everytime he came to have lunch with you.  I am available to assist you in any way, just ask.  
Peace
Mrs. Charpentier

OBITUARY

Finbarr Jarlath Bruen

June 6, 1950 – June 25, 2011

Forest Park - The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery

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