To the Zamboni Family,
Seven years have passed, and Dr. Zamboni is still being thought of today.  I'm sorry this message is so delayed as I just learned of his passing.   Your son/brother/friend was a gift to the community of St. Mary's University.  I had Dr. Zamboni for Sex Therapy class as a MFT student and he taught me so much in one semester.  I believe he helped me become a safe space for so many couples to talk about sex and not be afraid of their sexuality. That is such a dynamic gift to countless people!  Please know that while his life on earth was way too short, his legacy continues in the students he taught (myself and countless others) and the clients he worked with daily.  What a gift and a light to the world he was for so many!  Sending you all so much love today.  Praying that Dr. Zamboni's memory continued to be honored through the joy and love of learning he shared with us all.  

xoxo, 
Kelly Tousignant Senesac, LMFT  (St. Mary's 2006)

I just learned today about Dr Zamboni passing.   I was a client of his and I want to say thank you to him for helping me find myself. He was the first one I saw about being transgender woman and even though I was still hiding who I was. He helped me soooo much.  I know he knew even though I tried denying it 
I am sorry for your loss.  I am sure he will be missed by many people he helped.  I will miss him. 

I was a client of Dr. Zamboni from about 2012-2014, and am sad to learn about his death. I made substantial progress in my family/friend relationships and self-esteem during that time. He helped me "follow my dreams", take calculated personal (dating) and professional (changing careers) risks that otherwise wouldn't have happened. And he helped others - I recall one guy who walked into Dr. Zamboni's group in the middle of divorce proceedings; a couple years later, married (I attended the wedding), a child would follow a year later, and now fully present for his wife and child. Another client - moved away from Minnesota, I ran into this client about a year ago, he said, "I miss Brian, he really helped me." And both of us commented how understated Dr. Zamboni was - he was very good, impacted his clients profoundly, and we weren't sure if Dr. Zamboni fully realized or appreciated that about himself. And there are no doubt countless others he helped, in the parts of life that really matter - marriages saved, parents fully present for their children, abuse stopped/prevented, dreams pursued, family relationships restored. Thank you.

Tonight I was greatly saddened to learn of Dr. Zamboni's sudden departure.  As other friends have related here, I met Brian 3 years ago at the southwest Ohio double-header staircase races.  Thereafter, it was an invigorating joy whenever I'd see his radiant smile at another event.  He generously complimented & inspired other racers, will be sorely missed, & fondly remembered.  Our temporary loss is Heaven's eternal gain.

I know Brian from classes we attended together at the YWCA, I always looked forward to seeing him there! He   would greet me with that lovely, genuine smile, inquire about my well being and then of course inspire me to work my hardest in our workout class.  Though we only knew each other from our workouts, Brian would recalled details about my life outside of the Y, he would ask for updates and share words of encouragement!  I miss his vigor, his joy, his obvious love for people and their health and that infectious positivity.  His absence is a great loss for the Y community and I have felt that void since his passing.  I am so sorry for the hole left in the lives of those who loved and knew him well, his family and friends. I feel blessed to have known, however so slightly, such a special human being!  Thank you Brian for the love and energy you shared with me!

I moved to Minneapolis just last year for medical residency. Brian has been helping me face significant issues in my life and I will forever be grateful to him for that. My heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, friends, colleagues, and patients. May your good deeds and insightful words live on through the lives you touched, Brian. Thank you for helping me change my life.

I was a patient of Dr Zamboni’s. He helped me gain the confidence to take steps toward a career pathway I had given up on. I received news of his passing less than a minute apart from getting the job offer he made possible. I can’t believe I won’t get to thank him for changing the whole trajectory of my life. I guess I’ll just say it here: Thank you, Dr. 

Yesterday members of Brian's Water Aerobics class gathered and shared memories of Brian. Jim Ayers, who worked on projects with Brian and was a member of Brian's Water Aerobics class made a hummingbird for each of us to hold the memory of Brian. All remembered how Brian reached out to us when we first met and he remembered us from then on. His workouts were unique and fun. He incorporated both friendship and physical activity in every class. We will all miss him.


So sad to hear the news today. I was a patient and had developed a close connection with Brian. He seemed to understand me well. I was excited to meet with him again and share with him some recent successes including reading a book (the gifts of imperfection) that he had recommended to me. It was a brilliant recommendation that was incredibly poignant. I have almost finished reading it a second time. My conversations with him were a big help and I’m devastated I won’t be able to have more conversations with him.  Big hugs to those that also knew Brian.  We lost a great one. 

Oh no, I can hardly believe it! I'll miss you and all of the great conversations and jokes we shared during many years of training runs.  I'll remember you every time I run the Mississippi River Road in the Twin Cities. May your spirit climb to new heights, my friend!

Brain- What a joy you were! Your passion and dedication in continually coming back to our stair climbs over the years was inspirational. You will be greatly missed by many. Prayers for peace will be going up for your family during this time. May God bless you guys.
Much Love, The American Lung Association in Tennessee + Fight For Air Climb Nashville Staff

Brian you were an absolute inspiration to other Climbers and American Lung Association supporters - across the country. It was an honor and privilege to work with you leading up to and during the Fight For Air Climb Detroit event. You can see your passion for climbing and our mission in these pictures.  You will be dearly missed. 

I had the privilege of meeting Brian when he participated in the Fight For Air Climb, in Columbus.  Brian was taking on two Ohio (vertical mile!) climbs that weekend.  I remember being so impressed by his amazing attitude and bright smile. He was so encouraging to the other climbers, thankful to the staff and volunteers, and determined to tackle the stairs. You could tell that he truly enjoyed every step he took! It was my pleasure to see Brian at many other climbs, across Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio. He became part of the American Lung Association Family, and we all feel so honored to have known him. May your memories and love, for Brian, comfort you in this time. I will remember Brian always, and keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. 

I met Brian in Columbus at the Rhodes Tower.  After hours together in the stairwell doing a Vertical Mile, we both traveled to Cincinnati to do another one the next day.   Our paths crossed at many subsequent stair races.   Brian was my step sibling (the competitive stair climbing community is like a big family; we call it our step family).  

Brian was a gifted athlete and truly enjoyed the events.  He gave it his all every time.  Equally he was a wonderful, friendly, caring person.  My heart sank when I learned of his untimely passing.  

Brian entered the next world while  doing something he loved and surrounded by friends.  May light perpetual shine upon you, my friend!   My heartfelt condolences go out to Brian's family, as well as to his friends, patients, students, and all the other people he touched.  Thank you for the privilege of having a chance to know you and for making the world a better place!

My thoughts and sympathy are with Brian's family, having known the Zamboni family from their years at Prospect Valley Elementary.  I have fond memories of the Zamboni "kids", and I'm very sorry for your loss.  Brian touched the lives of many.  

I was a running friend of Brian’s in Minneapolis. He was a fellow member in a running group and I had many mornings in the last few years running at 7am on a Saturday morning.  Only crazy people get that early to run and I always enjoyed his conversation— I know Brian did a little “guide running” as well that is helping a person who is blind run outside and being “their” eyes. My prayers are with the entire Zamboni family. God bless!

14 years ago Brian moved into the condo across the hallway about a week after I had.  I enjoyed our talks as we passed  each other when getting the mail  or heading down to the garage and sharing day to day activities. He was a wonderful person and I treasured him as a good friend. RIP my friend 

Brian was so much fun to play cards with and had such an easygoing manner.  He will be missed!


We were lucky to have Brian join our pool family at the YWCA over a decade ago.  We are not an easy bunch to corral into a workout.  Yet - Brian was not daunted and was not only an excellent instructor, but a fabulous human being.  He was so smart, funny, kind, and a joy to be around. He made working out fun! I feel honored to have known him and will miss him greatly.  My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

I met Brian six months ago after I experienced a personal trauma and needed support. He often brought me to tears with his gentleness and compassion.

Brian taught me to value myself and was a shining light during the darkest days of my life. His insights will stay with me always.

Brian was a joy and an inspiration to me at the YW and in our community. His smile lit up my heart and I will do my best to carry it forward. Thank you for sharing him with us in Minnesota. I am so sorry for your loss. Our world is a brighter place because of his influence. 

 Oh man i was blessed to play cards with  him always was great to play with and a neat smile i thank god for getting  a chance to meet him sorry for your loss 


                                Jeffrey  Dehn 

I started seeing Dr Zamboni in a professional capacity a few months ago at my clinic, Allina Clinic in Uptown, Minneapolis.  He was my therapist for a few sessions and we were making great breakthroughs and I was expecting to continue to see and work with him for the rest of this year.  I have just received the news by phone from the clinic that he has passed ... I am astonished, speechless ... He was kind, intelligent and incredibly good at what he did work wise ... and no doubt helped so many others like myself.   I am deeply saddened by this news but cannot imagine the grief being experienced by the rest of his family.  My heart goes out to all of you in this very difficult time.  I will always remember Dr Zamboni.   Rest in peace, Brian.

I'm a big fan of Brian!  He lead our water workouts at the YWCA every week.  He made class so much fun.  I'm heartbroken knowing that we've lost this thoughtful, funny, charming and friendly man.  I looked forward to our weekly sessions.  He lit up the room with his smile.
Thank you Brian, for all the hours of water antics, and your kind and gentle friendship.  I'll never forget you.

Jeanne

I met Brian last year while waiting in line for the race at the Stratosphere, though we both recognized each other from prior races.  We talked briefly the morning of the race in Salt Lake--just generally catching up and chit chat; I'm really glad I had the opportunity to do so.  Brian's smile was in full force that morning, and it's one of his signature traits.

I am very saddened to hear of the loss of my colleague.  He was an excellent mentor to our students; touching the lives of so many.  It was a pleasure to serve on dissertation committees with him, and he will be missed greatly.  My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends on this sudden and tragic loss.  

I am truly heartbroken with this tragic loss. My deepest condolences to Brian's family. Brian was such a sweet, nice person. He always had a smile on his face no matter what. I enjoyed the little time i got to work with him, he was one of the few providers i connected with at the Uptown Clinic. I will always remember the times he would make me laugh during lunch, and I will always keep the goodbye card he gave me on my last day as a memory of him. The last sentence reads: "I'm very happy for you, but I will miss you. I know you will be successful and continue to touch lives. Hugs, Brian." 

I will miss you too Brian, and thank you for believing in me. Rest in peace. ❤

Brian was my advisor for my master's thesis. He was amazingly good at empowering others. My fondest memory is of him dancing, quite well I might add, to a techno song in front of a class. Thank you Brian for being part of my journey. Thank you to your parents for raising such an inspiring human. You will be missed on this side. I wish your family peace. 

We at Towerrunning World Association would like to offer our sympathy and condolences for Brian’s untimely passing. May you find peace and comfort in his memories. 

Brian was my former professor and amy supervisor during my clinical training. He was so compassionate and kind. He always helped me and guided me. He taught me a lot about the profession and was always there when I needed something. He will be missed greatly! Rest In Peace Dr. Z..

I am shocked and saddened by the loss of this very special person.  My condolences to all those close to him.  He was a colleague, but much more than that, a kind and caring and positive person, and that is a blessing in this life.

A photoshoot for PHS where Brian was doing "fake therapy".  2009

Brian presenting at PHS' 40th anniversary, 2009.

Brian and I met four or five years ago at a stair race, and would see him occasionally since then, including at his final race in Salt Lake City. He was always such a friendly, kind, and supportive guy, in addition to being a dedicated and accomplished racer. 

I only know Brian from that part of his life, but all these pictures show a much fuller picture, beyond the lobbies, stairwells and finish lines.  It's clear his life was full of love, from the beginning, and he was surrounded by beautiful and loving family and friends. He will be missed. 

Brian was an awesome climber, he won the his last Vertical Mile in Detroit. My heart goes out to his family & friends.

 I’ve included a photo of Brian doing what he loved. His last stair climb.  I was at the stair climb and several others that he has done. 
 You have my heartfelt sympathy . 

Brian was as solid and hard-working a colleague and as constant a friend as anyone could ask for. I will remember him dearly, as the gentle, reflective, inquisitive, quirky person he was. 

OBITUARY

Brian Daniel Zamboni

July 20, 1973 – March 5, 2019

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Crown Hill

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