William James "Bill" Brion

Age 96, passed away in Albuquerque on April 30, 2014 after suffering a fall on Easter Sunday. He was born August 22, 1917 in Quincy, MA. Bill was a resident of NM since 1956. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Dorothy Cecelia Rose Brion of Boston; his parents, Julius and Alma Jean Brion of Suffok County, MA; and three siblings, Edna, John, and Anna. He and Dorothy are survived by their three children; Kathryn Barbara Shepherd and husband Jerry of Northport, AL, Richard William Brion and wife Kathy of Albuquerque, and Gordon V. Brion M.D. and long time partner Kevin R.Towner of Palm Springs, CA. Bill is also survived by his grandchildren, Beau William Brion and Bailey Rose Brion of Albuquerque; and many other family and friends. Shortly after marriage in 1944, he volunteered for WWII. He joined the US Navy and saw active duty in the South Pacific. Bill and Dorothy moved to Albuquerque after he obtained an Engineering degree to work at Sandia Nuclear Weapons Lab where he worked for 35 years. Upon retiring he volunteered at the Albuquerque Nature Center, St. Vincent De Paul, and the Nature Conservancy. Bill was an avid train enthusiast , woodworker, and enjoyed attending the Santa Fe Opera as well as all types of live classical music. He will be greatly missed by his family and everyone who knew him. A Rosary will be recited Sunday, May 4, 2014 at 3:00 pm at FRENCH - Lomas Chapel, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE. The Mass of Ressurection will be celebrated, Monday, May 5, 2014 at 9:00 am at The Shrine of St. Bernadette, 11509 Indian School Rd NE, with entombment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Friends may visit Sunday, May 4 from 2-3 pm at FRENCH - Lomas Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Albuquerque Nature Center, the Nature Conservancy, and St Vincent DePaul. Please visit our online guestbook for Bill at FRENCH - Lomas 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500