Bryan Oryan Brines, or "Bob," was a 20th Century machinist, carpenter and Colorado rancher born 16 Jan 1893 in Keith County, Nebraska to Thomas Laren Brines 1859-1944 and Christina Marie Blomstrom 1864-1926. His parents met in Nebraska after Christina and her sister traveled there from Sweden to join their parents who had immigrated from Europe. They migrated west, living in several mountain towns over the years when Bob was growing up-Breckinridge, Montezuma, Leadville and finally Boulder after their five children were all adults.
Bob's siblings were Mabel, Everett, Albert, and Charlie. A baby sister, Martha, died in infancy.
He spent his formative years in nearby Montezuma a small town where his father owned a saloon. At age 16 Bob was the saloon's janitor and spoke of playing poker with the adult patrons. He graduated from high school in Leadville, Colorado. There he worked in a mine and learned to be a machinist. Over the next few years he picked up many skills he could use to sustain himself and his family including carpentry, auto mechanics, gardening and working as a cattleman on a ranch.
21 year-old Bob married 22-year-old Katie May Allen in Colorado Springs, Colorado 10 Jun 1914. Her pioneering family had lived in the area for many years. They lived in Lake George and Florissant, Park County, CO. Their daughter Roberta recalls, "I don't know the circumstances of their meeting and courtship but my best guess is that they met at one of the Saturday night dances popular at the time (in this area)."
Evelyn O. Brines was born in a hospital in Boulder, CO in 22 Jan 1919. The little family lives in Colorado Springs at least two years and then in Boulder where Bob's dad, Thomas, owned a cigar store located in downtown. Bob's sister Mabel and her two children lived with Thomas and Christina after Mabel was widowed when her husband died in the influenza pandemic of the time.
While brother Bert moved to California, Bob obtained work at the Boulder Canyon hydroelectric plant where his brothers Everett and Charlie worked. Charles was electrocuted in an accident at the plant in 1931 and died. In a separate incident, Everett's arm was so badly burned that it had to be amputated. Bob and May decided to move back to Lake George where Bob ran an auto repair garage and grew potatoes. To supplement a meager income, he poached game, played saxophone and banjo at the Saturday night dances, and sold moonshine made by a close friend.
"He told a story of being approached to repair a copper still out in the mountains late one night and was driven out there," Roberta said. "Repairs done, he was being driven back to Lake George when they were passed by several cars going in the direction of the still.
It was learned the next day the feds had raided and destroyed the still shortly after he left. Luck was with him that night."
Bob, May and Evelyn lived in the Tarryall region until Evelyn was sixteen. In 1935, May suffered complications (septicemia) in pregnancy and died in childbirth at the Cripple Creek hospital. She died at the age of 42 and is buried at Lake George Cemetery in Park County, CO. Thomas Brines, then also a widower, left Boulder and lived with Bob and Evelyn. Evelyn had to board in Manitou Springs to finish high school and go home weekends to Lake George. When she entered Seton School of Nursing after high school, Bob and Thomas moved to Colorado Springs where her school was located.
On March 11, 1938 Bob married his second wife Margaret Dorothy Wilson Stevenson (Born Oct 2, 1909) at Castle Rock, Douglas County, Colorado. She was a widow with a 12-year-old son Alec Edwin Stevenson. The family lived with Thomas Brines at 1813 W. Vermijo Steet in Colorado Springs.
By 1940 Bob and his new wife moved in with his father, who earned money painting, in Colorado Springs and worked as a contract
carpenter. Bob was employed through the last of the Great Depression years by the Works Project Administration. The historical federal program much like the Civilian Conservation Corps conducted public works projects nationwide. Bob helped build the recreation area at Manitou Lake outside Woodland Park, Colorado still in use today. During World War II he was employed at Aircraft Mechanics as a machinist.
Bob was active in the machinists' union and he and his father kept a large garden in the yard at home until Thomas' death in 1944.
Politically Bob believed America should have followed a foreign policy of Isolationism, to avoid foreign alliances, during a century riddled with wars.
"Dad was a strict isolationist," Roberta said. "Still he supported my brother completely when Steve went into the military. Dad packed a quart of whiskey in a large tin can, welded it shut and sent it in a care package to Steve in Korea. This strictly against postal (regulations) but Dad didn't care."
At home Bob was "authoritarian" but never spanked his children, according to Roberta.
"Dad was not a tall man but he could be imposing. He had large hands that looked capable and were. His fondness for a wee drop exasperated mom, Evelyn and me from time to time."
He liked a daily happy hour vodka on the rocks.
Roberta Ann was born in March 1945 to Bob and Margaret and the family lived on the westside of Colorado Springs another 13 years. She recalls he wasn't an affectionate father but noted he showed his love in other ways.
"He was always concerned for my welfare," Roberta said. "He insisted I wear boots if riding my horse with a saddle and could only wear tennis shoes if I rode bareback. He had seen too many people get drug when thrown from horse and their bootless-heelless foot went through the stirrup."
Roberta said he was very patient and always helped her learn new life skills.
"Dad taught me to drive a car and did so with endless patience," Roberta said. "He took me hunting, taught me to shoot and to fish. He
always let me tag along with him and putter in his shop. It didn't matter that I was a girl. If I had an interest, he helped me do it."
Bob worked at Emerson Electric and Pikes Peak Plastics by 1956. At age 66 he started his own business, Bob's Grinding Service,
sharpening saw blades for construction companies, and, lawnmowers, knives and scissors for householders. He continued this work into his 80's. He remained healthy another decade with a lively interest in sports.
"The Denver Broncos was his team but he'd watch any baseball or football game," Roberta said. "He read a lot mostly westerns. Zane Grey and Louis L'Amour were his favorites."
At age 96, Bob died from complications from throat cancer on 9 Aug 1989 in Colorado
Springs, El Paso, Colorado. He is buried at Fairview Cemetery in Colorado Springs. Margaret died Feb 19, 1995 and is buried next to him.
His burial followed a six police motorcycle and two squad car escort with flashing red and blue lights arranged by Bob's grandson, Sgt. Randy Stevenson CSPD.
"The motor route through Old Colorado City past Fred's Bar, a longtime favorite of Bob's," Roberta recalls. "He would have liked that. I
respected him and loved him and I miss him every day."
Sources: US Census Records, City Directories, family details provided by Rita Renfro Anderson, World War I Registration 1917, Social Security Death Index, Find a grave.com, Roberta Ann Brines-Porter 2013 biography of Bob Brines.
Bob's siblings were Mabel, Everett, Albert, and Charlie. A baby sister, Martha, died in infancy.
He spent his formative years in nearby Montezuma a small town where his father owned a saloon. At age 16 Bob was the saloon's janitor and spoke of playing poker with the adult patrons. He graduated from high school in Leadville, Colorado. There he worked in a mine and learned to be a machinist. Over the next few years he picked up many skills he could use to sustain himself and his family including carpentry, auto mechanics, gardening and working as a cattleman on a ranch.
21 year-old Bob married 22-year-old Katie May Allen in Colorado Springs, Colorado 10 Jun 1914. Her pioneering family had lived in the area for many years. They lived in Lake George and Florissant, Park County, CO. Their daughter Roberta recalls, "I don't know the circumstances of their meeting and courtship but my best guess is that they met at one of the Saturday night dances popular at the time (in this area)."
Evelyn O. Brines was born in a hospital in Boulder, CO in 22 Jan 1919. The little family lives in Colorado Springs at least two years and then in Boulder where Bob's dad, Thomas, owned a cigar store located in downtown. Bob's sister Mabel and her two children lived with Thomas and Christina after Mabel was widowed when her husband died in the influenza pandemic of the time.
While brother Bert moved to California, Bob obtained work at the Boulder Canyon hydroelectric plant where his brothers Everett and Charlie worked. Charles was electrocuted in an accident at the plant in 1931 and died. In a separate incident, Everett's arm was so badly burned that it had to be amputated. Bob and May decided to move back to Lake George where Bob ran an auto repair garage and grew potatoes. To supplement a meager income, he poached game, played saxophone and banjo at the Saturday night dances, and sold moonshine made by a close friend.
"He told a story of being approached to repair a copper still out in the mountains late one night and was driven out there," Roberta said. "Repairs done, he was being driven back to Lake George when they were passed by several cars going in the direction of the still.
It was learned the next day the feds had raided and destroyed the still shortly after he left. Luck was with him that night."
Bob, May and Evelyn lived in the Tarryall region until Evelyn was sixteen. In 1935, May suffered complications (septicemia) in pregnancy and died in childbirth at the Cripple Creek hospital. She died at the age of 42 and is buried at Lake George Cemetery in Park County, CO. Thomas Brines, then also a widower, left Boulder and lived with Bob and Evelyn. Evelyn had to board in Manitou Springs to finish high school and go home weekends to Lake George. When she entered Seton School of Nursing after high school, Bob and Thomas moved to Colorado Springs where her school was located.
On March 11, 1938 Bob married his second wife Margaret Dorothy Wilson Stevenson (Born Oct 2, 1909) at Castle Rock, Douglas County, Colorado. She was a widow with a 12-year-old son Alec Edwin Stevenson. The family lived with Thomas Brines at 1813 W. Vermijo Steet in Colorado Springs.
By 1940 Bob and his new wife moved in with his father, who earned money painting, in Colorado Springs and worked as a contract
carpenter. Bob was employed through the last of the Great Depression years by the Works Project Administration. The historical federal program much like the Civilian Conservation Corps conducted public works projects nationwide. Bob helped build the recreation area at Manitou Lake outside Woodland Park, Colorado still in use today. During World War II he was employed at Aircraft Mechanics as a machinist.
Bob was active in the machinists' union and he and his father kept a large garden in the yard at home until Thomas' death in 1944.
Politically Bob believed America should have followed a foreign policy of Isolationism, to avoid foreign alliances, during a century riddled with wars.
"Dad was a strict isolationist," Roberta said. "Still he supported my brother completely when Steve went into the military. Dad packed a quart of whiskey in a large tin can, welded it shut and sent it in a care package to Steve in Korea. This strictly against postal (regulations) but Dad didn't care."
At home Bob was "authoritarian" but never spanked his children, according to Roberta.
"Dad was not a tall man but he could be imposing. He had large hands that looked capable and were. His fondness for a wee drop exasperated mom, Evelyn and me from time to time."
He liked a daily happy hour vodka on the rocks.
Roberta Ann was born in March 1945 to Bob and Margaret and the family lived on the westside of Colorado Springs another 13 years. She recalls he wasn't an affectionate father but noted he showed his love in other ways.
"He was always concerned for my welfare," Roberta said. "He insisted I wear boots if riding my horse with a saddle and could only wear tennis shoes if I rode bareback. He had seen too many people get drug when thrown from horse and their bootless-heelless foot went through the stirrup."
Roberta said he was very patient and always helped her learn new life skills.
"Dad taught me to drive a car and did so with endless patience," Roberta said. "He took me hunting, taught me to shoot and to fish. He
always let me tag along with him and putter in his shop. It didn't matter that I was a girl. If I had an interest, he helped me do it."
Bob worked at Emerson Electric and Pikes Peak Plastics by 1956. At age 66 he started his own business, Bob's Grinding Service,
sharpening saw blades for construction companies, and, lawnmowers, knives and scissors for householders. He continued this work into his 80's. He remained healthy another decade with a lively interest in sports.
"The Denver Broncos was his team but he'd watch any baseball or football game," Roberta said. "He read a lot mostly westerns. Zane Grey and Louis L'Amour were his favorites."
At age 96, Bob died from complications from throat cancer on 9 Aug 1989 in Colorado
Springs, El Paso, Colorado. He is buried at Fairview Cemetery in Colorado Springs. Margaret died Feb 19, 1995 and is buried next to him.
His burial followed a six police motorcycle and two squad car escort with flashing red and blue lights arranged by Bob's grandson, Sgt. Randy Stevenson CSPD.
"The motor route through Old Colorado City past Fred's Bar, a longtime favorite of Bob's," Roberta recalls. "He would have liked that. I
respected him and loved him and I miss him every day."
Sources: US Census Records, City Directories, family details provided by Rita Renfro Anderson, World War I Registration 1917, Social Security Death Index, Find a grave.com, Roberta Ann Brines-Porter 2013 biography of Bob Brines.
Bryan Oryan Brines, or "Bob," was a 20th Century machinist, carpenter and Colorado rancher born 16 Jan 1893 in Keith County, Nebraska to Thomas Laren Brines 1859-1944 and Christina Marie Blomstrom 1864-1926. His parents met in Nebraska after Christina and her sister traveled there from Sweden to join their parents who had immigrated from Europe. They migrated west, living in several mountain towns over the years when Bob was growing up-Breckinridge, Montezuma, Leadville and finally Boulder after their five children were all adults.
Bob's siblings were Mabel, Everett, Albert, and Charlie. A baby sister, Martha, died in infancy.
He spent his formative years in nearby Montezuma a small town where his father owned a saloon. At age 16 Bob was the saloon's janitor and spoke of playing poker with the adult patrons. He graduated from high school in Leadville, Colorado. There he worked in a mine and learned to be a machinist. Over the next few years he picked up many skills he could use to sustain himself and his family including carpentry, auto mechanics, gardening and working as a cattleman on a ranch.
21 year-old Bob married 22-year-old Katie May Allen in Colorado Springs, Colorado 10 Jun 1914. Her pioneering family had lived in the area for many years. They lived in Lake George and Florissant, Park County, CO. Their daughter Roberta recalls, "I don't know the circumstances of their meeting and courtship but my best guess is that they met at one of the Saturday night dances popular at the time (in this area)."
Evelyn O. Brines was born in a hospital in Boulder, CO in 22 Jan 1919. The little family lives in Colorado Springs at least two years and then in Boulder where Bob's dad, Thomas, owned a cigar store located in downtown. Bob's sister Mabel and her two children lived with Thomas and Christina after Mabel was widowed when her husband died in the influenza pandemic of the time.
While brother Bert moved to California, Bob obtained work at the Boulder Canyon hydroelectric plant where his brothers Everett and Charlie worked. Charles was electrocuted in an accident at the plant in 1931 and died. In a separate incident, Everett's arm was so badly burned that it had to be amputated. Bob and May decided to move back to Lake George where Bob ran an auto repair garage and grew potatoes. To supplement a meager income, he poached game, played saxophone and banjo at the Saturday night dances, and sold moonshine made by a close friend.
"He told a story of being approached to repair a copper still out in the mountains late one night and was driven out there," Roberta said. "Repairs done, he was being driven back to Lake George when they were passed by several cars going in the direction of the still.
It was learned the next day the feds had raided and destroyed the still shortly after he left. Luck was with him that night."
Bob, May and Evelyn lived in the Tarryall region until Evelyn was sixteen. In 1935, May suffered complications (septicemia) in pregnancy and died in childbirth at the Cripple Creek hospital. She died at the age of 42 and is buried at Lake George Cemetery in Park County, CO. Thomas Brines, then also a widower, left Boulder and lived with Bob and Evelyn. Evelyn had to board in Manitou Springs to finish high school and go home weekends to Lake George. When she entered Seton School of Nursing after high school, Bob and Thomas moved to Colorado Springs where her school was located.
On March 11, 1938 Bob married his second wife Margaret Dorothy Wilson Stevenson (Born Oct 2, 1909) at Castle Rock, Douglas County, Colorado. She was a widow with a 12-year-old son Alec Edwin Stevenson. The family lived with Thomas Brines at 1813 W. Vermijo Steet in Colorado Springs.
By 1940 Bob and his new wife moved in with his father, who earned money painting, in Colorado Springs and worked as a contract
carpenter. Bob was employed through the last of the Great Depression years by the Works Project Administration. The historical federal program much like the Civilian Conservation Corps conducted public works projects nationwide. Bob helped build the recreation area at Manitou Lake outside Woodland Park, Colorado still in use today. During World War II he was employed at Aircraft Mechanics as a machinist.
Bob was active in the machinists' union and he and his father kept a large garden in the yard at home until Thomas' death in 1944.
Politically Bob believed America should have followed a foreign policy of Isolationism, to avoid foreign alliances, during a century riddled with wars.
"Dad was a strict isolationist," Roberta said. "Still he supported my brother completely when Steve went into the military. Dad packed a quart of whiskey in a large tin can, welded it shut and sent it in a care package to Steve in Korea. This strictly against postal (regulations) but Dad didn't care."
At home Bob was "authoritarian" but never spanked his children, according to Roberta.
"Dad was not a tall man but he could be imposing. He had large hands that looked capable and were. His fondness for a wee drop exasperated mom, Evelyn and me from time to time."
He liked a daily happy hour vodka on the rocks.
Roberta Ann was born in March 1945 to Bob and Margaret and the family lived on the westside of Colorado Springs another 13 years. She recalls he wasn't an affectionate father but noted he showed his love in other ways.
"He was always concerned for my welfare," Roberta said. "He insisted I wear boots if riding my horse with a saddle and could only wear tennis shoes if I rode bareback. He had seen too many people get drug when thrown from horse and their bootless-heelless foot went through the stirrup."
Roberta said he was very patient and always helped her learn new life skills.
"Dad taught me to drive a car and did so with endless patience," Roberta said. "He took me hunting, taught me to shoot and to fish. He
always let me tag along with him and putter in his shop. It didn't matter that I was a girl. If I had an interest, he helped me do it."
Bob worked at Emerson Electric and Pikes Peak Plastics by 1956. At age 66 he started his own business, Bob's Grinding Service,
sharpening saw blades for construction companies, and, lawnmowers, knives and scissors for householders. He continued this work into his 80's. He remained healthy another decade with a lively interest in sports.
"The Denver Broncos was his team but he'd watch any baseball or football game," Roberta said. "He read a lot mostly westerns. Zane Grey and Louis L'Amour were his favorites."
At age 96, Bob died from complications from throat cancer on 9 Aug 1989 in Colorado
Springs, El Paso, Colorado. He is buried at Fairview Cemetery in Colorado Springs. Margaret died Feb 19, 1995 and is buried next to him.
His burial followed a six police motorcycle and two squad car escort with flashing red and blue lights arranged by Bob's grandson, Sgt. Randy Stevenson CSPD.
"The motor route through Old Colorado City past Fred's Bar, a longtime favorite of Bob's," Roberta recalls. "He would have liked that. I
respected him and loved him and I miss him every day."
Sources: US Census Records, City Directories, family details provided by Rita Renfro Anderson, World War I Registration 1917, Social Security Death Index, Find a grave.com, Roberta Ann Brines-Porter 2013 biography of Bob Brines.
Bob's siblings were Mabel, Everett, Albert, and Charlie. A baby sister, Martha, died in infancy.
He spent his formative years in nearby Montezuma a small town where his father owned a saloon. At age 16 Bob was the saloon's janitor and spoke of playing poker with the adult patrons. He graduated from high school in Leadville, Colorado. There he worked in a mine and learned to be a machinist. Over the next few years he picked up many skills he could use to sustain himself and his family including carpentry, auto mechanics, gardening and working as a cattleman on a ranch.
21 year-old Bob married 22-year-old Katie May Allen in Colorado Springs, Colorado 10 Jun 1914. Her pioneering family had lived in the area for many years. They lived in Lake George and Florissant, Park County, CO. Their daughter Roberta recalls, "I don't know the circumstances of their meeting and courtship but my best guess is that they met at one of the Saturday night dances popular at the time (in this area)."
Evelyn O. Brines was born in a hospital in Boulder, CO in 22 Jan 1919. The little family lives in Colorado Springs at least two years and then in Boulder where Bob's dad, Thomas, owned a cigar store located in downtown. Bob's sister Mabel and her two children lived with Thomas and Christina after Mabel was widowed when her husband died in the influenza pandemic of the time.
While brother Bert moved to California, Bob obtained work at the Boulder Canyon hydroelectric plant where his brothers Everett and Charlie worked. Charles was electrocuted in an accident at the plant in 1931 and died. In a separate incident, Everett's arm was so badly burned that it had to be amputated. Bob and May decided to move back to Lake George where Bob ran an auto repair garage and grew potatoes. To supplement a meager income, he poached game, played saxophone and banjo at the Saturday night dances, and sold moonshine made by a close friend.
"He told a story of being approached to repair a copper still out in the mountains late one night and was driven out there," Roberta said. "Repairs done, he was being driven back to Lake George when they were passed by several cars going in the direction of the still.
It was learned the next day the feds had raided and destroyed the still shortly after he left. Luck was with him that night."
Bob, May and Evelyn lived in the Tarryall region until Evelyn was sixteen. In 1935, May suffered complications (septicemia) in pregnancy and died in childbirth at the Cripple Creek hospital. She died at the age of 42 and is buried at Lake George Cemetery in Park County, CO. Thomas Brines, then also a widower, left Boulder and lived with Bob and Evelyn. Evelyn had to board in Manitou Springs to finish high school and go home weekends to Lake George. When she entered Seton School of Nursing after high school, Bob and Thomas moved to Colorado Springs where her school was located.
On March 11, 1938 Bob married his second wife Margaret Dorothy Wilson Stevenson (Born Oct 2, 1909) at Castle Rock, Douglas County, Colorado. She was a widow with a 12-year-old son Alec Edwin Stevenson. The family lived with Thomas Brines at 1813 W. Vermijo Steet in Colorado Springs.
By 1940 Bob and his new wife moved in with his father, who earned money painting, in Colorado Springs and worked as a contract
carpenter. Bob was employed through the last of the Great Depression years by the Works Project Administration. The historical federal program much like the Civilian Conservation Corps conducted public works projects nationwide. Bob helped build the recreation area at Manitou Lake outside Woodland Park, Colorado still in use today. During World War II he was employed at Aircraft Mechanics as a machinist.
Bob was active in the machinists' union and he and his father kept a large garden in the yard at home until Thomas' death in 1944.
Politically Bob believed America should have followed a foreign policy of Isolationism, to avoid foreign alliances, during a century riddled with wars.
"Dad was a strict isolationist," Roberta said. "Still he supported my brother completely when Steve went into the military. Dad packed a quart of whiskey in a large tin can, welded it shut and sent it in a care package to Steve in Korea. This strictly against postal (regulations) but Dad didn't care."
At home Bob was "authoritarian" but never spanked his children, according to Roberta.
"Dad was not a tall man but he could be imposing. He had large hands that looked capable and were. His fondness for a wee drop exasperated mom, Evelyn and me from time to time."
He liked a daily happy hour vodka on the rocks.
Roberta Ann was born in March 1945 to Bob and Margaret and the family lived on the westside of Colorado Springs another 13 years. She recalls he wasn't an affectionate father but noted he showed his love in other ways.
"He was always concerned for my welfare," Roberta said. "He insisted I wear boots if riding my horse with a saddle and could only wear tennis shoes if I rode bareback. He had seen too many people get drug when thrown from horse and their bootless-heelless foot went through the stirrup."
Roberta said he was very patient and always helped her learn new life skills.
"Dad taught me to drive a car and did so with endless patience," Roberta said. "He took me hunting, taught me to shoot and to fish. He
always let me tag along with him and putter in his shop. It didn't matter that I was a girl. If I had an interest, he helped me do it."
Bob worked at Emerson Electric and Pikes Peak Plastics by 1956. At age 66 he started his own business, Bob's Grinding Service,
sharpening saw blades for construction companies, and, lawnmowers, knives and scissors for householders. He continued this work into his 80's. He remained healthy another decade with a lively interest in sports.
"The Denver Broncos was his team but he'd watch any baseball or football game," Roberta said. "He read a lot mostly westerns. Zane Grey and Louis L'Amour were his favorites."
At age 96, Bob died from complications from throat cancer on 9 Aug 1989 in Colorado
Springs, El Paso, Colorado. He is buried at Fairview Cemetery in Colorado Springs. Margaret died Feb 19, 1995 and is buried next to him.
His burial followed a six police motorcycle and two squad car escort with flashing red and blue lights arranged by Bob's grandson, Sgt. Randy Stevenson CSPD.
"The motor route through Old Colorado City past Fred's Bar, a longtime favorite of Bob's," Roberta recalls. "He would have liked that. I
respected him and loved him and I miss him every day."
Sources: US Census Records, City Directories, family details provided by Rita Renfro Anderson, World War I Registration 1917, Social Security Death Index, Find a grave.com, Roberta Ann Brines-Porter 2013 biography of Bob Brines.
Gravesite Details
Buried: 8/12/1989 / Source: City of Colo Spgs Burial Info Online 01/30/09
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