Robert Brennan served this city with honor and left it safer than he found it. We are proud to call him one of our own.
2 years ago
Robert Charles Brennan
August 19, 1961 – December 25, 2023 · 62 years
"The best gift he ever gave was himself."
Biography
Robert Charles Brennan was a firefighter, coach, and father who gave everything to the people around him. For 27 years he served the Portland Fire Department, retiring as Captain. He spent his weekends coaching youth soccer and his evenings volunteering at the local food bank. Robert passed on Christmas Day — fitting, say those who loved him, because he always made every day feel like a celebration.
Messages & Tributes (12)
+ Write a MessageOur dad made Christmas magical for us every year without fail. That he left on Christmas Day — I choose to believe that was his last gift.
2 years ago
Bob was the best officer I served with in 27 years. Cool under pressure, first through the door, last to leave the scene.
2 years ago
Robert, you lived more in your 62 years than most people do in twice that. Christmas will never feel the same. Nothing will. But you taught us how to celebrate anyway.
2 years ago
Bob shoveled my driveway every winter for twelve years without ever being asked. When I thanked him, he always said the same thing: That's what neighbors are for.
2 years ago
Grandpa Bob would have laughed at all of us crying. He would have said: Come on now, let's eat. So that's what we're doing.
2 years ago
Bob coached me from age 8 to 14. I still run the way he taught me — head up, always looking ahead. I think about him on every run.
2 years ago
He mentored me through my first year on the job. Told me: never let your ego write a check your skills can't cash.
2 years ago
He volunteered at the food bank every Saturday for 15 years. Most of the people he helped never knew his name. That didn't matter to him at all.
2 years ago
The way my dad looked at my mom — the way he talked about her when she wasn't in the room — that's the kind of love I am holding out for.
2 years ago