SILAS LAWRENCE BROGUNIER

BANGOR – Silas Lawrence Brogunier, 37, died Dec. 21, 2008, in Bangor. Silas was born Oct. 19, 1971, in Bangor. Si graduated with the Class of 1990 from Bangor High School and from the University of Maine, Orono, with a double degree in history and philosophy. He had a passion for peace and justice, and was active with the Peace and Justice Center for many years. Silas was a gentleman in the best sense, honoring and respectful of all who won his heart. His warmth and kindness touched many souls. Silas was dedicated to truth and the pursuit of knowledge in the fight for what is good and right in this world. This commitment took him to El Salvador in 1994 with his cousin, Eli, as an observer of that nation’s first democratic election. He most recently made his contribution as a dedicated patriot by resisting the illegal actions of the Bush Administration. Blessed with drawing skills and an active imagination early in life, Si and his friend, Paul Tomlinson, of Leighton Street created Jorgai Hoona, a cigar smoking caricature who was the ultimate precursor to Homer Simpson. Si’s early teens were spent tall and skinny until he found Joe Weider’s Body Building formula and the weights room of the YMCA, Hammond Street. After a few years skateboarding and creating the action photo spread “Skaters of the North East” and hosting barn events famous on East and West sides of Bangor, Si became a over-the-road trucker based out of Columbus, Ga., where he lived with Greg Andle of Congress Street. He later lived in Louisville, Ky., Portland, Ore., and Minneapolis, where his cousin, Eli; uncle, Steve; and brother, Toby, now reside. Si spent many summers with family and cousins in Trenton and would periodically host friends who were routinely treated to the barbecue delights of Michael “Corndog” Stevens of French Street. The beauty of a person so caring and loving was attacked by a very painful mental illness with which he struggled selflessly and nobly with for years. With an impossible choice between an intellectual clarity he treasured and a life compromised by pharmaceutical lock down, Si made the choice to stop spinning his wheels and move on like the spirit he was and will always be remembered as being. For everyone he touched who had the pleasure of knowing such a man-of impossibly high principles with a streak of independence as wide as the country he loved-for those left behind, we thank you Si for our 37 years together. You are a loving brother, a cousin, a son and a friend we are honored to have had and in whose memory we will always strive to improve ourselves. You are loved. Keep on truckin’. He is survived by his parents, Hope and Joseph Brogunier of Bangor; his grandmother, Elizabeth P.S. Anthony of Newtown Square, Pa.; siblings, Claude and Sarah Brogunier of Lancaster, Pa., Michele and Matthew Brogunier-Mitro of Madison, Wis., Tobin Brogunier of Minneapolis; his nieces and nephew; and his friends, PT, Greg and Mike; and his dog, Shasta. The family thanks the many professionals who cared for Silas. A private family service is planned this weekend. The family requests memorial contributions to be made to The Peace and Justice Center of Eastern Maine, 170 Park St., Bangor, ME 04401 and Save the Manatee, 500 North Maitland Ave., Maitland, FL 32751.