[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 109 (Thursday, June 22, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E597]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE AND CAREER OF BRYAN FLINT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 22, 2023

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the sudden loss of a 
true champion for those in need, Bryan Flint, of Ellington, 
Connecticut. Bryan departed this world at the age of 64, as a result of 
a car accident this past May.
  Born in 1959 to Wayne and Emily Flint, Bryan was quickly instilled 
with the values of selfless service and community care. Early in his 
life, Bryan attained the rank of Eagle Scout, starting a lifelong 
journey of lending kindness and a helping hand unto others. Bryan's 
infectiously kind demeanor served him well in his first major life's 
endeavor--family entertainment.
  In 1986, Bryan founded Showtime Productions, setting a stage for his 
earned status as a lynchpin of Connecticut's children's entertainment 
industry. His career as a business owner, where he missioned to put 
smiles on the faces of children and their parents, spanned 30 years. 
Motivated in a manner which perfectly exemplifies his caring nature, 
Bryan felt continuously inspired in this career through Showtime 
Productions' impact upon local youth. A favorite anecdote of Bryan's 
was from one day in 1991, when he happened by children playing on 
garbage cans in the Town of Rockville. He was discouraged by the lack 
of opportunity reflected by the scene but encouraged by the children's 
enthusiasm. He took action and organized a music and magic show to 
provide a safe, joyful recreational space in the town. Moments like 
these were just the beginning of his truly special kind of advocacy 
which defined Bryan's life.
  In the early 2010's, Bryan sought a life-path that would be of even 
greater service to others. He became actively involved in the School-
Family-Community Partnership as the program coordinator. Through the 
Partnership, Bryan had boundless opportunities to support the youth who 
were the most in need, launching a Maple Street Community School and 
the Bookmobile program, the latter of which supported student literacy 
during summertime periods. In 2013, Bryan transitioned careers again, 
becoming the Deputy Director of the Cornerstone Foundation, a local, 
faith-based nonprofit which provides food and shelter for the homeless 
and impoverished. Bryan truly put the lives of others before his own. 
He would frequently give out his personal phone number, get up late at 
night to open the shelter, or even head to the store to buy medicine 
from his own personal pocket--all for those in need. The day before his 
untimely passing, Bryan was seen at the Rockville Walgreens buying 
medicine for residents at Cornerstone--a testament to his compassion 
for others.
  As amazing as his work with the foundation was, it was far from the 
capstone to his life's work. He was also a member of the Rockville 
Community Association, the Vernon Community Network, the Rockville 
Development Association, and the Greater Rockville Clergy Council. 
Bryan's generous spirit was known to all in town, whether from his work 
in the community, magic shows, or his portrayal of Uncle Sam on stilts 
during Vernon's annual Independence Day celebration. Through it all, he 
was motivated by an unwavering faith. The breadth of his impact can be 
seen by the tens of hundreds mourning his loss.
  Mr. Speaker, over the years, as Bryan's neighbor in Vernon, I had a 
chance to see up close the profound positive impact he had on our 
community. It was always apparent to me his activism was motivated by a 
sincere, authentic desire to help people in need. His infectious smile 
came right from a generous heart and soul. His premature passing leaves 
a massive tear in our northeastern Connecticut community fabric, 
particularly for his wife of 27 years, Kim, and their children 
including Melissa, Alexis, Mystica, Jesse, Alex, Cassi, their 
respective partners, and his 13 grandchildren. In the wake of his loss, 
we can only hope to find solace in committing his servant's heart to 
our collective memory. The lives he has touched throughout these past 
several decades will no doubt go on to further Bryan's ideals and 
memory, leaving an unsought but completely earned legacy of a community 
caretaker. I ask that my colleagues join me and the citizens of Vernon 
in honoring Bryan's life and work.

                          ____________________