VOICES OF OUR COMMUNITY PAYING TRIBUTE TO DENVER VOICE VENDOR BRIAN AUGUSTINE Denver VOICE vendors share their memories of Brian BREEZ I will personally miss Brian Augustine so much. He was a force of positivity in my experience here in Denver. Brian saw that I was and have been going through many trials and tribulations and took it upon himself to pull me aside and encourage me to replace my mental dialogue with positive reinforcement. He encouraged me and lifted me up so that instead of just focusing on the negative, to see the positive happening all around me every day. His words were, “There’s more to your days than what you’re focusing on in these trying times. Open your eyes to the good that’s happening.” I will always remember this, Brian. Thank you! RAELENE JOHNSON Brian did so much for everyone. He volunteered at the VOICE office and would help out by doing chores that vendors do to get incentive papers. Brian didn’t take the incentive papers and would say to give them to other vendors who needed more sales. REA BROWN It is with great sadness that I speak on the unfortunate event to wit that I have been so fortunate. While I could use my pen to spin words that blend, with memories symphonically accomplishing a tapestry, so wonderfully woven that one would wish to ponder “what if,” before they drift. But today, I will speak plainly as a friend. Brian was one of the first vendors that I met, whom I remember for his professionalism. Every day, at the same time, like clockwork, you knew who Brian was. He had a hat or a shirt for every holiday. He was always highspirited while working. He had a system for buying and vending papers that he used every month he could until COVID. In the office, on the other hand – at least from where I stood – it appeared that Brian was trying to be the greatest vendor. As best as he could, he volunteered for a long time, helped unload the paper delivery trucks; wrote for the paper more than any other vendor I know, participated in all the programs the VOICE offered, showed up for fundraisers, special events, special issues, etc. I even believe he served on the board at one time. Brian wasn’t perfect. Brian had problems. One day I ILLUSTRATION BY BREEZ remember trying to help Brian find an answer to his housing problems, which got worse when his rent nearly doubled some years ago. 8 DENVER VOICE February 2023
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