Robert Bryn Foundation

One of the most hardworking men I ever got the chance to befriend can use some support from the people. Being a barback at the job meant I'd see Rob work opening to closing 5 days a week. Within those hours and the countless beers he served, he always can spark a conversation on anything and was a great person anyone can befriend. This is his story.
"most of you in Rockaway must already know - there was a fire in Marina 59 last night. It started on Queen Zenobia, the boat next to mine. I was roused from a half sleep by flashing orange lights through the window above my bed. When I came out onto the dock Queen Zenobia was already well on fire. I didn't know what to do. I picked up a hose and start spraying water which was totally ineffectual. Also yelling and screaming. I was the only one awake and the only person on the dock. It's a tremendous consolation to me that I was awake and yelling and waking other people up. Although 5 boats would sink and Matt and Clara's boat would be pretty much totally destroyed but somehow remain afloat, no one was hurt and everybody in the marina is safe and sound

I lost pretty much everything I own, 3 guitars, my computer, my phone, my eyeglasses, all my boat shoes and crocs, my purple baseball cap. And all the cash I managed to save bartending 5 days a week all summer long. I've had a pretty lonely and miserable summer but have many times kept my spirit up, counting my monies alone at night like a Scrooge Gollum creature, dreaming of winter travel and escape. John Hoppin, the blue Faggin bicycle finally met its end. I saw it before the boat sank sometime this morning. All that was left was the frame. Everything else had melted away and all the beautiful blue paint was gone. I am haunted by how else I might have used the few minutes I had. Running onto the boat to at least save my money. Or cutting the dock lines and pushing the boat away. I wasn't wearing a knife. I hope to have a phone again soon"