|
Brian Berentson
September 6, 1964 to November 11, 2009
(Article from Cyber-Diver News Network)
EDMONDS, Washington (29 Apr 2009) — Brian Berentson, though still in a coma after a scuba diving incident at Edmonds Underwater Park on April 17, is making progress.
He has been a patient in the Neurology ICU in Swedish Hospital Cherry Hill Seattle, but will soon be moved to Kindred Hospital at Northridge.
The exact circumstances of the diver's brush with tragedy are unknown at this time. On the return leg of their second dive, he and dive partner Fritz Rivera, a coworker at Microsoft, became separated. Minutes later Fritz Rivera found his partner floating face down, unconscious and not breathing.
Luckily Rivera is a certified diving trainer and rescuer. He was able to swiftly drag the victim to shore and apply CPR.
The paramedics arrived soon afterward and succeeded in restarting the stricken diver's heart.
Since the accident, Brian Berentson, 44, has made much progress. He is dealing with a collapsed lung, but his brain swelling has decreased enough that no drastic procedures were needed.
However, he remains in critical condition.
"I'm happy to report that as of this afternoon (Monday) Brian is breathing without a ventilator," Fritz Rivera said. "Tests show Brian's body is recovering. His internal organs are sound, his lungs are clearing of the pneumonia, the tremors have not appeared in some time now, and the fever seems to be gone."
Brian Berentson is employed as a Microsoft program manager for the Xbox Accessories Team. He has worked there 12 years.
He and Marlaine Berentson, an employee of Chanterelle Restaurant in Edmonds, have been married 18 years. They have four children: Liberty, 31; Tanya, 24; Brian Jr., 19, and Brooke, 17.
They also have two grandchildren aged 11 and 2.
The couple lives in the Edmonds area and both are well known in the community. Brian Berentson has been a certified open-water diver for several years.
The family says hospital visitors are welcome. They believe the sound of familiar voices may help awaken Brian from his coma.
| Brian Emil Berentson |
|
|
|
Brian Emil Berentson
Sept. 6, 1964 - Nov. 11, 2009
Brian Berentson grew up in Mount Vernon, Washington and graduated in 1983 from Mount Vernon High School. He was involved as a class officer, enjoyed baseball, basketball, and was friendly and easy-going. Following high school he attended Skagit Valley College and pursued a degree in technical arts.
Brian married Marlaine Tenderholt on May 11, 1991 and made their home in Lynnwood, Washington. Together they made a loving family with Marlaine's two girls, Liberty and Tanya, and added two more children, Brian Jr. and Brooke. Brian and Marlaine also have three grandchildren, Tre, Angelina, and Tank (Joey junior). Brian loved being a dad and a g-pa. He was a very active man; some of his favorite activities include: skiing, taking his dogs, Max and Mandy, for a run in the park, fishing, swimming, and date nights with Marlaine. He also loved taking trips to Florida with his family.
Brian loved being with family and friends and loved cooking and enjoyed life. He enjoyed barbequing, making spicy Mexican food, and was the family all-star gravy maker and could de-bone a turkey in less than ten minutes. Brian shared a passion for the Mariners with Marlaine and his family. He enjoyed the Seahawks and being the 12th man. Family gatherings were important to Brian, especially holidays. Christmas, Easter, Halloween, and birthdays were often spent together with extended family.
Brian's love of computers eventually landed him a job with Microsoft where he was an employee for 15 years as a hardware and software engineer. He was a vital part of Microsoft's X-box Team and won an award for outstanding leadership. Brian traveled for Microsoft to China, Taiwan, Japan, and Belgium overseeing production and facilitating communication.
Brian suffered a tragic accident while scuba diving off the Edmonds pier on April 17, 2009. He was rescued, revived, and was diagnosed with an anoxic brain injury. He remained in a coma for six and a half months, valiantly fighting to communicate and return to his family. Brian suffered set-backs and complications from his coma. He eventually went to be with his Lord on November 11, 2009. Within the last few moments of life he was surrounded by his children playing the music he had been listening to his whole life with Marlaine snuggled in bed with him and he passed away, pain free and in peace.
Brian is survived by his wife, Marlaine; his children, Liberty King and family (Joey and lil Joey—Tank; and older brother Tre), Tanya Tenderholt and family (Andre and little Angelina), Brian Jr.; and Brooke. In addition he is survived by his father, Oliver (Evelyn) Berentson and family (Ron, Diana, Connie, Mark); his mother, Joyce Berentson; and his sister, Cheryl (Chris, Amy and Kevin) Felt. He is also survived by cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and coworkers.
Marlaine and family would like to thank Microsoft and Brian's co-workers for their help and generosity concerning Brian. Family would like to thank Pastor Mark of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lynnwood and Pastor Kevin from Salem Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon for their friendship to Brian and guidance through this difficult time. They would also like to thank the many family, friends, and coworkers that took the time to visit Brian and give words of encouragement and prayer on the Caring Bridge website.
Brian can be viewed from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, November 20, at Beck's Funeral Home, 405 Fifth Ave. S in Edmonds, 425-771-1234. His funeral will be held at 1 p.m., on Saturday, November 21, 2009, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 6215 – 196th St. SW in Lynnwood; with Committal following at Restlawn Memorial Park. Following the Committal a reception will be held back at Trinity Lutheran Church at 3:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to offset costs to Beck's Funeral home or Trinity Lutheran Church.
|
|