Dominica is mourning the passing of former broadcaster, magistrate and veteran lawyer, Michael Bruney.
Bruney died at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital (DCFH) after a brief battle with cancer. He was 62 years old.
At the time of his death, he was a sitting magistrate in Dominica and was also in private practice. He is also registrar of the high court.
Veteran broadcaster, Ken Richards, a close and personal friend of Michael Bruney, says he was “the consummate humanitarian” who didn’t suffer fools gladly but was always helping people.
“He was my bigger brother, adviser, best friend ever, liming partner, and just a good human being.
He remained disappointed with me in one specific area. He made several attempts to get me to return to Dominica to help him set up his radio media dream.
I was never quite ready, and I failed in that. Mike trusted me, and I, him,” he said.
Richards continued, “He was always a beacon of light during my worst days and the real Solomon when I needed advice.
“To say I will miss him is a gross understatement. Condolences to his two sons, ex-wife, all his siblings, and the rest of the extended family. Mikey was a gem; he was just a gem and an accomplished professional in both the judiciary and the media. I am very sad but have a wealth of memories to rely on.”
Steinberg Henry, who resides in Atlanta, also worked with Bruney as a broadcaster. He says Bruney was a quiet man and was always willing to assist.
Alvin Knight who also worked with “Mickey” as he was called described him as “a consummate broadcaster” who thought of every word before speaking.
“He was always thinking, thinking, and thinking…a very good friend who loved and lived life to the fullest. A nice person who gave his advice freely. He will be missed dearly,” Knight stated.
He said Bruney developed the theme for his [Knight’s] radio show “Night in the morning”.
“He was a gentleman and one you could always depend on. I knew he was sick but didn’t expect his death so soon. May he rest in eternal peace,” Knight, a Deacon in the Catholic church, stated.
I’m only learning today of the passing of my friend and colleague, Mickey. We first met in Barbados while he was a law student and freelance broadcaster at Cana Radio.
May he rest in peace!
Dik Henderson
Trinidad
With Deepest Condolences To The Family And The Country Of Dominica.
On The Passing Of A Distinguish Son Of The Soil Mr Micheal Briney
May The Ansescors Received Him And His Soul Rest In Peace.
From GAIL SKINNER Of Barbados.
Mikey was Uncle Mikey to me. I knew him since I was a little girl living in Checkhall. I have so much to say about Uncle Mikey that I don’t know where to start. Uncle Mikey, Rest In Peace. You were a great man, a scholar and a comedian. I will miss you.
I am truly saddened to hear of Mr Bruney’s recent passing. He was the epitome of “a scholar and a gentleman”. May he truly rest in peace.
A sad loss indeed! Ran into him during the creole festival and with a beaming smile would punctuate by calling me with that baritone voice of his, and with that friendly smile as we greeted each other….For those of us who knew him, we can surely say…insomuch as we love our Dominica, Mikey lived and loved Dominica…
From every corner and kouweh
from Portsmouth to Cashacou
on de radio, on de street and de school grounds
Old and young knew Mikey
Mikey was large as we would say
and so easy to remember him
Yes sah!! Am gonna miss u Mikey
Rest In Peace my Brother!!!
I met Michael (to me, he was always Michael) on the first day of my very first visit to Dominica in July 1990, when he was Registrar and I had business to conduct. He began my education on matters Dominican then, which has continued since – just short of 30 years.
Dominica, you have lost a true son of your soil. No detail, however small, missed his attention when it came to the welfare of the good people of your country. It would usually be imparted almost as an aside during the many conversations we had over the years, which trained this listener well. As others have commented, his was the voice of reason and clarity, fairness and impartiality whenever his opinion was sought.
I am happy he managed to complete his cases before the CCJ earlier this year, as he was very much a supporter of the establishment of that institution, especially during his time as President of the Bar Association.
You are already missed.
Rest in perfect peace, my friend.
It was a pleasure knowing you and conducting business with you Mr. Bruney. May your soul rest in peace. You will be missed.
Condolences to the family and friends of Michael Bruney! A true Dominican patriot who contributed his talent as a broadcaster (he had a really great broadcaster’s voice) and his brilliance as a lawyer, magistrate and registrar.
Rest in Peace.
It is hard to say this, but based on my personal experience with my son, who passed away in 2017, “rest in peace” has no meaning on the other side of the grave
The grave is the passage to the Spirit World, where God’s angels work with the souls, who were revived before they left their body, the work is to perfect them to have the complete Stature of Love, as God is Love, to live with His Christ Jesus in Eternity.
God gave me the spiritual gift to see my son’s soul, but in his physical form, since last April. I see him every day at his station which is the top of my bedroom closet; we talk to each other for as long as his physical energy remains. Sometimes he is with his spirit friends. That is how I see the Love of God working among them
I know that God granted me that privilege, for I promised to live in the Spirit on my son’s behalf. My responsibility is to intercede for him, in that God showed me he is not somewhere “resting in peace”
Sad loss. Rest in peace. Condolences to family, friends. colleagues… Really sad loss
As brothers to the same Sister, Mikey’ journey in this life was a very successful one, his legacy will bring continuous smiles on the faces of Laplaine, Delice and all who have been touched by him. most will be sorrowfull, but Michael will continue living in our consciousness while at the same time reincarnating to a better life.
Met this gentleman on a flight from St.Marteen to Dominica. Had not been home in over the 19 years and was not only excited about going back but extremely nervous about my flight. I do not like flying. Mr. Bruney, whom I didn’t know at that time indulged me in such interesting conversation that, I was totally distracted and remained calm during the flight. When I got to Dominica’s airport, we went our separate ways but, I could not stop thinking of the gentle soul who had just been my guardian angel. I told my husband and my friend all about my experience. The following day, I accompanied my husband to town since he had to take care of some business there. One of the offices that we had to visit on that day was Mr. Bruny’s. I was so excited to see him and to be able to personally thank him for being my guardian angel. Though my encounter with him was short, I will never forget him. Love and prayers to his loved ones. May the peace of God be with you all.
Everybody Loves Mikey, that is the person that has gone to the great beyond. Rest in Eternal Peace my brother. One Love
RIP, Comrade Sintos
A special friend to me and mine. A truly lovely soul. So many fond memories. His passing tears at my heart. Condolences to family, friends, employees and colleagues. RIP (Comrade) Mikey.
Mikey , my cousin you were the tell-it-as-it-is person, so full of humor and I know you will be missed by so many. I extend my condolences to your immediate family, friends and to the law fraternity. May you RIP.
I remember the 2 detentions he gave me when he was a prefect at DGS. But I liked him anyway.
He was such a nice guy condolences to the family.
Sincere condolences to his brothers and sisters and other extended family. May his soul rest in peace. Mikey served Dominica well on multiple fronts.
I will always remember Mikey back in the days of Dennis Joseph with his morning Date Line programme, “Date Line Dominica”
Gone not forgotten rip brother