Brian Robert Viera passed away unexpectedly on May 23, 2021, at the age of 63.
Brian was known to all of his family and friends as “Fern,” the nickname he acquired because of his Afro in the late ’70s that looked like a “fern bush,” according to his best friend Barry Stone.
Fern graduated from MVRHS, and was known as a jack of all trades and an accomplished carpenter. He was able to fix anything with a motor, and particularly liked to work on his motorcycles. Anyone who dared to ride on the back of his bike ended up having the ride of their life! He also loved driving the Barrister T. in the Demolition Derby. If only those Aquinnah hills could talk.
Time on the water was something Fern took great pleasure in, spending many hours digging clams and quahogs from Tashmoo and Lagoon ponds and sharing them with family and friends. There are many memories of Fern during the scallop season on the Ruth E, the boat he named after his loving mother. He was sometimes referred to as the Speed Scalloper, as he had a bigger, faster motor than the other scallop boats. Barry Stone would say, “Everyone watch out, Captain Fernie at the helm!”
Fern had an infectious laugh, and would sometimes break into song, to the delight of those around him. He was someone who was not afraid to show affection for those he loved, most of the time sneaking up on family and friends and planting a big hug and kiss on them.
Fern was predeceased by his parents, Marion and Ruth Viera, his sisters, Connie Lima (Tony), Marilyn Jernegan (Vern), and brother Milton (Janice). He is survived by his son John, stepson Sam, his brothers, Ben (Joyce), Buzzy (Donna), and many cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as his former wife Martha, whom he remained friends with for many years. We hope he knows how much he was loved and will be missed.
A celebration of life will be held in the fall. We will sing, dance, and share memories of Fern.
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