In Loving Memory of Lifelong Horseman Jack Brizendine
By: Brittany Bevis
It is with deep sadness that we must relay the news that the horse industry has lost a wonderful man, inspiring mentor, and lifelong horseman. Jack Brizendine passed away last night November 30th, 2015 following a nearly three-year battle with cancer.
Not only was Jack a loving father and devoted husband, he was instrumental in the industry as an AQHA Professional Horseman, judge, horse trainer, and fervent supporter of the Halter Horse industry. Jack leaves behind his wife of 30 years, Pam, and children Jared, Chad, Brittany, and Sean.
Pam and Jack enjoyed 32 years together and 30 years of marriage, resulting in the birth of their twin 29-year-old sons, Jared and Chad, one of which will be graduating from medical school on May 13th and was granted permission by the College Dean to bring his robe home for Jack to see before he passed. “That meant so much to him,” Pam says. “He loved his family fiercely, more than anything in the world. He fought until the bitter end to be with his family.”
Jack also deeply loved the American Quarter Horse breed and was a huge supporter of the Halter Horse industry. “I’ve had horses my whole life, but I did Team Roping and Barrel Racing,” Pam says. “I’d never done Halter until I met Jack. He always helped everyone. It didn’t matter who you were. He really cared about youth and the backyard person who came to the show with their horse without a trainer. He was always one of those people who wanted to go help them.”
One of Pam’s fondest memories of Jack’s time spent in the show pen took place in 2012 when his horses won six Congress trophies; that was also the year he was diagnosed with cancer. “He won so many Honor Roll Championships,” she says. “Also, he was the only Halter guy on the Top Ten point earner list for many years. That was one of the things that made him really happy, because he was up there with all the ropers.”
Definite plans have not been made at this time, but Pam expects some type of memorial scholarship will be set up in Jack’s name.
