Brian Delano Costner

Obituary For Brian Delano Costner

Wow! I finally got us all together. Unfortunately, the circumstances aren’t good. I had to leave for everyone to come out. Oh well, such is life. Let’s get down to the businessof me, my favorite subject. Here we go, my name is Brian Delano Costner, a.k.a. “Termite. ” Now that’s clear! My bright light shined upon this world the day I was born on February 9th, 1949, in Washington, D.C. What a day! I was born to Musetha and Jackie Costner, who preceded me. I have three older siblings, two brothers and one sister, who’s as sweet as sugar, and I love them all deeply.

I’m the youngest of the four, spoiled is putting it mildly. My sister Lachonne has always been a force in my life, loving, leading and guiding me. Because of this tight bond, her sons Adhim and Adzikwe and I are really close. I often depend on them, my guys forever.

Let me give you a few facts about me. I was educated in the NYC school system. I graduated from NYU with my BA and proceeded to get my Master’s in mathematics. I’ve gotta tell you, I’m really good with numbers, even when I’m hustling my son Shawn out of some dollars (smile). I started my own side business tutoring students who were struggling in math. That’s how good I am. Every student I tutored passed the course with flying colors, about 20 kids or more!

If you ever met me, my infectious personality would suck you in, and you’d never be able to forget the vibrant, witty and oh so funny personality that would leave an everlasting impression upon you. After all, I’m unforgettable, I’m “Termite.” To know me is to love me.

If you ask any of my oldest friends, they’ll all tell you that I was a bit of a bully when I was younger, much younger. Here’s a laugh: when I was a kid of about 10 years old, me and some friends formed us a gang. We called ourselves the Diablo Giants, and our sister gang were the Diablolettes. My sis Kay-Kay was there with me from the beginning. Kay-Kay is one of the many Behagens, all of whom I have a lasting relationship with. Ma & B took me in as their other son. B used to call me a rodent, and Grandma called me “Termichael.” I was accepted and truly loved.

I used to be a correction officer. I tell you, I didn’t take to being locked in every day. I felt overlapped, I felt like a prisoner myself. That wasn’t for me.

I’ve made numerous friends over the years, many of whom I think of as family. I want to make mention of a few people.

Ron Behagen, Lenny Thomas, Harold “Chicago” Frye, Tony Fields, Caryn Cox, all of you know how much I care for you. Lenny, I think about the time we all went out to Nassau Coliseum to see Marvin Gaye return to perform after a 5-year absence. Remember, I had on a bright yellow suit with a yellow fedora hat with a long burgundy feather in it. The performance was so electric that Viola smashed my hat in. Ha, ha, ha, didn’t matter, we were all together, about 4 or 5 carloads, and we had a ball. Nowadays, some of us may get to see somebody at the Old Times reunion every August. I look forward to that.

Let me tell you what’s the most important thing in the world to me: it’s family. My greatest joy is that I was blessed to have two wonderful children. My son Shawn who’s reaching for the stars and I’m proud of you son. Then there is my special precious daughter Danielle, who tries to keep me in line, almost an impossible task. Sweetheart, I love you because of that spirit of yours. From my two gifts from God, Shawn and Danielle, I’ve been blessed with grandchildren. I was never rich but as “B” would say Iam rich with family and I’ll live on forever through them.

I wish I could have stayed around, but my body was broken and my spirit just too big for this broken body, so my spirit had to leave. I leave to cherish my memory, my son Shawn, daughter Danielle, daughter-in-law Karen, six grandchildren Naya, TeAmani, Trenel, Shawn Riley, Lyric, and Sophia. Three siblings Lachonne Deveaux, Jasper, and Ronnie Costner. The Behagen family who has shared in my love and life’s journey. A host of family and friends too vast to name.

Finally I say to you, may God be with you all. I’ve made my peace and now I get to take my rest in my God’s loving arms, and “yes,” I know God.

I love you all. Peace Out, Termite.