Tom Brennan Dies at 78; Recalled as One of Bay City's Most Positive Guys

Entrepreneur Built Boat Sales Empire from Small Yard on Water Street

January 18, 2004
By: Dave Rogers

      Tom Brennan, who died recently at age 78, was one of the most positive guys in town. We need to remember Tom because his attitude about life can give us inspiration when we need it most.

      No matter what had happened, Tom always had a smile and a cheery thought. He always got to the office, too, to preside over his business at an age long after most entrepreneurs had retired and moved to Florida.

      We remember Tom, along with brothers Jim and Bill, in the 1940s, picking upnewspapers at the Bay City Times downtown. The Brennans had several motor routes in their younger days. It was from those humble beginnings, and from a small 140 foot lot on the Saginaw River, that a boat sales empire began.

      

Knowing Tom and his positive attitude told you why he was successful. He was a genuinely likeable guy, and he liked people, too, and believed in them, no matter what station in life they occupied. That's why employees and former employees, and friends, rich andpoor, say Tom was one of the great guys of Bay City.

      Brennan Marine sales went from that little yard to stretch for more than a mile, on Water Street from 23rd to 32nd streets along the river. More than a dozen buildings were filled with boats being stored or repaired during the hey day of the firm. Besides the Bay City yard, another facility on the St. Clair River near Detroit, was part of the Brennan empire. Boaters drove here from Flint, Lansing and around the state to store their boatsbecause they knew the Brennans would take good care, were fair and did a good job. The business grew steadily through the years, and for good reason.

      Tom and brothers Jim and Bill were inducted into the Michigan Boating Industries Association Hall of Fame in 2001. Jim, whose smile lighted Bay City for decades, died a couple of years ago.

Tom, and Jim, were unforgettable guys who helped make Bay City the friendly, special place that it is.

      Tom, we'll miss you and we know you're still smiling.