Hardwood flooring industry veteran and former Floor Trends columnist Richard "Rick" Brian died on Feb. 5 at his home in Southern Pines, N.C., following a brief battle with cancer. He was 66.

Brian was past board member of the National Wood Flooring Association, Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association and NOFMA - The Wood Flooring Manufacturers Association, among others. He also held positions as vice president of marketing, chief operating officer and president of Robbins Inc., where he was instrumental in expanding that company's residential hardwood business. Shortly after Triangle Pacific Corp. acquired Robbins in 1997, Brian established R.B. Brian & Associates, a consulting firm for the hardwood flooring and building products industries.

Brian was born on Oct. 6, 1947, in Newark, N.J., to the late Alan and Beverly (Orenstein) Brian. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, J. Sharon (Cropper) Brian; two sons, Richard Byron Brian of Toledo, Ohio. and John Robert Prather and wife Christine of Florence, Ky.; one daughter, Jill Suzanne Prather of Montgomery, Ohio; two brothers, Gary Brian and wife Victoria of Ohio, and Barry Brian and wife Debbie of New Jersey; two sisters, Janet Woods Brian, and Suzanne Brian White and husband Jeff from Ohio; and close cousin Bruce Markowitz of New Jersey; as well as twelve grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the memory of Richard B. Brian to the The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Research, 1111 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714. Memories of the man can be shared at www.bolesfuneralhome.com/book-of-memories/1799080/Brian-Richard/obituary.php.