Kenneth Brian Stein—also known as "BrianKenny," "Kenny" and "Bif"—died peacefully and comfortably surrounded by friends who loved him dearly in the early hours of Oct. 11 in Chicago. He was 49.
Stein lived in Chicago for some 30 years, moving here after being a successful punk art student in Detroit and New York.
Using his intense and original sense of humor, Stein created his alter ego, "Bif," who was among the original servers at Ed Debevic's and then at Buck's on Halsted.
Facebook and blog ( "Do It Your Damn Self" ) fans and friends admiring his creative genius looked forward to weekly updates for "Tittie Tuesday" and "Weenie Wednesday."
After leaving Bucks, Stein founded Brian Kenny Cardtoure to "make the world a better place, one card at a time."
His exclusively hand-made "couture" cards were featured in national "How To" and "Best Of" craft books. They were sold in specialty stores from coast to coast and through his online boutique.
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Featuring images of pulp fiction, B-movie advertisements, mug shots, vintage pinups, mod pop culture and even Wayne Newton, the glittered, embossed, jeweled and elaborately die-cut cards visually presented Stein's humor-laced view of the world. Cards with titles like "Hot Pants Homo," "The Thing That Wouldn't Die" And "Queen" were some of his best-sellers.
Traditional funeral services were held in Detroit Oct. 13. Donations can be made in Stein's name to Howard Brown Health Center, 4025 N. Sheridan.
