8-05-10 Memorial for Brian on shores of Lake Michigan

From Videos

from Billie and Allen, friends of family & Brian
Brian, our guardian angel,

Our hearts have been so heavy since you left us! We think of you every day. We miss your sweet smile and your infectious giggle. We loved you like a grandson and we will always love you!

Until we meet again you will be in our hearts. We know that heaven is a better place now that you are there.

God bless,

Allen and Billie


from Colleen, Brian's sister
I’m glad that so many of us can be here today. The act of returning Brian to one of his favorite bodies of water is deeply symbolic, I think.


Water cleanses, refreshes and renews us. It washes us clean. Brian never missed a chance to swim, or even to take a shower. He often took two or more showers a day! But he loved it when he could go for a swim in a lake, pool or ocean, in lieu of taking a shower at all.

That’s what I did today, and although I’m a little grimy on the outside, I feel pretty clean and refreshed on the inside, even purified. Maybe Brian was always seeking to cleanse himself too. Water made him feel whole, refreshed and clean. Maybe these clean, cool waves are a symbol of what Brian struggled for inside.

Many of us gathered on Brian’s birthday this year. We scattered his ashes in another beloved body of water, the Paluxy River.

Today, one year after Brian died, we gather to join him with the clean, cool, endless waves of Lake Michigan – and he wanted to be here. It makes me happy to know that Brian is part of this watery earth – all the oceans, lakes and rivers that flow around us.

Jessica and Patrick plan to share Brian with the Mississippi River on the drive home, thus delivering him to the Delta he loved. We won’t stop until we’ve scattered his ashes at all of his favorite watering holes, like Pickeral Lake, Caddo Lake, and the Gulf of Mexico.

Brian, deep peace of the cool, clean water to you. We love you.


from Terri, Brian's Mom
August 5 anniversary of Brian’s death


33years and 3 months ago, Brian came into this world. Today we gather to celebrate Brian and his life. We strive to answer the question: not why did Brian die but why did Brian live?

During this year without Brian, I have been rereading old journals piecing together parts of the 33 years Brian and I spent together. Like all the significant parts of someone’s life, the Brian pieces range between being wonderful and moderately horrible.

It would never do to add wings and halo to the figure of Brian. But, we would all agree about his most endearing qualities: he was a warm compassionate human being, exuding warmth, thoughtfulness, fun, engagement, love of nature and appreciation of all its gifts- especially the gift of water.

Brian could never have been fully aware of the pain his death has created in the hearts of those who loved him most. How can we ease this pain and not allow Brian’s most enduring legacy to be one of tragedy? I believe that each and every day, we can help him most by enjoying life, smiling and laughing, loving others, taking new steps in life toward positive new horizons, helping those who feel their loss to do the same and in short, not allow this tragic decision to create further sorrow. I believe it is what Brian would have us do.

33 years and 3 months ago, Brian emerged from my watery womb. Today, 33 years later, I offer his ashes back to the watery womb of the earth. I celebrate his rebirth into living water, eternal water, the cool, clear, blue waters of Lake Michigan. He is reborn into the nature that he cherished, into awesome creation of sand and rocks and running waves of healing water.

Grandma Casey, just as you relinquished your watch over Tim to me on our wedding day, I now turn to you- and ask you -to hold Brian warm and safe –and to hold Tim warm and safe – for all eternity. I am realizing that today - I can relinquish my hold and place them both in your loving hands. And- with the help of god, the angels and saints and all of our dear ones who have gone before us, confidently know that they are wrapped in a blanket of love.

4/18/10 Words from Family on his 33rd Birthday

Beginning of ceremony, from Brian's girlfriend Jessica:
Today we are here to celebrate Brian's life. He would have been 33 today and I am positive we would have been here celebrating. Even though he is not with us physically, I believe his spirit is constantly with us. While today is a sad day for us, I believe Brian is at peace, and enjoying his birthday with Tim and others in Heaven. He is finally free of pain, and free of his addiction. These two things are probably his most desired birthday wishes. As we say our goodbyes may we remember the best parts of him. We will remember the great times, the lessons he taught us, and the adventures he gave us, but also keep in mind why we are here today. Please take in the nature that surrounds us and feel his presence while we share our goodbyes, and send his ashes back to earth, where new life will begin.

Spreading his ashes, from Brian's girlfriend Jessica:
As I stand here in the place you loved so much I struggle to let you go. This is way to final, and its difficult to say goodbye. Brian, when things were great you showed me the beauty in places like this. You taught me about nature and the history behind it all. You helped me learn to appreciate my surroundings and look for the untouched beauty in nature. Thank you for these gifts.

When life was tough I know you struggled to get through each day. I know your hurt ran deep, and you fought to stay afloat most days. With this realization I know you are in a better place. I know you are free of your pain and addiction. I know you finally have true happiness and joy. It is my hope that as I release you back to where you came from you will be intertwined with the new life that is soon to follow.

I will never forget you, I will always cherish you, I will keep you alive through my words, my tears, and my joy.

Happy Birthday Brian, may you finally have everything you ever wished for.


 From Brian's Mom, Terri:
33 years ago, Brian came into this world. Today we celebrate Brian and his life. We strive to ask the question: not why did Brian die, but why did Brian live? The last few months I have rereading old journals piecing together parts of the 33 years Brian and I spent together. Like all the significant parts of life, the pieces range between being wonderful and moderately horrible.

It would never do to add wings and halo to the figure of Brian. But, we would all agree about his most endearing qualities: He was a warm compassionate human being, exuding warmth, thoughtfulness, fun, engagement, love of nature and all its gifts, especially water.

33 years ago, Brian emerged from my watery womb. Today, 33 years later, I offer his ashes back to the watery womb of the earth. I celebrate his rebirth into living water and river rock of Glen Rose, into the nature that he cherished, into awesome creation complete with dinosaur tracks, power and beauty, into eternity, into the arms of his father – both of his fathers: his earthly - earthy father Tim, and His heavenly father, our everlasting, loving God.
 
 
From Brian's Brother, Patrick:
My heart weeps for our loss, and the mind nags of what could have been. The knowledge of your peace and freedom is soothing to our souls. As I talk to you, and others gone before, I find an honesty wash over me in which a purity is restored. I hear you in the silence, and I see you in the dark. I feel your hands upon me; they calm a broken heart. I feel your will within me, reassembling shattered parts.

I know what you would want for me and what I have to do.

Life’s true path will be revealed with every single step. But with your love, your will and strength, the reward’s within our grasp. We did not bring you here today; you left a part behind. The wind’s become your voice, and the water, your embrace. The ground will hold your human shell, and every fire we shall see, flickers your remembrance.

We know what you would want for us, and what we have to do.

Hallowed ground, beneath our feet, is timeless as the stars. You commingle with the universe and all who’ve gone before. We release you from our clutches, through release you may come in. This is your new beginning, the one you sought so long. The battle’s finally over; you knelt and dropped your sword. The darkness cannot reach you now; you’re untethered and of light.
 

From Brian's Sister, Colleen:
Brian,

Eight months after your death I still can’t believe you’re gone. I miss you every day. I miss your smile and your good advice; your great cooking and your enthusiasm for Ranger games, camping trips, and doggies.

When I take Buddy to Rickel Park, I think of you. When I eat a really terrific steak, I think of you. When I see a beautiful sunset, an incredible moon, or a crazy Texas storm, I think of you.
We still laugh, we still have fun, we have found new ways to live. But life will never be the same without you, and I have a Brian-sized hole in my heart. The biggest comfort to me is that your pain and suffering have ended, and you can rest in the arms of your Dad. I love you and I will never forget you, Brian.

Deep peace of the running waves to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you.
Deep peace of the gentle night to you.
Deep peace of the infinite peace to you.


From Brian's Uncle, Gerry:
Today we are here to celebrate Brian’s life. He would have been 33 today and I am positive we would have been here celebrating. Even though he is not with us physically, I believe his spirit is constantly with us. While today is sad day for us, I believe Brian is at peace, and enjoying his birthday with Tim and others in Heaven. He is finally free of pain, and free of his addiction. These two things are probably his most desired birthday wishes. As we say our goodbyes may we remember the best parts of him. We will remember the great times the lesson he taught us and the adventures he gave us, but also keep in mind why we are here today. Please take in the nature that surrounds us and feel his presence while we share our goodbyes, and send his ashes back to earth, where new life will begin.

Brian's Life in Pictures

From Videos

Photo Album of Brian & Memorable Times

Photos

PhotoCollage1

From Videos

Brian's Petitions (Prayers of the Faithful)

Brian was passionate about nature and an avid conservationist. It was important to him to preserve our resources: clean air, pure water, and protected lands for the creatures that inhabit them. Lord, let us care for our environment and act as stewards for this earth which sustains us. Lord, hear our prayer.

Let us remember to lead rich lives full of curiosity, authenticity, and generosity. Let us use our precious time and talents to better the world and the lives of those we impact. Lord, hear our prayer.

Brian enjoyed life to the fullest. His spontaneity and love of adventure took him many places. Let us follow by his example by seeking out new adventures and embracing all of God’s creation. Lord, hear our prayer.

Lord, thank you for the beautiful day you have made. Please help us understand that tumultuous storms form a part of the cycle of life, and that their passing brings renewal and peace. Lord, hear our prayer.

Terri Casey's Reflections (Brian's Vigil)

Whenever we lose someone we love, a favorite poem by Emily Dickinson runs through my head. It goes like this:

THE BUSTLE IN A HOUSE
The bustle in a house
the morning after death-
is the solemnest of industries
enacted upon this earth:
the sweeping up the heart
and putting love away;
we won't be want
to use again
until eternity.

As a mother, I knew some of the depths of Brian's pain. And now I am feeling a vast sense of relief that he is at peace - asleep in his fathers' arms.

Sean Casey's Tribute (Brian's vigil)

WHAT I SAW OF YOU (Brian's family) IN BRIAN
As the youngest kid in our family, Brian learned a lot from all of us. He listened, saw, and incorporated values into his life from each of us as he developed his worldview and grew into the person he became. I have a word to tell you and my family about your impact on Brian and what I will always keep as precious and invaluable about his life.

Patrick: EMPATHY.
Patrick, I see in Brian your patience, sensitivity, and careful attention to people, animals, and the natural world we inhabit and share. Be proud that as a big brother you helped nurture and foster the respect in Brian that ultimately became an advocacy and a hallmark of Brian’s life.

Colleen: SEEKER
Colleen, I see in Brian your thirst for knowledge as you seek the meaning of your life’s many, varied experiences. Like you, he developed extensive depth and breadth of knowledge in the pursuit of adventure, betterment, and growth. Be proud that your influence stretched him as a person so much.

Mom: GOODNESS
Mom, I see an innate drive towards goodness that you instilled in Brian. I have an understanding and faith in my brother that the good was what he wanted, strove for, and fought for in his life. I have lots of memories, traditions, and hysterical pictures to prove it. Mom, I can’t say anything truer to you than this: you modeled, developed, and supported the good, the spiritual, and the philosophical in Brian.

Dad: GUSTO
My Dad was a prominent figure and influence in our lives. I see so clearly in Brian my Dad’s capacity for exploring all that life has to offer, and for truly squeezing as much out of his time on earth as possible. Thank you Dad, and thank you Brian: you both exemplified this.


WHAT I LEARNED FROM BRIAN
For much of my life I saw my role as Brian’s big brother as teacher. I taught him how to ride bikes like a wild banshee, play storm the castle on the playscape with Mom’s overripe tomatoes as our medieval weapons, and how to play tennis well enough to run me and my friends all over the court. But now I consider what I have learned from my younger brother, Brian.

1. Card Games: ALL IN. Brian lived his life all in, and he did not let many opportunities pass him by. His approach to life left nothing on the table.

2. Treacherous terrain and fearsome creatures: RISK AND REWARD. Brian lived his life navigating gator-infested swamps, runaway bumper golf carts, and crazy cross country trips for Octoberfest, St. Patty’s Day, Summerfest, you name it. To him, the risks of life were down payments for the rewards, and he sought and found many rewards.

3. Testosterone Weekend: BE PRESENT. THE MOMENT MATTERS. Brian was a master of the art of keeping traditions, both bona fide like birthdays, and completely made up, like our very own Casey/Malleis Octoberfest camping on the shores of Lake Michigan with 30 pounds of sausage, 5 foot breakers, and polar bear swims. Life is a series of moments, and I learned from Brian to be fully present for as many as I can, because as I look back, they are what matter and they are a key part of what defines our precious time on this earth.

Colleen Casey's Tribute (Brian's Vigil)

A word we can use to describe Brian is wholehearted. He used his whole heart. He was passionate and involved.

For example, when Brian would encounter injustice – usually against someone else, not him – he would readily take initiative and join in. He was the master of the “strongly worded letter”. He wrote powerful, well-crafted letters to the mayor, to Yahoo, to Marlboro, and often achieved results. He championed water conservation right here in Hurst. For a while he was keeping a log of traffic violations that he witnessed. It’s true, the violators were all police officers, but Brian was proving a point.

Brian defended people wholeheartedly and gave them the benefit of the doubt. He cared about people. He was concerned for their welfare, and he helped both people he knew and complete strangers. He brought water to roofers, he carried groceries for elderly ladies, he fixed their TV’s and computers.

Whole-hearted also describes Brian’s sense of fun. He dove in, wholeheartedly, to good times with his friends, his family, his dog. So often I would come home and ask, where are Brian and Buddy?

• They’re at a superbowl party
• They’re camping at the river
• They’re at the Ranger game
• They’re at a pool party
• And I KNOW it was wholehearted, because they’d both come home and sleep for the next 24 hours!

Looking at the slideshow of Brian’s life tonight, it’s clear that Brian loved his family and his friends wholeheartedly. He had LIFELONG friends, and he touched a lot of lives. We’ll miss his enthusiasm and his readiness to have a good time. Brian brought people together with his whole heart. I hope he knows, with his whole heart, the depths of the love and understanding that all of us here have for him. Thank you so much for being with us tonight to celebrate Brian’s life and the impact he had on us all.

Jessica Schuler's Tribute (Brian's Vigil)

These past three years have been the most exciting of my life. Brian taught me how to love unconditionally, enjoy the earth, forgive and forget, and to grow from many life lessons.

I can’t count the number of times we went camping. Brian loved to observe and experience the finest parts of nature. Being in the water were some of his happiest moments. In fact he kept a pair of trunks in the jeep at all times just in case we passed a body of water he had never been in, or if we went on one of our spontaneous day trips to Glen Rose. I think those were the times Brian felt most at peace.

He used to tell me Caddo lake was “our spot”, and any time we got the chance to go to the swamp we would make the 2 ½ hour drive. He noticed beauty in things I would have never looked twice at, like the Spanish moss dangling from the cypress trees. The swamp is now one of my favorite places to go. Even though that was the one place we couldn’t swim.

Brian provided me with a lifetime of experiences, and I hope that as time passes I will be able to continue his path of adventure, and continue to experience what nature has to offer.

I am blessed to be a part of this family. I love Brian with all of my heart, and I thank you all for coming to celebrate Brian’s life.

Molly Malleis's Tribute (Brian's Vigil)

For those of who don’t know me, my name is Molly. By blood Brian is my cousin, through life Brian is my brother.

For the first half of my life we were sidekicks, a dynamic duo known as “Brian and Molly”. Never, never to be called “Molly and Brian.” Personally, I know Brian loved being referred to first!

You may think with the time we spent together that I would have a plethora of stories to choose from and share with you….but actually it is quite the opposite as I try to recall specific instances. I think back to childhood and I can’t remember a thing we did together. But what I can tell you is what seemed like every waking moment outside of school, we were by each other’s side.

There are 3 things I think about when I think of Brian and our duo.

Laughter. Intensity. Volume.

Laughter: Brian and I were always laughing. He and I never once fought and I can’t tell you a time I was ever mad at him or he at me. We were both fully aware that each has had their share of poor decisions, challenges, and struggles. But we had an unconditional relationship that involved no judgments and an understanding that both of us are just who we are. There was an ease we had with each other that allowed us to simply be. Brian was the only person in my life I have never once felt like I needed to change something about or tame some aspect of myself or my personality.

Intensity: Brian and Molly, separately, intense individuals. Together, an intensity unmatched. Often times people are unclear how to handle such intensity. Brian could not care any less….he was who he was and he wasn’t apologizing for it.

Brian was brave and courageous and he had helped me do what I want to do and be who I want to be in life.

Volume: Shear Volume. I could never let this evening end without mentioning this. Brian and I were loud, really-really loud…all the time.

We often needed to be reminded to lower our voices. Whenever Uncle Tim started and stopped with a simple “Frabbits, Scarfy”, we knew it was time to quiet it down pretty quickly and we had better remember to keep it that way.

Then there is perhaps that most frequently heard phrase in the Casey/Malleis childhood…the one anyone of us could recite, created by Aunt Mo, used by many.
“Brian and Molly, could you please lower your voices about 2 decibels!”

Somewhere in our youngest days he became “My Bri, Bri.” Rumor has it he didn’t like Bri. I have to laugh that I gave him the punch of doubling it up. Sorry, bro, I didn’t know but I have to believe that you were ok with it as last month we sat we together and I asked you if had prepared your lady and knew yourself that the fact was at 65 yrs old I’d still be calling you “My Bri, Bri.” You got that incredible grin, dimples popped, shoulders rolled, and you belly laughed saying “yeah, I know Mol!” Well, just so you know buddy….death doesn’t change that!

Now, I KNOW this is a celebration of Brian’s life so I will end with a story but first I need to let the other half of this duo know that today:

The laughter isn’t as full.
The intensity is dampened.
The volume is way too low.

So I smoked my first cigarette with Brian. I drank my first drink with Brian. I went to my first club with Brian. And I skipped my first church service with Brian.

Skipping our first church service went like this: I got in the red escort at the Rockford House one Sunday morning. Let me clarify that we all know Brian was a rule breaker- me not so much- so this had me a little nervous!! Brian and Meg were already in the car- Meg right in line with Brian’s plan. As I close the door Brian states “So, we aren’t going to church today. Here is what’s going to happen. First, we are going to go get a bulletin. Second, we are going to go get a soda. THEN, we go to the park!” So we pull up into the church parking lot and he looks at me and says “Now go get the bulletin.” I do and we are off to get sodas. After getting the soda we are sitting at a stop light on the way to the park. Something out of the corners of our eyes catches our attention, we all look and there is a car with 3 people in it, waving at us….Uncle Tim, Aunt Theresa, and Mom. I am mortified and nervously ask him, voice shaking “What do we do now?” He promptly and confidently replies “We go to the park, they already know!!!”

I love you Bri, Bri!!

Lori Russell's Tribute (Brian's Vigil)

Everyone knows the term eulogy is a Greek word, meaning literally "words of praise". There is no shortage of words of praise when it comes to describing Brian. Brian appreciated the moon and just as the moon reflects light, Brian's dimpled grin lit up the room. There are so many things I love about Brian. He was not just my cousin. He was a close friend. A confidant. He was my poker buddy and date to plenty of Rangers games. It was at those Rangers games where we shared some of our innermost thoughts.

Brian never met a stranger. His personality is bigger than Planet Earth. He loved traveling, wilderness, and animals. He loved spur of the moment adventures, some of which I had the pleasure of joining him in. On one such adventure at the lake, Brian taught me how to play spades. I very much enjoyed vacationing with him in Padre. Brian loved to soak up the sun whether it be sprawled out on the sand, or on a float in the pool.

He could be a night owl and was relentless when it came to poker! I remember staying up until 2 or 3am with him, battling it out heads up. Of course, that was before I had children! He was competitive and challenged me, which I appreciated! He taught me about patience, whether it was with poker or in managing his easy-going spirit. Like the time a group of us told him not to drive his Jeep on the beach dunes, because he'd get stuck. Brian drove them anyway and got stuck and called us for help.

Brian's death has brought to mind several things. One, family is extremely important. We all need to be hereto support one another and we all need to know it's ok to lean on one another. We are SO fortunate to have such a large, wonderful, contributory family. Secondly, life is fragile. I'm adopting a new mantra "people before things". Laundry, dishes, bills, and chores will always be there. The people in your life though, may not. It wouldn't hurt any of us to adopt a bit of Brian's sunny side. Brian lived his 32 years to the very fullest. He gave hugs freely. He was the guy who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. I have learned to let my hair down a little more, so to speak. To take more risks and to live a little more fully. Also, don't be ashamed or embarrassed to tell people you love them. And, live without regrets!

Brian tried to. I will forever think of Brian as I listen to They Might Be Giants or the Old 97s, or even Jimmy Buffet. I will remember his pirate antics! I will miss him in a crazy costume at the annual Grinstead Halloween party. St. Patrick's Day will certainly never be the same! I will think of him while eating at Joe T.'s or Sake and will be missing him at our regular haunt Caves Lounge. I will think of Brian fondly when I watch the Rangers or Cubs play baseball. Also, I'll need to find another poker rival!

I know for certain that Brian is resting peacefully and that makes the grief a tiny bit easier to get through. It's nice to know we will have another protector looking down at us. He has been liberated and is no doubt hamming it up with family who've gone before. Peace and Love Always, Brian!

Julie Casey's Dream @ Brian the Night He Died

Hi hon --
My thoughts are with you as you head to Hurst now. I am very glad we got the chance to talk at lunch. I'm writing down my dream like you'd asked me to, while it's still somewhat fresh on my mind.

I had this dream last night sometime after 12:30, when I came to bed, and 2:45, when Lainey got up. I guess it was my mind's attempt to process everything you had told me about Brian last night. (Plus all the scenes of Slumdog Millionaire floating about in my brain from the watching it Monday!)

Anyway, the dream was like a movie about Brian's night, so sometimes I could see Brian walking around, and sometimes I was experiencing things from his point of view and seeing through his eyes. The dream began just outside a condo in downtown Fort Worth where Brian had been (blue is a color here and the word "Condo" on the screen of my dream movie). The condo was one of hundreds, completely inaccessible. I wondered how Brian had gotten in or out of the condo building, because it was so convoluted like a colony of mazes, without doors or stairs.

He had somehow figured out how to leave and started walking down the street in the middle of the night. He was tired and heavy and sleepy feeling, and he just wanted out and to get away. He wanted to go to the lake to be near the water (more blue color, like the dream was tinted blue). He kept walking, and he was noticing his shadow in front of him, how big it looked, from the moonlight. He kept stepping on it. He wasn't even noticing where he was going, and he was sort of disoriented. But he was determined to keep walking.

Then he noticed the silver black streak glinting across the concrete and realized it was a railroad track. He looked up and noticed he was near a rail yard (like in 'Slumdog' where the kids slept the night of the riot/violence). There were criss-crossing tracks and stopped railcars, and everything was still and quiet in the night. He saw that the tracks stretched to the left of him towards downtown, and then some to the right away from the city toward home. He looked down each one, seeing the rails go off in the distance. He knew that he didn't want to get on either of those tracks -- he just couldn't. So he crossed over both of them. He stepped over the tracks and kept walking on his shadow to where he thought the blue water was.

As he walked in the dark, the scenery looked jerky, (like in Slumdog when the kids were escaping). Sometimes he could perceive the imperceptible time breaks -- seeing in fast motion, then slow motion, and it was so hard to focus in the night, and so confusing -- lots of clutter all around, and he wasn't sure what was real stuff and what was shadow or imagined. He was feeling lost and tired after the rail yard, walking with his shadow that would never leave him.

Then it occurred to him to look up at the bright moon to get his bearings. At first the moon was all blurry, so he stopped walking and just stared up at it. And then the moon came into focus, the vision becoming completely clear and still. No more jerky motion. No more clutter or shadows. No more fast or slow motion. Just the bright white moon in the clear black sky, alone and still. He was relieved that he didn't have to look at his own shadow or try to figure out what was real or not. All he had to do was look at the beautiful moon shining down on him.

Then there was a rushing, buzzing sound from the city, and he hated it, because it was trying to distract him. But he didn't give into the noise, because he'd decided to look at the moon no matter what.

So he kept staring at the moon, feeling more and more peaceful and safe. He could see clearly, the bright circle outlined against the black sky, and he was glad for the simplicity of the vision after all that confusion. He felt the night breeze and breathed in deeply, coming to the conclusion that if he could just keep staring at the moon, that the moonlight would fill him up with all that clarity and peace and stillness.

I woke up then -- with the cell phone buzzing on the nightstand by the bed, which was the buzzing sound in the dream. The dream left me with such an overwhelming feeling of peace surrounding Brian that I really felt that he was going to be OK.

I'm so sorry, hon. I love you.

Jul

Brian's Obituary

Brian Casey, age 32, passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2009.


Vigil: Sunday, August 9 at 6 pm, Forest Ridge Funeral Home in Hurst.

Funeral: Monday, August 10 at 7 pm, St. Michael’s in Bedford.

We are deeply saddened by Brian’s passing. Brian loved nature, and taught us to appreciate the earth that we walk on and the sky that surrounds us. He sought adventure, he travelled, and he made friends wherever he went. Brian was kind and loyal to his family, and some of his best friends were his many cousins. Brian’s ready grin and energetic pursuit of good times will be missed by so many. We love you, Brian, and we wish you peace.

Brian is survived by his mother, Terri, brothers Sean and Patrick, sister Colleen, beloved girlfriend Jessica, and numerous family members and friends.

Charitable donations may be made to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, http://www.tpwf.org/ .