Charles "Brian" Humphrey

Brian was a man of many interests and passions. His love of cars can be traced back to his early years in Cleveland competing in the Soap Box Derby. As a young man, Brian could often be found in the driveway fixing cars, removing engines, or otherwise tinkering. His beloved Porsche was the perfect outlet for his mechanical mind, spending most of its life cared for in the garage rather than out on the road. The BMW 750 motorcycle he purchased in Germany in 1972 was driven many more miles than the Porsche. Brian loved adventures and rode his motorcycle from Cleveland to Alaska and back one summer in the 1970’s, camping along the way.

The thrill of downhill skiing, and a love of competition, filled Brian’s winters with trips to the slopes in the Midwest and out west. The reward of the apres-ski activities contributed to Brian’s active social life.

Brian discovered his true passion with sailing on Lake Erie first as a crew member and later as a proud boat owner. Beginning with a catamaran, Brian owned several sail boats culminating in Flash II, a Niagara 35. With over 30 years on the water, Flash II visited many ports in both fresh and saltwater, from the Great Lakes to the Bahamas.

Through sailing, Brian met the true love of his wife, Sonia McKellar. Her quick wit and affable sense of humor, in addition to her sailing skills and charming kiwi accent, led to a passionate love as true partners in life. Their life together included a shared love of sailing, travel, friends and family.

Brian’s talent for all things mechanical led him to a career designing and manufacturing equipment for packaging. The success of his business allowed Brian to retire early and lead his dream life sailing to the Bahamas and beyond with Sonia as first mate.

Brian was an adventurous traveler and visited exotic locations in both hemispheres through backpacking, cycling, and sailing trips. He was a good cook, and connoisseur of fine scotch.

He enjoyed entertaining and was loved by many loyal friends and family.

Leaving behind to honor and cherish Brian's life and memories are his loving wife, Sonia Humphrey; stepchildren, Andrena Wallace (Douglas), Tess Cochrane (Byron), and Matthew James Moir; siblings, Roberta Clark (Robert), Christine Bregar (James), and Bonnie Humphrey (John O’Donnell); and many loving nieces, nephews, family members and close friends.

Brian is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Florence Humphrey, and sister Kathleen Jeffries.

A celebration of Brian's life will be held on Sunday, March 16th at 2:00-4:00 PM at the Cotten Funeral Home.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Charles "Brian" Humphrey.