Brian Darrell Grangaard

Brian Grangaard was taken, what seems like to soon, by the Lord our God at the age of 45. He was born on January 22nd, 1975. On May 25th, 2020, he went for a ride through Simpson Park Trail on his ebike and lost control coming down to fast down the roads curve. Even though he has passed that doesn't mean he's gone. He is inside all of us. In our hearts, and in our memories.

Growing up Brian was loved by all everywhere he went. I've heard a countless amount of stories, between his sisters dressing him up like a girl and his mom yelling throughout the neighborhood "Brian" for him to come home. He was a star athlete on every baseball team he was on. His love for sports was a passion like no other. Even when he wasn't playing ball his love for the game continued through watching the St, Louis Cardinals. If you could describe Brian using two words everyone would say he was passionate and caring. He had such a big heart and so much love for everything and everyone he cared about. He had so many friends that would say he was a beam of laughter wherever they went. Brian always liked to be the center of attention and often times he was. His unique dance moves never failed to leave a smile across people's face. He loved to have fun. That's what we will remember, his ability to have fun and enetertain a crowd wherever he went.

As his daughter I would like to say that I know my papi would want us to celebrate the life he lived. There's one specific memory I have with him that I think everyone should know. We went to Vegas in March of 2016. I saw the Stratosphere Hotel as we were driving through and asked him if we could go. He told me how there were all these cool rides at the top of the building and I was instantly intrigued. So he took me. As we get to the top he second guessed his decision for us to ride Insanity. He was scared, but he knew how important it was to me. I even told him I would ride on it alone. He never considered that an option, he wanted to be right by my side. He took care of me that day in a way I never realized, even though he was terrified. Think of all the memories you created with him. Remember him for the big heart he had. Take this as an oppurtunity to hug the ones you love, because you never know when their time will come. The lord was calling him home early, but I know he is still watching over us as our gurdian angel. He is a loving son, brother, father and friend that we will miss. Continue to live life like my dad would. Unapologetically. Let his smile reign and his passion live on in everything we do. 💙 Brianna

I just wanted to share one of my most treasured memories of my brother. I had called him out of the blue one day and asked him if he wanted to go to a Creed concert with me in a couple days. He was so excited and shocked because although we’d hang out at his house or mine over the years, we’d never really gone out together like that before. The day of the concert, he arrived in his shiny decked out car, radio blasting as usual. I got in and we took off down the street as he yelled out, “We’re gonna party like rock stars!” He had to make a stop on the way and when he got back into the car he said, “You really look good in my car!” I smiled, but never told him how wonderful that comment made me feel. Driving down the freeway he told me that Mom and Dad really laid into him about being careful and taking good care of me. He tapped my leg and said, “Don’t worry sis, you’re safe with me. “ We arrived, got some drinks and took our seats about 7 rows back. He got up and started introducing us as brother and sister to everyone around us. He told them that this was our first time out like this together and wanted to apologize in advance if things got a little crazy. They pretty much said no worries, we hope you have a great time. The concert began and Brian was up dancing around. He kept trying to get me to dance with him, but I didn’t want to block anyone’s view. We had so much fun and towards the end of the concert he said, “I’m gonna go get you Scott’s autograph!” He started dancing his way down the isle, doing those dance moves that only Brian could, while gesturing a signature to Scott, on his arm. Scott smiled and nodded at him and when he got to the stage, security came over and asked him to go back to his seat. He excitedly danced his way back and of course I laughed the whole time. When the concert ended people were coming up to us and telling him how much fun they had watching him. Another said, “I think more eyes were on you than Scott.“ We both didn’t want the night to end so we decided to go dancing at the club in the casino. We got our drink on and before I knew it we were tearing up the dance floor together till 3 in the morning. I’m so happy I took a chance that day and invited him to take me to my first Creed concert. It lead us to go out dancing as much as I could over the following years and I would give up just about anything to have those days back. Thank you Brian, for teaching me it’s ok to let loose and have a good time. I’m sure gonna miss you brother. I love you with all my heart and soul, save me a dance in heaven. Whenever I hear the song Tonight Tonight by Hot Chelle Rae, I will smile and think of you! 💙 Cherise.