Brian Reynolds Bland

Brian Bland, born in Lancaster, PA, on September 14, 1968, spent his early years in Florida and California before ultimately finding home in Raleigh, North Carolina. A proud graduate of Millbrook High School, Brian’s early love of learning and life paved the way for many of his passions, including his unwavering dedication to animals. From his beloved iguana, Axel, to his loyal mixed collie, Ivey, he was known for his kindness to animals and regularly volunteered at rescue shelters, often directing his charitable efforts toward beagle rescue groups.

Brian attended N.C. State University, where he earned his degree in mechanical engineering, and he spent 28 dedicated years working for the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. His analytical mind and love for data left a lasting mark in his field. The friendships he forged at N.C. State became lifelong, and he was committed to exploration and those close to him his whole life.

An avid poker enthusiast, Brian found joy and challenge in studying poker dynamics, often traveling the country with friends to test his skills. His insatiable desire for data and learning helped him excel in the game, and he approached it with a strategist’s precision and dedication. When he wasn’t playing poker, he could be found out on Falls Lake with friends, enjoying a beer and a day of fishing on the water.

Life took on new meaning with the birth of his son, Alex, whom Brian adored and devoted himself to. The bond between them was deep, built on friendship, trust, play, and love. Brian was happiest in Alex’s company, cherishing every moment and proudly cheering on his son’s achievements.

When Brian was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he approached his illness with the same relentless determination and curiosity that defined his life. For over two years, he researched tirelessly, consulting doctors and challenging medical information with a patient’s insight and an engineer’s understanding. His bravery and resilience gave him precious extra time with his loved ones, until he finally rested on November 5, 2024, surrounded by the legacy of his life’s love and devotion.

Brian is survived by his father, George Bland, of Ormond Beach, FL; his brother, Eric Bland, of Greensboro, NC; his beloved son, Alex, and Alex’s mother, Amy, both residing in Apex, NC. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elaine Bland.

Brian will be remembered as a devoted father, a true friend, a champion for animals, and a man who met life’s challenges head-on, from the poker table to his fight with cancer. His warmth, intelligence, and love of learning will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

A small graveside service with family will be held on November 13, 2024. A larger celebration of life will occur in the coming weeks and the family hopes all who can will attend.

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 1:00pm to 3:00 pm at Bond Brothers Brewery, 202 East Cedar St, cary, NC.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, is serving the Bland family.