A true friend to almost everyone he met, Brien had a gift for finding joy in life’s simple pleasures and sharing that joy with others. To know him was to know kindness, laughter, and unwavering honesty — the kind of person you could count on to be honest and tell it like it is, even when it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. Brien took pride in working with his hands and was a skilled carpenter by trade. Whether building homes or helping friends and family with projects big or small, he approached everything with care and a commitment to doing things right, and his craftsmanship was unmatched. He was always the first to lend a hand. Brien also loved being on the road, whether it was a short drive around town on familiar streets or a long ride along the scenic route or back roads with music playing, he was always ready to go for a ride. Stonewood Smokehouse in Roseville was a special place for Brien — more than just a favorite spot, it was a place where he shared countless laughs, stories, and memories with friends who became like family for the last 20 years. Above all else, Brien valued all the people in his life. His family and friends meant everything to him, and he had a way of making others feel like family, too. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
He is survived by the love of his life, Paula Ragland; siblings Darrin Sloan (Melissa), Warren Sloan, Derrell Sloan (Kim), Amanda Latuszek (Jeremy) and LaNette Ingram (Nick); stepson Scott Ragland and step-grandson Atticus; nieces and nephews Nick Sloan (Carolyn), Matthew Sloan, Joel Sloan (Jennifer), Warren Sloan, Josh Sloan (Tabitha), Devon Palanjian (Shant), Justin Sloan (Julie), Jennifer Jansen (Adam), Jenese Doris (Charlie), and Jeanette Meech (Anthony), as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews; Also survived by his longtime friend of over 50 years, Jeanie Fustin, who he shared many milestone life experiences with. Brien was preceded in death by his parents Ferrell and Lois Sloan and niece Jessica Engle.
Memorial service may be held at a later time.
