Margaret,

I'm shocked and saddened to hear of Brian's passing and am very sorry I missed his service.

I'd worked with him and knew him as a friend for around 30 years.  We had a lot of good laughs together.  I'm not sure how many people knew his middle name, but I did.  I first saw it on the title of the AMC/Renault Alliance he gave me 20 or so years ago because he knew I was into AMCs and he was tired of working on it.  When Bob Eaton left the building after the Merger of Equals I would occasionally tease Brian about being a BOB (initial-wise anyway) and say that I was keeping my eye on him.

I remember first seeing his artistic side way back at Aero Detroit when he painted a hockey face mask for Darren Borza.  It was amazing.  

Years ago I visited the house and saw his beautiful train layout, and his fishing boat that he modified with all kinds of neat compartments and little tricks.  I remember one time he said he was on a diet because he Didn't want to be the fat guy on the fishing boat.

I caught up with him in the hallway probably 6 months or so ago and he told me about the retirement place you had purchased in Kingman,AZ.  He said that one of the buildings on the property was going to be for his train layout, but that you might have other ideas...  The property sounded amazing and Brian was just smiling from ear to ear talking about it.  In fact, over the years, most of the time I remember talking with him he was smiling.  I'll always remember him for that.

Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

If there is anything I can do, don't hesitate to ask.

I was asked to share my words from Brian's service:

What can I say about the guy who was my friend for some forty years? Brian was more than my friend, he was my brother and his family became my second family. We had lots of adventures, trips to Florida in the spring, chasing trains around the country and of course fishing, lots of fishing.

Brian was the smartest person I've ever known, creative, artistic, a master modeler and an exceptional bass angler. He was a perfectionist. He was our leader, always showing us the way to new challenges. And then there was that unique sense of humor, that ability to make you laugh without even trying.

Our first Bass tournament was on Fletcher Pond. It was a challenging day on the water. High winds all day made it impossible to see into the water and difficult to keep the boat over the spots. We hung in there though, winning big Bass of the day. After that, when we would get to the boat ramp for another days fishing Brian would grumble; looks like it's blowing at tournament strength out there.

Lots of fun and good times over the years, but it wasn't until Brian met Margaret that he was truly happy, his wish list complete. I only wish they could have had more time to make so many more memories together.

These last few days I've been searching for an answer to why God would take Brian from us, so young and with so many unfinislhed plans. All I can  think is Chappy needed a fishing partner up there. Well Chap, you got the best.

Today life is blowing at tournament strength and we don't have our leader to show us the way, only many fond memories.

So long Brian, we're going to miss you brother!

Margaret,
I was both shocked and saddened to hear of Brian's passing.  I knew him through the train forums.  While we never met in person, I followed his projects, and he consulted with me on several of mine.  I never knew him to have a cross word with anyone - he was never anything but kind and helpful (to everyone, not just me).  He was a class act, and I feel like his friendship with me made me a better person.
I wouldn't pretend to know what you're feeling right now.  I have never gone through the loss of a spouse.  But I do want you to know his life affected a lot of people, and he will be sorely missed.

I was asked to share the words I spoke yesterday.

There are so many things I would like to say, but being in this moment is difficult enough; and I know you're probably rolling your eyes at me as I speak, so I will say the truths of my heart and share a few, of the many, thoughts of you in my soul. 

My Uncle Brian was my best friend when I was younger. He introduced me to the coolest music, taught me to do whatever I liked - even if people thought I was weird, and to always be myself. He was the smartest guy and was afraid of nothing. 

The thing about Uncle Brian is that he was a stand-up guy. He would do anything for anyone, and then go one further. He was a great teacher, as he mastered so many crafts himself. From trains to fishing, drawing to designing - he was truly a "Brian" of all trades- and I was fortunate and proud to call him my Uncle. 

As I was growing up, Uncle Brian was the one person I couldn't wait to get gifts from.  Typically a $100 bill, a cool gadget, a too-old-for-my-age CD- with the best music.  But what I didn't see were the gifts he gave me that have no monetary value.  He taught me that being different was not only okay, but it was what made me stand out. That being the first person with a quick comeback always kept you ahead of the pack. That a great joke is the best icebreaker in a group of people. He taught me that sarcasm is for those of us that can not only dish it out - but take it as well.  That the louder you laugh - the funnier the joke gets. That story-telling is a true art. That hard work and laser focus will get you exactly where you want, and deserve, to be. Mostly, he gave me the gift of unconditional love, of myself and my family.  

When I was a little girl, I was lovingly given the nickname Cling-on. There was not a day that I did not want to be as close to my Uncle Brian as humanly possible. Where he went, I had to go; and so I'd attach myself to his leg and he would lug me around with him.  As I grew up- nothing about that changed.  Being his Cling-on, I realized, meant that instead of being attached to his leg, I would always be attached to his heart.  

Finally, I would like to say thank you, Uncle Brian. Thank you for being such a wonderful son to my sweet grandparents.  Thank you for cultivating some amazing friendships that will last longer than a lifetime for our family.  Thank you for being my Dad's best friend for so many great years.  You two Briggs Brothers are so different, yet so alike. I am eternally grateful that you were always there to get him into, and out of trouble.  Mostly, thank you from me. The shy, timid little girl who you met and showed your love, support, humor, and kindness.  These are the things that shaped me into a strong, outspoken, outgoing woman - and that is what I will carry with me through my entire life...knowing I have the very best parts of you, in me.

I'll save a dance for you at my wedding. 

I love you, Uncle Brian.

I only got to work with Brian for a short while but he was always there to help me if I had any questions. I'll miss your quick witted humor and funny drawings my friend. Godspeed

My dearest husband,
I could not have known when we first met, that all the decisions I made in my life had been leading me on a path to meet you. Every road, taken or not, brought me one step closer to you and the love we shared. 
Today I know that when our paths came together, it was the most beautiful encounter in my life. You took a broken woman and you made her whole.  
You brought special meaning to my life. It was such a pleasure to be your wife.
You helped me to grow and realize the fullness and beauty in our lives.
Every day I counted my blessings.

Then, God called you away. Out of this world to a brighter day.
Suddenly my life of gladness was one of utter sadness.
My grief wears me down, I shed so many tears.
I cannot imagine a life without you, Brian.
I recall your love and devotion through the years,
And for your sake and in memory of your name, I pray for strength to do things the same. 
To reach out and fill the hours with useful ways.
To comfort and cheer and have no more empty days.

All of this must be part of God's greater plan, so I must accept it, if I can.
You moved away to His splendid home above.
If there is life after death, I know you will be waiting there for me.

Though Heaven and Earth divide us now, and the distance is so great,
I count my blessings for the years you were my mate.
I will live my life remembering all the different ways you enriched my life. 
You have been my best friend and so much more.

And to Brian's parents, I want to express my thanks.
Without your gift to me, I would never have known so much happiness in my life.
Thank you for raising a child into a loving, caring, honorable man. 
One who fulfilled his marriage vows to love, honor and cherish me all the days of his life.
I was blessed to have him in my life.
Thank you.

Brian was a warm sensitive person. I had the pleasure of his company and interacting with him at Aero Detroit and the Chrysler Tech Center. Being responsible for Product and Engineering Change releases, Brian was a "God-send", going the extra mile to meet deadlines. Always pleasant, interesting, and very obliging, Heaven has gotten another Angel.....Hope there's "white castles" there and lots of fish stories...May Brian rest in Peace..

I will miss Brian. We worked together @ Aero Detroit and CTC. We were cube mates @ CTC. enjoyed going to work then. I think of him often. He painted my goalie mask, so every time I play he's with me. Rest in peace my friend

Brian, even though I only knew you a short while you've left a lasting impact that will not be forgotten. Godspeed my friend.

My uncle Brian was the most amazing man.  A wonderful son to my grandparents; a loving and doting husband to Margaret; a caring and supportive Brother to my Dad.  My heart is so incredibly broken to think of life, and our family, without him.  He was my best friend when I was little; he introduced me to the coolest music, taught me to do whatever I liked- even if everyone thought it was weird, and to be myself; silly, sarcastic, and a little different.  He was the smartest, most talented guy and was afraid of nothing. I lost an uncle, but also a best friend.  Life will never be the same without your sarcasm, your wit, your laugh, and your stories, Uncle Brian. I love you with everything in my heart and will be listening to all of our special music - remembering the last 27yrs of my life; thanking God that I was lucky enough to call you my Uncle.

I always considered Brian my sort of twin brother. We were born on the same day. I'm shocked and saddened but I'm sure we'll meet again.

Brian was a great guy and a lot of fun. I will remember passing by his desk at work and talking to him about,fishing, traveling, and of course test results.

Brian, although I only worked  with you for a short time, you made me feel as if we were friends.  I will miss your wit and artistic humor.  Rest in peace, Dave Goodwin

Brian was a terrific modeler, and did a lot of his own stuff in O scale. A few years after meeting/becoming friends, his wife converted him to 1/29 scale, where he continued to design and scratch build amazing models that would easily rival any Tangent model.



  Brian drew and printed his own details for his models and G scale because nobody offered what he needed. He had a great library of information and I will really miss being able to discuss the aspects of how to accomplish a model build with him.


My deepest condolences to his wife and family.

Regards,
Brian Everett

Three weeks ago I lost my dad, a long time friend of Brian's. That night was a blur at his visitation, but I remember what Brian said to my perfectly. He told me how proud my dad was of me. A lot of people told me that, but for some reason it meant more when Brian said it. I will never forget the look in his eyes. Brian was my dad's very first friend he met when he moved to Michigan. He got my dad into fishing, which ended up being an amazing passion he had. I'm thankful for Brian, because without him my dad wouldn't have been the man I knew him to be. We are so heart broken for our friends...Brian was a great man and will forever be missed. I can only hope him and Chappy are in their glory fishing away. My love goes out to the entire Briggs family. We love you all.

Brian you were a great friend that I will miss very much; rest in peace.

- Robert Kado

OBITUARY

Brian Orie Briggs

July 9, 1959 – October 21, 2016

Elton Black & Son Funeral Home

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