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Brendan Gilchrist Obituary

Brendan Thomas Gilchrist, 29, of Topeka, passed away on Saturday, August 4, 2007. He was born on March 11, 1978 in Topeka, the son of James W. and Shirley A. Thornton Gilchrist. He attended Elmont Grade School through fifth grade, home schooled through high school, graduated from Kaw Area Technical School, and graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Technology with departmental honors from Washburn University. Brendan became certified as an engineer at Midland Railway in Baldwin City, Kansas in 1997 and was active there as a volunteer. He also volunteered at Topeka Civic Theatre. He was also a volunteer working on the restoration of the train at the Expocentre. Brendan worked primarily as a stage manager at Topeka Performing Arts Center where he helped set up for various events as well as working the spotlight and sound board. He also did this at the Expocentre and at the Lied Center in Lawrence. Brendan was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church. Brendan was preceded in death by his grandparents Thomas and Grace Gilchrist and George Thornton. Brendan is survived by fiancee, Michelle Haas; his parents, Shirley and James Gilchrist; his grandmother, Marjorie Thornton; his sister, Erin Gilchrist; his brother Daniel Gilchrist; his godson, Kenneth Williams; several aunts, uncles, cousins; and many friends. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel, 1321 S.W. 10th Ave. Burial will follow in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Brendan will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel where the family will receive friends from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be given to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Attn. Kikis Butterflies, 950 Isom Rd. No. 104, San Antonio, TX 78216. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabel.com. Brendan T. Gilchrist

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Published by Topeka Capital-Journal on Aug. 6, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Brendan Gilchrist

Not sure what to say?





Craig Haugsness

August 19, 2007

I am so sorry to hear about Brendan's passing. I had the opportunity to work with him and learn from his on several shows at TCT, including a show with Daniel. I don't know what else to say but we will all miss him.

Frances Dewell

August 15, 2007

Mr. and Mrs. Gilchrist, my name is Frances Dewell, I am the daughter of Roger and Mary Ann Taylor. Mr. Gilchrist, I believe that you worked with my father on the railroad. I want to express my deepest sympathy for you and your family's loss of Brendan. I worked with Brendan at TCT. He was a very kind young man. He will be greatly missed.

Crystal Thornton

August 13, 2007

Aunt Shirley, Uncle Jim, Erin, and Daniel...

I am sorry to hear about Brendan. I am praying for you daily..I am soo happy I got to see him at Christmas and that it hadnt been years since I did. I been thinking bout all the times growing up and stuff we did...

Love,
Crystal

Debbie & Daryl Thornton

August 13, 2007

Thinking of so many memories of Brendan, Erin, and Daniel over the years, when the kids were growing up. He touched so many lives throughout the years in his various interests and hobbies. He will be missed by so many.
May the peace and comfort that can only come from the Lord be with each of you and Michelle during this time. You have our love and prayers.

Bill & Matie Grubham

August 12, 2007

Gilchrist Family,
Didn't know until yesterday. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. The only comfort is in Jesus Christ.
May you feel His love during this time.

Ryan Dolan

August 10, 2007

My deepest condolences to Brendan's family and friends. I remember "B" fondly from my days at the Topeka Civic Theatre. He was a very funny and sweet guy. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

August 10, 2007

Shirley,
My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Kelly Garcia 300

Angie Wilson and Mark Jones

August 8, 2007

Erin and family,

We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers. May God bless you in your time of need.

Janet Glassman

August 8, 2007

I was sorry to hear about B. I worked with him on a number of shows throughout the years. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tanya Dorf Brunner

August 8, 2007

I've volunteered with B for many years at TCT. He's always been a good friend and a good teacher. I will miss him very much. All my thoughts and prayers are with Michelle and his whole family.

Darleen Bernhardt

August 8, 2007

Shirley:

Sorry to read about the passing of your son. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May your faith keep you strong and may God comfort you.

Karyl Croft

August 8, 2007

Shirley,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May the happy memories of Brendan's life sustain you during the difficult times, both now and in the times to come. Please know that you are held up in the thoughts and prayers of many friends, neighbors and co-workers. May that bring you some comfort.
Karyl Croft

Rick Umscheid

August 8, 2007

Shirley, Please accept my sincere sorrow on the loss of your son Brendan. I also have a son age 30 and know how hard it would be to loose him. At such an age you can only hope that the good Lord has a better plan for him. My thoughts and prayers go to you and your family in this time of grief.

Bryan Briggs

August 8, 2007

My sympathies to all of Brendan's family and friends. Working with Brendan at TPAC since 2000 I was lucky to be a member of Topeka's theatre family with Brendan, his brother Daniel, and so many others who spent many long hours working side by side. Brendan was a great co-worker, friend, and family member. My thoughts and prayers go to all of Brendan's families.

Bob and Beverly Holly (jr)

August 7, 2007

Jim and family I am so sorry for your loss may God put his hands on you and your family and guide you through this trying time.

Kate Armstrong

August 7, 2007

My love and best wishes go out to you. B will be terribly missed. I met B through Civic theatre and we always joked about how we share the same birthday. My prayers got out to all of you in Topeka. I wish I could be there.
I love you B.

Daniel and Jennifer Dawson

August 7, 2007

To Michelle and the Gilchrist family-
We have known Brendan for 11 years through the Midland Railway. We are sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful young man and since everyone at the Midland is family, we have lost a "little brother". We loved him dearly. He was always kind and never said anything bad about anyone. Our condolences to all of you. Michelle, he loved you so much!!! He treasured you beyond comprehension. We will all see him again in Glory.

craig senogles

August 7, 2007

Jim:

My heart-felt sympathy goes out to you and your family for the loss of your son, Brendan.

Craig Senogles

Mark Radziejeski

August 7, 2007

I got to know Brendan during my time at TPAC. He was a tireless worker, always ready and willing to help. I know that his presence will be missed by all his friends and family. My condolences to the family. You are in my prayers.

Patricia Loder

August 7, 2007

Brendan, was a wonderful young man! He helped me many times in just being a friend. I knew him from TCT and TPAC. All of his family will be in my thoughts.

Andrew Hill

August 7, 2007

Brendan was one of my great childhood friends, and I am saddened beyond words by his untimely passing. I will always remember those times he got dressed up like a knight and had play sword-fights with me and his brother Daniel in the back yard on hot summer afternoons when I came to visit.

August 7, 2007

Michelle, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May god be with you through this trying time! My thoughts and prayers are with all that knew and loved him.

Ronda Lang(Topeka Va BT)

Angela Ford(Paulsen)

August 7, 2007

I knew Brendan as a child as we were the same age and both attended Calvary. It has been a long time since we have had contact but I remember him as a sweet and caring young gentleman. It is unfortunate, your loss, and my thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Quinton Loder

August 7, 2007

This is an unbelievably tragic loss for so many lives that Brendan has touched. My thoughts are with everyone. Much love!

Suzie Yeh

August 7, 2007

Dear Shirley,

I am so deeply saddened and shocked to hear the news about the sudden death of your son, Brendan. I am so sorry for your loss.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Accounts and Reports

Lisa Hockenberry

August 7, 2007

Shirley
So sorry to hear about your son. May God comfort you in your grief.
Lisa

Scott Satterfield

August 6, 2007

I had the privilage of knowing Brendan through the Midland Railway. He was a very kind,trustworthy,hard working individual that will be missed. He was also a great engineer.

Sharon, Robert, David, Linda & Janice

August 6, 2007

Our dear cousin Shirley and Family,
We know that Brendan was a wonderful son, brother, grandson and friend. May those who were blessed to be part of his life find peace and comfort in special memories of Brendan. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jeannine Miller

August 6, 2007

So sorry for your loss. Shirley I know your were proud of you son and he was loved by many. In Gods hands may he lay with him.

Kathi Killman

August 6, 2007

Mr. and Mrs. Gilchrist, I knew "B" through Topeka Civic Theatre. He worked crew on several shows that I stage managed over the years. I always knew I didn't have to worry if he were running sound or spot for me. He was a wonderful, kind and very quiet guy who I respected greatly. It was a privilege knowing him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this very difficult time.

DON SLOYER

August 6, 2007

SHIRLEY, SO SORRY TO READ ABOUT BRENDAN THIS MORNING. STAY STRONG SO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL GET THROUGH THESE ROUGH DAYS. DON SLOYER

Gary Foiles

August 6, 2007

I worked and played along with Brendan in Topeka Civic Theatre's Laughing Matters and will always remember his quiet smile, his unflappable competence, and his constant support. He will be always be a part of our family, too.

Kristy Droegemeier

August 6, 2007

Erin and Family, I am so sorry for you loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. Erin, if you need to talk, call me anytime. You have a great family, I am so sorry to hear this.

Karen Ingenthron

August 6, 2007

Shirley, Erin and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories of your son and brother bring you comfort, and may God Bless you now and forever.
Your frind,

Barbara Montgomery

August 6, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God be with you.
Barbara Montogmery
Columbian Bank and Trust

J. Albert

August 6, 2007

Brendan and I were great friends in high school, and I am saddened to hear that he has passed. Our prayers are with the family.

Stefanie Brown

August 6, 2007

Erin and Family
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You all will be in my thoughts.

Ben Perry

August 6, 2007

Jim, Shirley, Erin, Daniel -

Brendan was a great friend who inspired me in a lot of areas growing up. We did quite a bit together - 4H, theater, countless bus rides, games, everything. We will always remember him.

August 6, 2007

Erin and Family,
Our prayers are with you,

Jill Shehi and family

Rhonda Bell

August 6, 2007

Sorry to learn about your son. Thoughts and prayers being sent your way. I am George Brandenburgh's youngest daughter.

Paula Downey

August 6, 2007

Shirley and family. I was so sorry to hear of Brendan passing. I have some fond memories of Brendan when he was growing up and playing with Ben, and especially our 4-H times together. I know he will be missed greatly by his family and friends. He is home now and will be waiting for all of us. Thinking of you, Paula

Nikki Hurd (Fay)

August 6, 2007

Jim, Shirley, Erin, and Daniel - My prayers are with you in this time. I remember Brendan as a friendly, caring, giving young man. He will be sorely missed.

Steve & Mary Koons

August 6, 2007

Our deepest sympathy to Jim & Shirley on the untimely loss of Brendan.

Linda Bundy

August 6, 2007

Erin and Family--
My thoughts are with you

Gina Wagers

August 6, 2007

Michelle, I am praying for all you. Nothing is as bad as losing a child, brother or fiancee. God Bless You. I will all ways keep you in my heart. Gina,Jaxson
and Zach Wagers

Lynn Philbin

August 6, 2007

Michele and family my deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Erika Johnson (Fay)

August 6, 2007

I am so sorry for your loss. I know Brendan was a sweet, sweet young man and he will be dearly missed.

Richard & Judy Frost

August 6, 2007

Erin and family we were so sorry to hear about your loss, may God hold your hand and guide you through this troubled time. If we can be of any help please let us know.

Robert Runion

August 6, 2007

Our sincerest condolences to Daniel Gilchrist and his family on this great loss. We send our prayers to the family and in their time of loss and sorrow.

Members of Albert Neese Masonic Lodge #248, Tecumseh,KS

Don Demore

August 6, 2007

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

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