BARD BRIAN ANTHONY
Age 48, died on February 7, 2017 in his home in Pittsburgh, surrounded by loving family. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Bannan; son, Cypress Emerson (6); and stepchildren, Tova Rae (16) and Desmond Moses Engel (12). Brian was born June 29, 1968, in Detroit, the third of four children to Dolores and Harold Bard. Although he lost his father as a baby, he had a busy, active childhood including many trips to the family's "up north" chalet, beginnings that led to his deep love of nature. An avid scholar and advocate, Brian received his bachelor's in philosophy from the University of Michigan in 1989, worked for Greenpeace in San Francisco and New York and in Germany for a year of further philosophy studies. He earned his master's in philosophy from San Francisco State University in 1993. By then a speaker of German and Spanish and reader of Greek, Brian pursued a doctorate degree at Binghamton University in the 1990s. There he met his first wife, Maria Santander, a relationship that led him to live for over a year in Chile and eventually brought him to Pittsburgh. A self-taught software engineer, Brian's most important career accomplishments were in the development of leading-edge software for Four Rivers Software Services Inc. (now Accruent), used in more than 2,100 hospitals and healthcare facilities across the U.S. A listener, challenger, anti-establisher, and searcher, Brian cared about the big questions, dreamed about the "beauteous mystery" and thought constantly about how to live best. To the prompt "I'm really good at," on the dating site that led him to Jennifer in 2009, he wrote: "Love, gardening, touch, hope, hangin on." Brian received the devastating diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in October of 2015. He committed the last of the time he had to continuing his philosophy studies and to world travel in Thailand, Laos, Mexico and many U.S. destinations, all while receiving chemotherapy treatments. Throughout his illness he maintained his intense connection to nature and family: mountain and road-biking, running, camping, hiking, water- and cross-country skiing and being the most enthusiastic father and husband a family could imagine. Brian is survived by his mother, Dolores Anderson; his sister and brother, Michelle and Stephen Bard; his brother-in-law, Louis Pivetta; and nephew and niece, Alexander Joseph "A.J." and Lisa Marie Pivetta; and cousins, Bruce and Kelly Krymow and their families. He also leaves behind Jennifer's parents, William and Sherry Bannan; Jennifer's sister, Tammy Kelly and her children, Andrew, Jacob, Samuel and Anna Kelly; along with many other relatives and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Bard; his stepfather, Dennis Anderson; his uncle, Jo and aunt, Ginny Krymow; and sister, Cheryl Pivetta. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lustgarten Foundation or Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. A Memorial Service for Brian will be held at 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 12, 2017 at The National Aviary in Pittsburgh. Professional Services Trusted to THOMAS M. SMITH FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, Ltd.
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6 Entries
February 19, 2017
My deepest condolences to the family. May the assurance at Psalms 29:11 provide comfort to you at this difficult time.
February 17, 2017
Marilyn Long
Dear Jen, Cypress, Desi, and Tova,
My deep sympathies are with you. May your love for each other, Brian's love for you, and God's love bring you peace and comfort in your grief.
I join your friends in sending love.
February 16, 2017
Joan Urspruch
Rest In peace Brian. You were a fighter and never gave up during your illness. It was a pleasure to meet you and get to know you if only for a short time. You were a wonderful father, step-father and husband to your family. Your memory will live on in your family forever. To Jennifer and your children, your are in our prayers.Joan
February 16, 2017
Yesterday, as I was driving home from work, I was afforded the most glorious view of the mountain that juts out from the Smokies where Mt. Cammerer sits. I remember talking to Brian just this past fall, after I'd ventured the 12 mile roundtrip to Mt. Cammerer, and I was anticipating his and Jen's Christmas visit. I was excitedly describing the trip and asking if he would be interested and up to scaling the heights at Christmas again when they came, and he of course very enthusiastically said he most certainly would be! Unfortunately, they weren't able to make it for that trip due to his treatments. Yesterday as I looked up at Mt. Cammerer I realized Brian's already been there and beyond. I'll miss you Brian and when I scale that summit again I know you'll be with me. <3 tk
February 16, 2017
My sympathy goes out to the family during your time of grief. May God's loving-kindness comfort you and help you through this difficult time. (Psalms 119:50, 76)
February 16, 2017
H King
Sincerest condolences to Brian's family. May your grieving hearts be consoled and you find comfort from these words: From the power of the Grave I will redeem them; From death I will recover them. Where are your stings, O Death? You can be sure these words will come true because God cannot lie.
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