Greg Brannan
Aug. 31, 1956 - Feb. 13, 2013
After a heroic five-year battle with thymic carcinoma, Greg Brannan passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013. Greg inspired friends and family with his courage, humor, grace and commitment to living, even while facing death. Greg was born on Aug. 31, 1956, in Phoenix, Ariz., and grew up in the small desert town of Buckeye.
He was the second of six children born to George and Gayle Brannan. Greg was attracted by the small town charm of Woodland and moved here with his family in 2004. From an early age, Greg knew he wanted to draw for a living. Before he was able to complete his degree at Maricopa Tech, Greg was hired for his dream job as a graphic artist for a local television station at the age of 19. Greg's talent as an art director (he won several national awards for his work) and his natural people skills helped to catapult him in his career to become the head of programming at KPHO, one of the most successful independent television stations in Phoenix. In 1993, Greg began working for E! Entertainment Television, where he helped to build E! into a successful and profitable business. He initiated development of the Style Network in 1997. As executive vice president of E! Networks, Greg was responsible for all programming on E! and Style. Later, Greg worked in similar capacities for Tech TV, LTN, MobiTV and CNET. Greg had a special talent for making people feel important, respected and valued. Although Greg had a successful career as a television executive, he primarily identified as an artist. He loved old trucks, making jewelry, creating art bikes from reclaimed objects, restoring his 1952 Suburban and writing. Greg published, "A Brannan Family History" and "Desert Standard Time," a fictionalized memoir of growing up in a small desert town. Greg was an incredibly gifted person who breathed life into his dreams, making them a reality. He was a devoted father and husband.
Greg will be forever missed by his wife Huyen, his son Avery, his daughter Leila and his dog Ruby. He is survived by his mother Gayle, his brothers Doug, Jeff and John; and his sisters Jane and Wendy.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 2, at the Woodland Community & Senior Center, 2001 East St., Woodland, followed by a potluck reception.
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Published in Daily Democrat from Feb. 23 to Mar. 10, 2013
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