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Brian Todd Claflin

1980 - 2014

BORN

1980

DIED

2014

Brian Claflin Obituary

Name: Visitation for Brian Todd Claflin
Start: 2014-06-21T15:30:00.000Z
End: 2014-06-21T16:45:00.000Z
Location: Edgehill Ward

Brian Todd Claflin
Dec. 2, 1980 - June 5, 2014
Our beautiful son and brother, Brian Todd Claflin, left this earth June 5, 2014 in Berlin, Germany, as a result of a train accident. Our hearts are broken. Brian was born in Boise, Idaho on December 2, 1980 to Todd and Carlene Claflin. Brian was raised in Salt Lake City where he attended Uintah Elementary, Hillside Jr. High and Highland High School. Brian has always been such an adventurous soul who could not travel enough. Often on a shoestring, he managed to visit many parts of the world. Brian has lived in many places including NYC, Madrid, Buenos Aires, Istanbul, and Berlin where he was currently studying photography at the BTK Hochschule fur Gestaltung. Brian was well known in Berlin in the art/entertainment world and had many cherished friends there who are grieving this great loss. Brian was such a uniquely talented, creative soul and he had such a great curiosity about life. He was constantly reading and studying current events, often warning us about the economy, expounding on world politics or whatever captured his interest. Brian taught us all how to love unconditionally and how to appreciate the beauty of this world. He was very passionate about self expression through his great love of art. Brian was a kind, gentle spirit who knew how to value and nurture relationships. He was fiercely loyal to his friends and cherished their great influence in his life. Brian was a deeply spiritual being constantly searching for meaning and truth. His spirit will continue on learning, growing, and discovering the treasures of this universe. "Free spirits never die."
Brian is survived by his loving parents and siblings: Sarah Galan (Perry), Kate Baker (Brian), Molly Jones (Adam), Laura Claflin, Daniel Claflin (Carli) and many nieces and nephews and his beloved dog, Salta. He was preceded in death by his cherished partner, Stephen Sprouse.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the Edgehill Ward, 1750 South 1500 East, Salt Lake City, Utah with a visitation from 9:30-10:45 AM prior to services. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.LarkinMortuary.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Deseret News from Jun. 15 to Jun. 19, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian Claflin

19 Entries

Pepper Moore

January 24, 2019

Thanks for being here.

D L

May 13, 2018

So sorry.

August 10, 2014

Dear Claflin family,

I met Brian only twice, and although we weren't friends, he treated me very friendly and was a very sweet and kind guy, who enjoyed life to the limit.

It was a shock for me to read that he has died. The world was a better place with him and I wish I would have known him better.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to you.

Berlin, August 2014

June 25, 2014

Todd. Just checking in. The service was beautiful.
Thinking of you and hoping you're okay. Can't imagine what you're feeling, but again thinking of you both a lot, and wishing you both the best at such a very difficult time now.
Take care of each other,
Jane

Gary

June 23, 2014

I first met Brian when he moved to Los Angeles and he stood out immediately. He was a bright spirit; confident, creative, smart, witty, and most importantly, had a great heart. People liked him from the start. He had compassion for others and he had an artist's soul.

As he grew older, his fascination with the world and his wanderlust launched him out into the wide world. During his many travels, from time to time I would get calls in the middle of the night from Brian, stuck in Hong Kong, or somewhere in Istanbul, or elsewhere - pleading for me to get him an air ticket home, which I did. As he continued his journeys, I would get a postcard, or an email, or phone call every once in awhile, always from some new location around the world; always with some exotic story of adventure or mystery or intrigue.

And then came Berlin. He found himself in the midst of fellow artists and creatives and rebels; it was there he had found kindred spirits. While he had his share of ups and downs there, I think mostly he found a sense of wonder and inspiration. He was a citizen of the world - and he evolved as an artist and human being through the good and bad times of his Berlin home.

Most recently he called me - about six months ago - to let me know he had been accepted into a prestigious French Photography Academy and that he was excited about his future. He told me that he felt photography had becomes his true source of expression and he asked if I could help with tuition, which I gladly did. I last spoke to him about three months ago, as he was about to start his second term at the Academy - and he seemed the happiest he had ever been. He said "I feel that I have found myself - really found myself - and I am on the right track." From his voice, and from speaking to him, I felt he was the happiest and healthiest I had heard him in years. He was in a very good place and I honestly felt that he really was turning a major corner in this life. He was genuinely happy. I had hoped to see some of his photography work, and he promised to create something for me. I was looking forward to seeing his new work in the near future.

So I was stunned and heartbroken when I learned that he had passed away. Far too young to depart the earth. I will miss his presence greatly. Yet he lived life to the fullest and burned brightly while here. It was my great pleasure to have known him. My condolences to his family. Know that you raised a wonderful human being who brought a caring and independent spirit to the world and who will always remain in my thoughts.

June 21, 2014

Carlene and Todd, our hearts ache for you and your family. Having lost two sons, Sam understands somewhat your pain. We pray for you to find the comfort we know your faith and the gospel bring.
We love you guys, and hope you feel the love and prayers of all who know you and your beautiful family.
Love, Sam and Trudy Cox

June 21, 2014

Dear Carlene and Todd, our hearts ache for you and your family. Sam understands, having lost 2 beloved sons. We love you two and know how strong you both are. We pray for you to feel the comfort of the spirit, and the love of all who know you and your beautiful family.
Love, Sam and Trudy Cox

June 21, 2014

Our hearts go out to you for the loss of Brian. There is no greater gift than a child. Know that he is still with you and always will be. It's love that binds our souls together. Our prayers are with you.
Rob and Sandy Rowland

Christopher Miller

June 20, 2014

My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family and friends of Brian. Brian was such a great soul with a heart of gold and a smile to match!! Thanks for always being you!! I will miss you!!

June 18, 2014

I will remember Brian from his performance at highland high in music man. His energy and smile were appreciated by all in attendance. My heart felt condolences for you at this time

Mirko Böttger

June 17, 2014

I'm so sorry for your loss. I loved Brian. He was a really sweet person. May he rest in peace.
Mirko

Stephen Chase

June 16, 2014

Todd,
So sorry for your loss. May you be comforted through hope and faith.
Your roommate
Stephen Chase

Brian Todd Boudrero

June 16, 2014

Brian will always be remembered not only by family, but by friends who will carry on his name for years to come.

frank wilde

June 16, 2014

i only met brian a few times in my life but these moments were always very very special and precious. just because he was such a sparkling inspiring loving person. i am deeply greatful for having met with him and he will remain unforgotten.

Steev Lemercier

June 16, 2014

My deep condolences to Brian's family & friends * Brian was a brillant, beautiful and sensitive young man. We've had been working together. Him as an actor, myself for the soundtrack on the beautiful movie directed by Christophe Chemin "seeking me you sat exhausted". I've also been Brian's hairdresser a few times, We've shared a lot of uplifting thoughts together and he always supported me & my music. I will deeply miss him and I will always send my deep love to his beautiful spirit * My Love to him and to all * Steev Lemercier

corrine reichman

June 16, 2014

I'm heartbroken, Know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love all of you!!!

Roger White

June 16, 2014

I'm so sorry for your loss... Know that you are being thought of, and prayers are being said that you find comfort and peace at this time. Take care and God Bless all that grieve at this time.... With Love

Ginger Winship

June 16, 2014

I am heartbroken for your loss. I remember the first time I met Brian. I actually heard about him first - my friend David and I were at Jared's apartment in NYC 14 years ago and the conversation topic ended up on people we thought were attractive. When it came to Jared, he emphatically said (and I may be paraphrasing, as it it has been a long time) "The most beautiful boy I know is my friend Brian. He is absolutely gorgeous, the most gorgeous person I have ever seen or met." I met Brian in person a couple days later, and upon his entrance into Jared's apartment he was immediately magnetic and infectious. Throughout the evening I realized that when Jared said Brian was beautiful and gorgeous, he didn't mean only superficially, but in every aspect of his being. I had never in my life met someone like Brian, I haven't since, and I know I never will. The world lost a truly beautiful, unique, brilliant, unabashedly honest and unapologetically individualistic soul. While I knew him a short time and not very closely, I will never forget him and feel incredibly lucky having had the chance the spend the time with him that I did. Thank you for that.

June 15, 2014

Dear Carlene and Todd and family,
I just read about Brian and wanted to send you my love and prayers. I will be out of town on Saturday, but will be thinking of all of you. What a remarkable young man. May you all be comforted in the Lord's love.
Love, Katie Hill

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