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Bryan McCullah Obituary
Bryan "Dill" McCullah tragically lost his life in an aviation accident on Friday, August 13, at Emigrant Gap, in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. He was 31 years old. Bryan was doing what he was most passionate about "" flying.
Bryan was born in Oregon and spent his early childhood there. He later moved to Truckee, California and was raised in the Sierra Nevada's. He enjoyed all aspects of the outdoors. He loved to hike and fish during the summer and snowboard during the winter. He also, along with friends, would make "the midnight run" to jump off the cliff into the river below near Emigrant Gap. He was an accomplished musician and a member of Combustible Jones, a local Santa Cruz band. Bryan had been a flight instructor for the past 10 years, fulfilling his dream and passion for flying.
Bryan was a unique individual. His life touched the lives of so many others. He mixed passion and humor with a genuine care and love of his friends and family. He brightened up any room he walked into. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
As tragic as it is that he met such an untimely death at a young age, his friends and family can find solace in that he had finally found himself in becoming engaged to the love of his life and in pursuing his vocational passion of flying by being a full-time flight instructor. He had embraced life to the fullest and those around him can find a measure of peace in that.
He is survived by his brothers and their wives, Alan Kerri, Scott Krystal, his "folks" Janet and Gary Bush, his fiance Tricia, her son Hunter, his step-brother Jesse and step-sister Kelly, nephews, maternal grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and a wide circle of friends.
A memorial gathering is planned for Thursday, August 19, 2010 from 1-4 p.m. at his "Nana's" house and garden, 111 Escalona Court, Santa Cruz, California 95060. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any charity of your choice, in his loving memory.
Bryan: You will forever be in our hearts and in our memories. We will strive to live our lives to the fullest, as you have lived yours. You will continue to serve as an inspiration to us as you live within each of us, every day.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bryan McCullah
Shauna Stroup Harrison
August 11, 2020
I think of you every time I drive by your old house in Oregon. I’m sorry you left the earth too soon. Thanks for being such a good genuine soul. Lots of love to your mom and brothers.
Aaron
August 11, 2020
Hey brother just been missing you and all of our friends that left us too soon.
Shauna Stroup
August 23, 2010
Bryan was a such a genuine person and giving friend. He stood by his best friend, Danny in grade school while he fought cancer and I will never forget how loyal he was. He was always a sweet giving young man. My thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family.
J B
August 19, 2010
Dill was a good friend and bandmate. His mild manner and constant smiles only shone positive energy whether hanging out at the Happy Valley House or sitting beside him while he plucked away at the bass. Dill you are a friend and will always be here. I'm not saying good bye, because you only used Ciao with me...so ciao Dill...ciao......
Aaron Z
August 18, 2010
I new Bryan for a long time and was one of the people that went on midnight runs from the tree fort to jump off cliffs into the river RIP Dill you are missed.
Sandra Netzel
August 18, 2010
I worked with Bryan. Every morning he would say hello. He also would tell me what fun he had with his nephews, we shared stories. I also went to one of his first music appearances. I new he was so happy to be engaged and to share a life with his fiance and her son. He would of been a great father. I am sorry his life was so short. I will miss him. I know any one that knew him will too.
Kathy Seyle
August 18, 2010
Such a loving, giving, cheerful and genuine person. Brian always hugged me like I was his best friend, even though I am only "a dowager old aunt". I am thankful to have known him. And will always remember him with love.
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