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Richard Brian Obituary
A celebration of life will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday in Surprise, Ariz.
Rick was born Dec. 18, 1957, in the town of Louisiana, Mo., to Alice Whitehead and Jerry Brian. In 1966, the family moved from Texas to Anchorage, where his father worked in the oil fields in Cook Inlet. Rick graduated from East High School in 1976 and spent most of his life living throughout Alaska before moving to Phoenix in 2000.
For more than 30 years, Rick had a distinguished career in the title industry. Rick started as a courier at Safeco Title in 1975 in Anchorage and worked his way through the ranks to earn the position of senior vice president at Great American Title Agency in Phoenix. Throughout his career, Rick earned the respect and trust of his co-workers and clients, imparting his hard-earned knowledge to others with a sense of humor and mentoring spirit. Rick did everything he could to help his clients, employees and company succeed.
Rick's greatest joys were spending time with friends and family, especially his children, whom he considered his greatest achievements. He truly loved Alaska and exploring the outdoors, especially riding his motorcycle throughout Arizona. Rick was an avid fan of rock and roll and played the drums. He could play the drums to any classic rock song on the steering wheel and dashboard of his car without missing a beat. Rick was an enthusiastic reader, devouring books on all subjects. He also really enjoyed golf, football and barbecuing a well-done steak.
His sense of humor, smiling face, kind heart and genuine desire to help others will long be remembered. The joy and good times of his life will live on through his friends and family. The world is truly a better place because of Rick.
Rick is survived by his wife, Marian Brian of Glendale, Ariz.; mother, Alice Buchanan; and brother, Kelly Brian, both of Surprise; son Jerry Brian of Anchorage; daughter, Breanna Brian and grandson, August Coffman, of Anchorage; grandmother, Lucille Powell of Missouri; and former wives, Karen Brian of Juneau and Theresa Fulton of Anchorage.
Rick was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Brian; and grandparents, Wilmer and Cleotic Whitehead.
Donations are suggested to the Shriners' Hospital for Children in Portland, Ore.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Brian
Aunt Jo Pankratz
March 9, 2011
God heals the broken heart. We only have to look up to see your smile and hear your voice. Miss you forever.
June 30, 2010
Rick, my son I miss you so much. Not one day goes by that I do not think of you and have you in my heart. My first born me and your Dad so proud of. I have so many wonderful memories of you from child hood to manhood. I miss you so much.. You are in God hands and my heart forever. I love you and miss you so much. Mom
Breanna
June 9, 2010
Daddy, I thought of you with love today but that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday and the days before that too. I think of you in silence I often speak your name
all I have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is a keepsake inwhich I'll never part. God has you in his keeping I have you in my heart...I love and miss you.
Jacquie McCubbin
April 2, 2010
I only met Rick briefly at his mother's
house and was impressed with his caring
of her. She has spoken to me about how
pleased she is to have raised a son that was responsible, a hard worker and
exhibited integrity. She is left with
those wonderful memories of shared lives through the years. Hats off to
you Rick..... you made her a proud Mom.
Mike Wade
February 23, 2010
May God bless and comfort you during this difficult time. Know that we are praying for you and your family.
February 22, 2010
Rick, as you entered your new home God welcomed you and put his loving arms around you and held you close. You will be missed. Rest in peace my dear nephew.
-Aunt Hazel
Bev Cope
February 17, 2010
Rick,a truly wonderful friend and co-worker we all were so fortunate to know. You will be missed greatly by so many. You will always be remembered and loved. I will miss working with you and will always have a loving smile when I think of you.
February 16, 2010
Rick, My devoted son will miss you forever, but will always have you in my heart very close.. You were devoted to your brother Kelly, father, and husband. You are now with you Dad and May God hold you very close..Mom
Breanna Brian
February 14, 2010
Daddy,
I love you and miss you so much. You are the best Dad I could possibly have and I will be eternally greatful for the love you had for me. I will hold the memories we shared together close to my heart. I know I will see you again one day and until then I will miss you and I will look back at the wonderful memories that I have of us from my childhood up until now.
I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my Daddy you'll be...I love you Daddy.
Shayna Paris
February 14, 2010
Rick, It was truly a blessing to have known you. I will always hear your laugh down the hall. I will forever be thankful for your kindness.....
Marian, Jeremy and Brian Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Erma Holmes-Wylezik
February 13, 2010
Mr. Richard Brian will be truly missed by his Great American Family. It has been an honor to know you and work for you. You certainly were a true gentleman and for that, I will keep the memory of you close to my heart. For Marian & Jeremy, Bree & Jerry my deepest sympathy, time will heal and I will do anything possible to help you throughout this sad time. Rest in peace Rick.
Jo Pankratz
February 13, 2010
In loving memory of my wonderful nephew. May God hold you close.
Jeanie Richards
February 13, 2010
Dear Rick,
I will never forget your kindness, generosity and unflagging support of me, and I will endeavor to pay that forward. You believed in me until I could believe in myself, and for that, I am eternally grateful. It was an honor and privilege to work for you, and I hope I can do you proud.
To Marian, Jeremy and the Brian family--my heart goes out to you all. Rick was the kind of man who worked hard, played hard and loved hard. His GAT family will miss him terribly. May the grace of God be with you and carry you to a place of peace.
Much love to you.
Clark & Debbie Schweickart
February 12, 2010
Rick, was a great guy to know and will surely be missed our thoughts and prayers go out to his family
Jami Busch
February 12, 2010
Rick,
I will miss our talks. I will miss that smile and that kind, helpful, charming Co-worker who was always there when I needed him to rescue me in Titleland!
Marian, Jeremy and Brian Family ~
I wish you GODs Strength, Peace and Comfort in this very hard time. Rick was a very Dear and Special Angel on this Earth who has been called Home. I will look up and smile knowing he is sitting with his maker and waiting for his beloved to someday join him.
Do not weep for me for I have not gone.
I am the wind that shakes the mighty Oak.
I am the gentle rain that falls upon your face.
I am the spring flower that pushes through the dark earth.
I am the chuckling laughter of the mountain stream.
Do not weep for me for I have not gone.
I am the memory that dwells in the heart of those that knew me.
I am the shadow that dances on the edge of your vision.
I am the wild goose that flies south at Autumns call and I shall return at Summer rising.
I am the stag on the wild hills way.
I am just around the corner.
Therefore, the wise weep not.
But rejoice at the transformation of my Being.
All my love!
Karen Brian
February 12, 2010
Ricky has gone up the Stairway to Heaven. Love yours and always.
Gregory and Gloria Nickolis
February 12, 2010
Rick was a great boss and allow I am no longer at GAT, I will remember him fondly as will my wife.
Condolences to the family.
Kenneth Montano
February 12, 2010
Rick,
I hope your sittin by a stream catchin salmon or watchin an eagle fly overhead in Alaska...take care and god bless you.
Ken Holliday
February 12, 2010
I knew Rick for over 12 years and he was a very special person. He was a very busy man but he always took the time to listen to any problems you may have. I am truly going to miss him and the kindness he has always shown.
Terry Asiala
February 12, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Rick will be so missed here at GAT!
Greg Mihelich
February 12, 2010
I am sorry for your loss... The Brian Family will be in my prayers...
Darlene
February 12, 2010
You are missed by all gat employees
and I will miss you most of all. you were the best boss anyone could have.
miss ya..
February 12, 2010
YOU WILL BE MISSED AND MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE BRIAN FAMILY.
THERESA BRYANT
February 12, 2010
THE BRIAN FAMILY - It is with great saddness with the loss of Rick. I'm going to miss him deeply. He was a very gentle, loving and pationate person. He would take time to talk to you if you needed an ear. May God Bless you all in this time of saddness. Just know that Rick is in a better place and will be watching over you.
Paula Frazier
February 12, 2010
Rick:
You will ALWAYS be missed at GAT as well as by everyone who has had the opportunity to know you or work with you.
You have always been a fair-minded and generous boss, and I appreciate the opportunity and honor of working with you.
God Bless all of your family and loved ones. My prayers are with them.
Inez Lowe
February 12, 2010
To the Brian family, my heart goes out to each and every one of you. Rick was a great man. When I was younger he was more like a big brother then a brother in-law. Words cannot express the loss of your Son, Brother and Father. May God always be with you and Rick always in your hearts.
Greg Willhoit
February 12, 2010
Alice & Family
Julie & I and Frankie are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for you all
Love Greg Julie & Frankie Willhoit
Mike Reblin III
February 12, 2010
There's nothing but peace where your headed Big Guy.
Roberta
February 12, 2010
Alice and Kelly am sadden to read about the loss of Rick. My thoughts and prayers are for you and his family thru this terrible terrible loss.
Chase Thickey
February 12, 2010
You are going to be missed at GAT! You were an amazing guy/friend to all =(.
Serena E.
February 12, 2010
Rick (Boss),
May God Bless you & receive your Soul into Heaven with open arms. I Pray God places his healing, comforting hands on Marian & your entire family. (My Deepest Heartfelt Condolences to you All). Words can not say or expres how much You will be Missed in the G.A.T Family. Thank You for being such a down to earth understanding Boss. May You Rest In Peace.
valerie thompson
February 12, 2010
To the Brian Family, May each of you find comfort in knowing that God is "near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves." (Psalm 34;18) He has promised to soon "swallow up death forever...and wipe the tears from all faces." (Isaiah 25;8) Take care,
Kelly Brian
February 12, 2010
I miss you Bro. Kelly B.
Kelly Brian
February 12, 2010
I miss you Bro, Kelly
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