Brian Leigh Dunnigan

I only had the honor of meeting Brian a few times, but what an honor it was; To meet to the gracious author of "Frontier Metropolis," THE essential bible for all of us Detroit history folks. Brian supported our early initiatives to put Detroit French History back into the forefront, leading to the creation of Rendez-vous Detroit 501c3. He and his wonderful wife graced one our early Detroit French History Cruises on the Detroit River around 2015. We were there with Brian when he...

I met Brian back at HFW prior to it's opening. He was someone easy to speak with and encourage research. Was missed when he moved on from our site. Was able to touch base on our occasional trips to Ft Niagra over the 4th July events. Although have not seen in several years but would programs on the History Channel where he was one of the experts of note. Through interactions with him and ot g ers had lead to nearly 50 years of reenactments and speaking with the public on our past cultures. He...

Thank you, Brian.

Brian was a classmate of mine at the Residential College in East Quad in Ann Arbor. I saw him a few times over the years, visiting him in Fort Wayne, Fort Niagara and at the Clements Library in Ann Arbor. I got a great deal of vicarious pleasure when I heard he had a position at the Clements. I thought it was a perfect match for him. It couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. His attention to detail and historic accuracy at the two Forts was a sign of his professionalism in the museum...

Brian was a superb scholar and unexcelled expert in his field. His magnificent books on the iconography of Detroit and Mackinac are definitive. Brian had a kind of quiet charisma that educated and influenced an entire generation of military historians, historic sites administrators and reenactors. And he was a wonderful family man, friend and human being. He will be fondly remembered by many of us as long as we live. John Dann

I had the pleasure of knowing Brian and his family while they lived in Grass Lake. They were one of the founding families for the Grass Lake Equestrian Team. James and Claire rode and competed during their time at Grass Lake High School. Brian and Candy were awesome supporters of the team. I had the pleasure of coaching their children and riding a few trails with the family. My condolences to the family. Brian will surely be missed.

I had the pleasure and honor of knowing Brian for nearly 50 years, first meeting at a history conference where we were both presenters. We hit it off immediately and stayed in close touch over the years, as we shared many of the same interests. Brian was a true renaissance man, athlete and intellectual, exceptional researcher and talented writer, loving husband to Candi and father to Claire and James, and generous and kind friend. Bon voyage, Brian, I'll see you again on Fiddler's Green.

Brian was one of the most gracious and interesting people we´ve ever known. Form summers on the beach at Easterly to foxhunting in the fall, his kind manner and sly sense of humor was always present. Tally Ho, Brian.