Brian M. Bachand

1961 - 2018

Mystic - Brian M. Bachand, 56, lifelong resident of Mystic, died unexpectedly after a brief illness, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018.

He was the husband of 25 years to Michelle (Ladd) Bachand, and the son of Noreen (Rattigan) Bachand and the late Donald J. Bachand, both of Mystic.

Ever the entrepreneur, Brian managed to turn a hobby into a thriving full-time business. Starting in his parent's garage, he created what would become known as Brian's Signs, a one-man graphic design powerhouse specializing in boats, work trucks, race cars and business signs. One need not stroll far in downtown Mystic to see his talent. Over 35 years, Brian's signs created a body of work that will live on in his hometown for decades.

Born to a race car driving father, Brian spent his early years at the local stock car tracks watching and learning the art of chassis tuning. Using skills learned working on the famous "Mystic Missile" night after night, he would help lead legendary drivers such as Carl "Bugsy" Stevens, Donald "Satch" Worley and Tim Connolly to victory lane. Stepping away from his NASCAR career in 1999, Brian turned his focus to collecting muscle cars, a hobby that brought him great pride and satisfaction. An avid bird watcher and lover of animals, he also got great joy out of hand feeding the resident chipmunks and squirrels that would come to populate his and Michelle's quiet back yard.

In addition to his wife and mother, he leaves a brother, Kevin Bachand of Leesburg, Va.; nephews, Nathan and Kyle Bachand, Michael DeCarli; a niece, Laura DeCarli; a great-niece, Peyton-Rae Moylan; his in-laws, John and Joan McBrearty of Englewood, Fla.; sister-in-law, Felecia DeCarli and her husband, Rick, of Stafford Springs; and many close cousins and friends.

Visiting hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5, at the Mystic Funeral Home on Route 1. Funeral services and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Brian's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org).