Brian "B.J." Lee Rehkopf, Jr. passed away in his sleep at 46 years of age on Tuesday afternoon, October 11, 2016. He was born December 10, 1969, in Bakersfield, California, to Brian and Sandy Rehkopf.
BJ graduated from Bakersfield High School where he played on the Driller varsity football team his senior year which gave him great pleasure and pride in his school. He was "always a driller!"
He was an accomplished commercial real estate broker and had his own firm, San Joaquin Partners, which included his dad. He made an incredible network of wonderful business "partners" throughout town, including Chris Gneko, Paul Andre, and many others.
BJ never met a person needing help that he didn't want to assist. Throughout high school, college, and on into this working life, he was forever calling home to tell us about someone he met that needed his encouragement. It might have been as simple as sitting alongside a lonely person at church on Sunday or talking to someone over a street taco. For most holidays, he was bringing "a friend" home with him to our house as his guest.
BJ had love and compassion for people and great love for His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Speaking of church and about his God, BJ was a strong Christian who loved to read and study his Bible and worship at his church, Valley Bible Fellowship. He just fit in there and would tell us nearly every Sunday about the wonderful message from Pastor Ron or Pastor Tom or an encouraging time with his men's groups. They meant so much to him.
BJ is survived by his parents, sister Suzie Ferralli, brother-in-law, Tom Ferralli, and their three children, Sydney, Luke, and Carly.
The family wishes to thank with the utmost praise, lifelong friend and final doctor, Robin A. Matuk M.D. who gave him the greatest of care in the last days. He also wanted to recognize his friend and "doctor", Trevor Williams who gave him such great care. We also wish to thank the incredible nursing staff of the Downtown Mercy ICU, who treated B.J. and all of us like we were their family for weeks!
Services will take place at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, October 15, at Valley Bible Fellowship on East Brundage Lane, followed by a graveside service at Union Cemetery around noon.

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

Published by Bakersfield Californian from Oct. 14 to Oct. 15, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for BRIAN REHKOPF

13 Entries

Lisa Gunter

October 8, 2022

I think of BJ often, of his kindness and his warmhearted and fun personality. You don´t come across people like BJ too often and I´m so glad I was able to call him my friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. He truly was a very dear person and a first class gentleman. Sincerely, Lisa Gunter

Liz Kinney

October 9, 2020

It is heartwarming to see BJ's handsome face again. I remember fondly our time as neighbors on Ensley. Peace be with you all.

May 28, 2018

As we celebrate our heroes and those who have gone before us Its not only a Celebration but a Memorial.
BJ will never be forgotten as he will forever be a memory for so many lives he touched. I pray for all of you each week. In Christ, c

Joanie Janzen

October 16, 2016

Dear Sandy,
My heart breaks for you and your family with your loss of BJ. I met him several times when I would go to your home for BSF training. My prayers are with you all and for our Father's arms to gently hold you and care for you during this time.
Much love,
Joanie Janzen

Bobby Burens

October 15, 2016

Thank you BJ for being such a good friend. I will always remember the kindness you showed to everyone you knew and the magnetic personality that you had. A truly special person that will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

Kim Yeomans

October 15, 2016

I remember BJ from when we were kids in the youth group at First Southern in Bakersfield. I have since reunited with his sister Suzie since our daughters became friends but I haven't seen Bj since we were kids. My sympathies are with Suzie and her family and Sandy and Brian. They are such a sweet, close-knit family and I can't imagine how hard this must be for them. You are all in my prayers. I am so glad that BJ grew up in church and knew the Lord. We can all rejoice knowing he is with our Father in heaven.

October 14, 2016

So hard to find the words..but I will try. It seems that no relationship occurs out of happenstance. The Lord is sovereign over those people we meet. I know that He arranges such relationships to come to pass for His purposes.

The season that BJ and I 'ran' together is written indelibly in my memories. Flattop haircuts, surf magazines, country music and youth group spiritual journaling, highlight the nature of our interests at that time. We were 14 and 15 year olds, growing up in the pre-internet, pre-cell phone days, but we managed to start an address painting business (BJ eventually bought me out btw), and make some money one summer.

Even though we had not talked since high school, or thereabouts, BJ will always be one of the handful of people that the Lord put into my life at a time that was very pivotal for me. I can look back and see how BJ influenced me toward the Lord. We had our 'hyper' moments, but BJ always seemed to have a firm grasp of 'the truth' and what was right, and he was grounded in Christ, and this is no small thing. I look forward to the day we can be reunited. -Rob Branham

Janice Biggs

October 14, 2016

Brian and Sandy,
We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of your son. Please know our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
Dave and Janice Biggs

Art Miller

October 14, 2016

Brian & Sandy,
Am so very sorry for your loss. BJ was a very dear friend and close brother in the Lord. BJ and I communicated just about everyday and most days several times. The days when we were out and about he was always finding the best in someone. Such a kind, gentle and sincere heart he had, and it was a true gift from our Lord. I will miss him so very much. However, I know that we will have eternity together to worship our Lord.

Deborah Gilbert

October 14, 2016

I had a dream about Brian on Wednesday night. So I decided to google him since I hadn't spoken to him in about 30 years, to see if he had facebook.I was saddened to read that he passed away. I was a freshman at Stratford High School when Brian was a junior and we had the same p.e. class. I had a crush on him and my friends and I called him "surfer dude". He had his hair long and blond. I had my little sister knock on his door and his mother answered and my sister got Brian to go outside to speak to my friends and I. He was a nice guy and very special. I know he is with God and in heaven. At least Brian stopped by to speak to me in my dream.

Lisa GUNTER

October 14, 2016

I was so saddened hearing of B.J.'s passing. He was, indeed, a tremendously kind and caring person. He would always go out of his way to help those in need, or someone who just needed some cheering up, whether it be a meal together, or watching a football game, or just a visit and some kind words. He will be deeply missed. My heart goes out to his entire family and his friends. It was much too soon to lose B.J.. God bless you my friend.

Liz Kinney

October 14, 2016

Sandy and Brian,
Nile and I are terribly sad that we won't be able to attend BJ's funeral tomorrow. We are about to leave for a weekend reunion with a close group of "Driller" friends in Sacramento (I guess BJ would approve). Please know that we will be with you in spirit tomorrow, and you continue to be in our prayers. Lovingly, Liz Kinney

October 14, 2016

To the Rehkopf family
Our prayers go out to the family. BJ was always so kind to us.
Words cannot describe what all of you are going thru.
In Christ Forever,
The Bomar family

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