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Brian Kinquist Cleary

1995 - 2020

BORN

1995

DIED

2020

About

Sycamore High School University of Cincinnati University of California San Francisco

Brian Cleary Obituary

Brian Kinquist Cleary

Brian Kinquist Cleary, age 24, passed away suddenly on April 7 in San Francisco, California.

He is survived by his parents, Rob Cleary and Liz Lamar of Loveland, Ohio; brother Sam Cleary of San Francisco, CA; brother Joe Cleary of Denver, CO; a large extended family and contingency of friends across the country.

Brian was born on December 2, 1995 in Dayton, Ohio. He was a 2014 graduate of Sycamore High School and a 2019 graduate of the University of Cincinnati. Brian recently relocated to San Francisco for work and to be close to the ocean.

Brian was a kind, soulful, funny young man who loved surfing, comedy, and soccer. Above all, Brian enjoyed spending time with his family and beloved dog Milo. He lives on in our hearts and in the waves, laughter, and quiet moments shared between those he loved most.

Brian's choice to be an organ donor was honored by the University of California San Francisco Medical Center and Donor Network West. His light will continue to shine in those who received his gifts.

Plans for a celebration of Brian's life are on hold until the COVID-19 shelter-in-place order is lifted. In honor of Brian's love for the ocean and marine life, the family invites friends and family to make donations to WildAid's Marine Program in his name at: https://bit.ly/wildaid-brian

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

Published by The Cincinnati Enquirer from Apr. 14 to Apr. 19, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian Cleary

40 Entries

Unkie Matt

April 7, 2025

Hey Shortzie,

Five fast years since you passed. Time keeps moving, but love never fades, so I wanted you to know that you're in my heart and my thoughts today more than ever. I really miss you and am sending you hugs and prayers.

Unkie Matt

April 4, 2025

Thinking about you today Brian with a very heavy heart. Hoping all the wonderful memories of our times together help cheer me up. I love and miss you each and every day.

Matthew Cleary

December 2, 2024

Happy heavenly birthday, Brian. Have a wonderful time celebrating your special day with all our loved ones at your side and watching over you. You are very much loved, missed and always remembered.

Hugs and love always,

Unkie Matt

Dave

December 2, 2024

Hey pal...Miss you often...In Texas again..You'd like it here. Lots of animals to talk to. Catch up soon..Love

Matthew Cleary

December 2, 2023

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Brian

You are always in my thoughts, but on your special day, even the more so. Although I wish we could be together, I'm happy knowing you are celebrating with all of your loved ones in heaven, so have a wonderful time, and know I am sending you all my love.

Hugs,

Unkie Matt

Matthew Cleary

April 6, 2023

Hello, Brian

You've been on my mind a lot this week, I really miss you! Whenever I feel sad thinking about you, this picture always makes me smile remembering all the wonderful times I had with you, your brothers, and Tux - we always had a lot of fun together!

Just wanted to say, "I love you", and you are never forgotten.

Unkie Matt

Robert Cleary -Father

March 27, 2023

Unkie Matt

December 2, 2022

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Brian

Missing you even more on your special day, but know you are celebrating with all our loved ones in heaven.

Have this picture on my desk, it always makes me laugh remembering how Tux (miss him too) would protect you when I pretended to roughhouse with you, he loved you so much!

Cheers,

Uncle Matt

April 7, 2022

Hi, Brian

Can't believe it's been two years, feels like yesterday. Know you are always in my thoughts, and you are deeply loved and missed each and every day.

Hugs,

Uncle Dave

December 2, 2021

Happy Birthday Frankie...Thinking of you Today.You were quite the artist...Miss you pal.

Jessie

May 14, 2021

Miss you, Brian! Had a bagel from Brueggers and thought of you. I still don’t understand how you ate there twice a day!

Uncle Matt

April 7, 2021

You are always in my heart, thoughts, and prayers Brian.

Love and miss you very much.

David

April 7, 2021

I heard you often this past year Brian. I miss you.

David Cleary

December 2, 2020

Happy Birthday Frankie....I think about you every day, and know your there watching over me..Miss you pal..
Dave

Jessie Gray

November 24, 2020

Brian was an incredible friend and he is sincerely missed. I had the opportunity to work closely with Brian last summer and he quickly became one of my best friends. He had an amazing work ethic and drive to do better things. He loved Milo more than life itself and always talked about his parents and brothers. Every time he got up from his desk he would offer anyone around him a coffee or something from the break room. His kindness made a lasting impression on myself and our coworkers. He lit up every room he walked into. Rest In Peace, Brian.

Robert Cleary

May 9, 2020

SHARON

April 24, 2020

Liz, Rob, Sam and Joe. My deepest and heartfelt sympathies to your entire family. As I take daily walks past your old house in Solon I have always thought about your family and wondered how everyone was doing. This is tragic and every parents worst nightmare. My heart is breaking for you all. Our family has found memories of the years you lived here and we had the privilege to know you all. I pray your Christian faith sustains you through this most difficult time. Sending love and hugs and prayers. SHARON and Rob Ansec and family.

Sarah Geis

April 21, 2020

Liz and family,
I am so sorry and sad to hear about your son Brian. Please know that my thoughts are with you and your family. May you find strength and love in each other as you navigate this difficult time.
Much love,
Sarah Geis

April 21, 2020

Liz and family,
I am so sorry and sad to hear about your son Brian. Please know that my thoughts are with you and your family. May you find strength and love in each other while you navigate this difficult time.
Much love,
Sarah Geis

The Slasor Family

April 18, 2020

Rob , Liz and all the Cleary Family ..

So sorry to hear of the loss of your son, Brian

Our deepest sympathy, thoughts, love and prayers ..

Your in our hearts always

The Slasor's .. Friends and Family ...Forever

Sue Fahrner

April 17, 2020

I only had the opportunity to know Brian for a few months. As his supervisor I found him very bright, thoughtful and hard working. As a person I found him fun, engaging and kind. He was good man and will be missed even among those of us who didn't have long enought to know him.

Caroline Lawley

April 16, 2020

Im still in total shock. Brian was always someone I looked up to. He was so hilarious, made me laugh multiple times, and I even remember back to our time at Symmes when all of us girls had a crush on him - and us being in the same first communion class at Good Shepherd. He was well liked by all! We caught up for a while at our 5 year reunion in November, which Im so thankful for & he was so ready for his adventure in San Fran to begin. Really going to miss him. He was the best!

Jim Johnson

April 16, 2020

Rob & Liz - So sorry to learn of the passing of your son Brian. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both and your family. It is very nice that he was an organ donor and his spirit will live on in those who were most fortunate to receive his gifts.
With our deepest sympathy, Jim Johnson & Family

Chuck Cook

April 16, 2020

To all the Cleary family,
We are all so incredibly sad for your loss. The world has lost a bright and irreplaceable soul. The entire Cook family grieves with you and offer our unwavering support and love today and forever. We hope you are able to focus on the wonderful memories of the fun and laughter you shared with Brian over the years and know that he was loved by all those fortunate enough to have spent time with him. He will be sorely missed but joyously remembered.
With all our love, the Cook family.

Till

April 16, 2020

I cant call Brian a close friend but even with our relationship as acquaintances and class mates he always had a smile on his face and treated you like he known you his whole life. Im saddened by his passing and l will be praying for your family. For peace of mind and clarity.

Mike Vega

April 16, 2020

Was such a fun presence in class! Teaching him was fun and enjoyable. Prayers for the Cleary family.
-Señor Vega

April 16, 2020

To the entire Cleary Family,

I send my heartfelt condolences and prayers your way. Brian was certainly a phenomenal student who I have very fond memories of. His sense of humor and spunk added so much value to our classroom. He will be certainly missed...gone way too soon. Be comforted by my favorite scripture...To be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord. May peace flood your life in the days ahead.

-Ms. Pitts,
English Teacher, Grade 11
Sycamore High School

Megan Brenner

April 16, 2020

I am so incredibly saddened by this news. My thoughts and prayers are with the Cleary family during this difficult time.

Icon

April 15, 2020

Brian always showed me friendship at school growing up, I can never recall a negative time being around him. Brian was a chill person, but could also show humor which was awesome!

Julie Paterson

April 15, 2020

Brian as an elementary student always had a quick smile that was so catching. I loved his amazing can-do attitude that was so catchy with all the kids in class when we would tackle challenges. Talking with Liz when she helped at school made it so clear what an amazing family helped shape him into a great person. Its so heartbreaking to know hes no longer here to spread joy but it isnt surprising at all that he made the choice to help others through his organ donation.

Holly Hodel

April 15, 2020

I had Brian as a freshman and then again as a senior. He matured so much over the years and was a bright and sweet young man. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Dana Welch

April 15, 2020

My heart is breaking for your family. He was such a presence when he was in third grade. He had a bubbly personality and more than his share of charm. I saw him on campus just before he graduated and he was so excited to begin the next chapter in his life. He was a great kid. Praying for your family.

Patti Jervis

April 15, 2020

Our hearts are breaking for your tragic loss. We all loved Brian and we wish you peace during this very sad time. Hugs and prayers to you all while you grieve. I love this picture of Brian.

Love, The Jervis Family

Kate Korchok

April 15, 2020

Brian was a funny, smart, kind, passionate and fun young man that I loved having in class. He will be truly missed. The Sycamore family grieves with his family and friends.

Kate Korchok

April 15, 2020

Brian was a fun, smiling, smart, funny young man who I loved having in class! My deepest sympathies to his family and his friends. The Sycamore family grieves with you.

John Apke

April 15, 2020

I am deeply sadden for your loss. Brian was a fine young man. My thoughts and prayers will be for the entire family.

Theresa Alvarado

April 14, 2020

I am deeply saddened by this news and at a loss for words as a parent and long time family friend. Please know I will be praying for your family in this very difficult time. Theresa (Gunkle) Alvarado