Brian Wade Lackey

1978 - 2024

Brian Wade Lackey

June 20, 1978 – February 4, 2024

FREMONT - Brian Wade Lackey was born on June 20, 1978, to his heroes Bruce and Kathy Lackey from whom he gained a love of singing and dancing, an incredible work ethic, and the unrelenting importance of family. Brian cherished being part of a family of loving grandparents (Grandma and Grandpa Lackey, Grandma Darlene, Grandpa Jim, and Grandpa Bob), uncles and aunts (Rob, Mike and Debbie, Sandi and Larry, Scott and Jill), and cousins (Mike Jr., Jeff, Shelley, Chuck, Annie, Sarah, and Joe) whom he adored and idolized.

Brian shared a true love story with his wife, soulmate and best friend, Amanda. Together they did whatever it took to care for their children, to do hard things, to laugh and dance and sing, to live life fully, and to try to outsmart cancer.

Brian exemplified the meaning of unconditional love for his children Mallory, Brycen, Liam, and Casey and worked tirelessly to provide a refuge of safety, understanding, and encouragement to be true to themselves and to feel loved and supported no matter what. He shared freely all that he knew, his made up words, dad humor, and a love of having fun.

Brian was a big brother to Lisa and Brett whom he loved and cherished and would do anything for and was honored to be an uncle to Tolon, Corbin, Grace, Brayden, and Bennett. Brian felt so lucky to have his brother-in-law Jeff who was a friend and a strong support for his children, and a sister-in-law Tara for her love and understanding.

Brian was a son-in-law, brother-in-law, and uncle to Amanda's family who deeply loved him. Brian opened his arms and welcomed them all into his life. His authentic way of being Brian gave them an opportunity to experience the gifts of love, friendship, and kindness that Brian shared.

Brian had a remarkable way of embracing friends as family. Whether the friendship was newer or spanned decades, Brian cultivated deep, meaningful relationships that meant so much to his spirit and way of being. Where friends were family, Brian also held family as friends. Brian had a rich friendship with Aunt Ellie and Weldon who encouraged him to live outside the lines, to seek love, and to explore.

Brian is preceded in death by his grandparents, father-in-law (Phil), uncles Rob and Larry, and cousin Shelley all of whom he's hoping to join at the table where they can play cards, tell stories, and share laughter.

Brian held a genuine and solid foundation in his faith, and he asked hard questions and encouraged others to listen to what spoke to them. He stood in his beliefs with a humbleness that he could always learn more and never judged anyone for their beliefs as they gave him an opportunity to explore his own relationship with faith.

Brian may or may not have fibbed about his age so he could start working early to save money for wheels and independence and ultimately for his first love, a Dodge Shelby CSX and anything that needed to be replaced as a result of quite a number of speeding tickets. Brian was the hardest worker whether at Fremont Parks & Rec, UPS, Wellness Works, Catholic Health Initiatives, and most recently at Navigate Wellbeing Solutions where he was the Vice President of Business Development. Brian was a strategic thinker who did math in his head, and he genuinely wanted to get to know people for who they were and what they needed. The network of people he worked with was simultaneously the people whom he cared about.

Brian was a talented viola player with the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra, a singer in chorus, acapella and barbershop, a high-school football player and wrestler, a college rugby player, a woodworker and remodeler of houses, and a runner of marathons. Brian received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and Master of Business Administration from Bellevue University. Brian was never one to boast about his own accomplishments, rather he always asked questions so he could cheer and support others.

Brian was most comfortable away from big cities and traffic. He loved the ocean and thunderstorms and the sound of rain on a tin roof. He preferred a soft t-shirt and jeans, and if he needed to dress up, he always chose fun socks with his size 14 shoes. He loved being at his kid's events, family gatherings, reading inspiring stories, and Hawaii. Brian's dream was to own a skateboard and t-shirt shop near the ocean and to slow down to island time.

Brian held a tremendous place in his heart for his "bucket list" Great Dane, Aloha. Brian and Aloha shared a bond of kinship and joy that could be witnessed in their wrestles, dances, being outside, and finding comfortable places to nap.

Brian was loved deeply by his families - his wife and children, his family in Fremont and Kansas City, his families in Colorado, Minnesota, Oregon, Arizona, and New Mexico, his friends all over, and his work families. With whom, Brian shared his authentic self, his spirit, and his genuine love for each and every one he met.

A sunset service for Brian will be held Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 5pm at the Hazel Keene Lodge in Fremont, NE (3402 W. Military Ave., Fremont, NE 68025).

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Brian Lackey Legacy where he can continue to care for his family and do good in the world; the EHE Foundation to do whatever it takes to find a cure; or to pursue a kindness project in memory of Brian.

Brian would encourage each of you to seek adventure, embrace others, be kind, have fun, and don't be afraid to say I love you.