Brian Donald MacGregor

April 2, 1955 - February 23, 2015 Brian Donald MacGregor, 59, died unexpectedly at his home in Northridge on Monday, Feb. 23, just six weeks shy of his 60th birthday. He lived alone and concerned neighbors checked on him Monday to find him in his kitchen, unresponsive. A life-long Californian, MacGregor born Apr. 2, 1955, to Gerda Mary Ann Furth MacGregor and Donald Fred MacGregor, who preceded him in death. MacGregor volunteered as a coach of football and baseball at James Monroe High School. He also coached at St. Genevieve School for several years. Brian played semi-pro football and traveled to Mexico and Finland with the team. He was passionate about all types of sport, and was a special fan of the UCLA Bruins and Anaheim Angles. A lifetime railroad and aviation enthusiast, he built and collected models of trains, his first love, and military airplanes and land based equipment. He often could be seen at train-swap meets, selling from his collection and always looking to improve his own collection. He also was a dedicated train chaser and photographer and was often found at the Tehachapi Loop or in El Cajon Pass. He also was a long-time member of Wings-Over-Wendy's, a group interested in flying, especially military flying, that meets at Wendy's restaurant in Woodland Hills. Brian loved to travel with his family and friends, and traveled extensively in the US. For the past 20+ years, he had suffered from back ailments, sustained in a work related injury. This slowed him down but did not keep him from enjoying what he liked doing, being with like-minded friends and with family. He is survived by a sister, Joanne Hanifan of Marble Falls, Texas; a brother, Malcolm MacGregor and family of Yelm, Wash., a cousin, Robert Stephen MacGregor and family of the Los Angeles area, his adopted family, the Lefevre's of North Dakota, his neighbors on Romar Street, along with several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a long-time special friend, Valerie Huerta. The most often quote from his friends and acquaintances' upon hearing of his death was "He was such a nice man" and indeed he was. The family will hold a celebration of his life on May 2, Saturday at the family home starting at 1:00 p.m. and all who knew him are welcome. Light refreshments will be served. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Brian's memory to the American Diabetes Association or a charity of your choosing.