Brian Robert Gong

Brian Gong was the master of the selfie. Family, friends, competitors, co-workers and colleagues were captured in innumerable selfies. Often in front of landscapes or landmarks but also in conference rooms or outside the many restaurants Brian visited locally or in in his worldwide travels. These photos now bring comfort to the many who will miss him dearly.

Brian Robert Gong, age 52, of Mountain View, California, passed in his sleep on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.

Brian was born August 25, 1972 to Albert and Roberta Gong in Watsonville, California. He graduated from Salinas High school in 1991 and attended UCLA, graduating in 1995. Brian received his MBA from Santa Clara University in 2000.

Brian recently joined Pure Storage in Analysts Relations. In his short time there, he established himself as an integral member of that team; he was a supportive and dedicated co-worker and a seasoned professional who maintained lasting relationships with his industry colleagues. Brian had held similar positions at Cisco Systems, NetScout and other technology companies. Many will also remember a much younger Brian working at his family's Star Market in Salinas.

Brian was a competitive tennis player, reaching USTA level 4.0.; last fall he helped his Cisco team win the Division 2 BAITL championship. Brian usually recorded his matches, studying the videos to improve his game and sharing analyses and pointers with teammates and opponents alike.

Brian had a passion for travel, often with his mother by his side, visiting over 45 countries - with many more trips planned. He had recently reached Million-Miler status on United Airlines, finally achieved on a flight from Washington, D.C., to San Francisco. Many of us received postcards from exotic locations as Brian circled the globe.

Beyond these are so many other aspects of Brian to capture. Devoted and loving son and brother, generous uncle, awesome partner. Food connoisseur. Auto enthusiast. Knowledgeable and opinionated on music and art - he could never pass up a museum or concert. Lifelong friend to so many.

Everyone will miss his bright and infectious smile, droll wit and positive outlook on life.

The world has lost a truly beautiful human being.

Brian is survived by his parents Albert and Roberta Gong of Sacramento, brother Eric Gong, sister-in-law Kathy, niece Marissa and nephew Christian also of Sacramento, and his partner, Trent Hemmings, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grand parents, Tom and Edna Gong, Robert and Hing Oi Din, and his uncle, Howard Din Gong.

A private family service will be held for Brian in Sacramento on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. The family will hold an invitation-only Celebration of Life for Brian in Sacramento on Sunday, October 27, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Brian's memory to The USTA Foundation (https://www.ustafoundation.com/) or The Trevor Project (https://www.thetrevorproject.org/)