Brian Lee Vandiver

1953 - 2021

Brian Lee Vandiver
Jun. 7, 1953 - Jun. 5, 2021
San Jose
Brian passed suddenly at age 67. He is now reunited with his parents Monica and Jimmie, and siblings Susan and John. He is missed dearly by his daughters Celeste and Merilee, siblings Mike, Shelly, and Vicky, former wife Gail, granddaughter Sylvie, and many other family members and friends.
Brian was a Bay Area native and true renaissance man with a deep appreciation of nature, art, and music. He was a self-taught guitar and piano player, could build anything from the ground up, had two green thumbs, and probably owned more plaid shirts than anyone else you know. His mother referred to him as her old soul, while he described himself as eternally 17 - somehow, they were both right.
After graduating from Palo Alto High, Brian spent a year in Italy working for a well-known post-impressionist artist and caring for the estate there. This was a major highlight of his life that he loved to share with others and he was making plans to return once more. His marriage to Gail was another major life event that gave him the privilege of being a second father to Celeste and the joy of being a father to Merilee. He was incredibly proud of both his daughters and would tell anyone who would listen.
Brian was the most diligent worker in all he pursued, and praised for his honesty, sincerity, and positive attitude. He was a dreamer with a kind heart, great sense of humor and astounding generosity. He treasured history, tradition, and memories and loved to share all of it with family and friends.
Brian was one of God's angels on earth who spent his life being of service to everyone he could. He lived quietly, laughed (VERY) loudly, loved freely, and did it all with a camera in one hand. Arrivederci, Brian. Until we meet again.


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