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Brian West Obituary
1966 - 2018
A celebration of life for Brian James West will be held on Saturday, January 27, at 2pm at The Shedd Institute in Eugene.
Brian passed away on Saturday, January 6th, 2018. He was born in Portland, Oregon, on January 27, 1966, and grew up in Grants Pass. His parents, Richard and Virginia West, were both educators. He received a degree in Music Performance from the U of O in 1993, and a degree in communications with a minor in music from SOU in 1998. He is survived by his wife, Mara Solano and his dog Luka, as well as the wide circle of friends, bandmates, and extended family.
In 2004, he married Mara Solano, and together they bought and remodeled a home in Eugene, adventured across Spain, and lovingly raised several dogs. Brian found inspiration in the natural world and enjoyed outdoor adventures and trips with Mara and their dogs. He loved to camp with his family of friends, and could often be found beside the fire pit playing guitar and harmonizing to his favorite tunes
He was among Eugene's best-known and most in-demand drummers, a skilled recording artist and teacher with a gentle, empathetic spirit. He made his first splash on the Northwest music scene in 1990 with the Cherry Poppin' Daddies, where his playing on "Zoot Suit Riot" earned him a platinum album. He drummed for The Sugar Beets, one of the Northwest's longest-running and most popular bands, and collaborated with Halie Loren since 2000, playing on thousands of shows, several tours around the world, and recordings that include three Billboard No. 1 jazz albums in Japan. Brian began accompanying at the U of O Department of Dance in 1993, and became instructor of African Drumming and Percussion in 2002. Brian performed with hundreds of groups during his 30 year professional career, including recent shows for Ballet Fantastique's "Legend Of Sleepy Hollow" and "An American Christmas Carol".
If you would like to contribute your time and skills to the memorial (for example, helping with set up, clean up, creating a program, etc.) please email Sabrina at [email protected].
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Brian West
Sponsored by anonymous.
Daniel Murphy
May 1, 2021
Rest In Peace, you beautiful soul.
Dione Emerson
February 17, 2018
My love and prayers go out to Brian's family and friends, especially Mara. Brian was a brilliant musician and a great human being. I am sad he had to leave, it's too soon.
Val & Steve Bates
January 27, 2018
Mara,
Prayers that your heart my heal
We love you
Familia Macia Rodiguez
January 27, 2018
In spite of the little time we spent together, you have left a deep impression on our hearts. Rest in Peace, Cousin Brian.
Familia Macía Rodríguez
January 27, 2018
despite the little time we spent together, Brian left a deep impression on our hearts. Rest in Peace Cousin Brian
Jacki Frost Corcoran
January 27, 2018
My condolences to his family. I knew Brian at Grants Pass High school and it was he that encouraged me to play music which I still do to this day. So sorry for your loss
DONNA COURTELL
January 25, 2018
My deepest sympathy to Brian's family and many friends. He was a superb drummer and a gentleman. He will be missed.
Kerri Vanden Berg
January 24, 2018
Brian was a true craftsman of music, the art of restoring canoes and drums, of enjoying water and nature to the fullest, of the enjoyment of life and friendships, of his animals and of his home and of his love. His spirit will always be remembered. We love you Brian!
Jim Watson
January 24, 2018
My sincere condolences yo the family and friends of Brian. . May The Four Winds Blow You Safely Home..
Jim Watson
( Doc )
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