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Brian Sullivan Obituary

Brian Sullivan
July 23, 1948 - Feb. 4, 2014
Resident of Aptos
Brian grew up in Trenton, Michigan, where he spent his days swimming on the swim team, reading encyclopedias, working at the Ford factory, and soaking up boatloads of information that he would spend his life imparting to others.
After studying engineering at the University of Michigan, he longed for blue skies and the California coastline. He moved to Santa Cruz in 1969, where he grew out his hair and beard and found joy working in the sun as a contractor and electrician. On a rainy day in 1974, he was hitchhiking in Aptos when a car full of Peruvians picked him up. The car included his future wife, Cecilia. After a brief courtship, they eloped to Gardnerville, Nevada, where they were married by a Justice of the Peace. Seven years later, they added to their family and had their daughters, Kimberly, Lilly, and Natalie. Brian and each daughter have since spent their lives in what he called "the mutual adoration society."
Brian was a deeply loving father who bragged shamelessly about his children, as much of the Santa Cruz community can confirm. He worked hard to instill in his children the same love for life that he had. He would spend endless hours in conversation, carpools, and on the sidelines of his daughters' soccer games. Pragmatism took a backseat to outdoor sports, Mexico road trips, nerdy curiosity, and delicious food. He spent much of his fifties learning how to farm grapes and make wine—and drink it, too. He also spent many years singlehandedly remodeling the family home in beautiful, Diego Rivera fashion.
Brian was known for his eccentricities. He made up songs to suit every occasion: like "O pobre de mi (hija)" to lament, or "I am very clean" to celebrate a shower. He loved his haphazardly buttoned shirts, paired with paint-splattered jeans. This flair for fashion complemented his strong, often jagged, opinions that he was ready to express on any topic. The combination sometimes caught people off guard. Those that knew him loved him well for it.
Brian took very little for himself while giving endlessly to others. He was fiercely supportive and proud of his family and friends. It felt like his faith in someone willed them to be the person he saw them as. After a short battle with cancer, Brian passed peacefully in his home surrounded by his family. Brian will be remembered for his sharp brain, open heart, large beard, and enthusiasm for the world.
He is survived by many, including his wife of 40 years, Cecilia; his three daughters, Kimberly, Lilly, and Natalie; their partners Lars and Laura; his brand-new granddaughter Cecilia Lis; and his "magnificent" dogs, Manchito and Dulce. Brian leaves a world longing for another thirty years with him. His family finds solace in knowing that he lived his time here to the fullest.
Memorial contributions can be made in his name to thedream.us. We will celebrate Brian at 2 PM, on Saturday, February 8, at Main St. Garden & Café in Soquel, California. Those who loved Brian are welcome to attend. He always loved a good party.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Santa Cruz Sentinel on Feb. 6, 2014.

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Peter Dittler

February 1, 2015

It was so difficult for me to attend Brian's Memorial service because my partner, Barbara, had also been diagnosed withe terminal cancer that month.
Brian's quick mind was always showing me another way to see my life and always with a belly laugh. His devotion and pride for his daughters revealed the deep love he had to give. They were as much a gift to him as he was to them. Brian was broadly educated but never flaunted it. I have countless memories of our friendship, all of which not only make me smile but have given me insight into my self as well. His legacy lives on in his children.

March 20, 2014

I am so saddened to hear of brian's untimely passing. He was a cool guy, i enjoyed our professional relationship that intertwined discussions of succulents and our children in college or college bound. Brian- Hanna made it to Berkeley!!! and you knew it!! so sad to have missed your passing and memorial.. your wonderful family is keeping your memory on.....

Kerry Williamson

February 12, 2014

Rest in peace and know that your love of life, kindness and generosity continue to flourish in your amazing daughters.

Linda Lambrix Vick

February 9, 2014

I also went to Trenton High with Brian and I, like he did, moved away from Trenton as a young adult so I never did know Brian as an adult. I loved reading about what an interesting, personable, and unique person he turned out to be and smiled reading about the teenager I knew and how this is just how I thought he would be as an adult. So sorry for your family's loss.

A wonderful day in Spain

Carl & Allyson Washburn

February 8, 2014

The qualities of Brian are demonstrated by the love of the four women in his life and by those he called friend. We share in your loss.

Patty Hyatt-Galea

February 7, 2014

I lived on the next street in Jr High and High school. Brian had a casual Lope for a gait, always his own beat. Freshman speech class was different. He spoke so fast he would return to his seat only for Mr Cocking to say "Sullivan, Again---slower." It sometimes took three try's to meet the 1 or 3 minute time for the speech. A light has certainly gone out. My love to your family.

Carl & Allyson Washburn

February 7, 2014

No greater honor can be paid to Brian than the love of the four women in his family and those who knew him as a friend.
We share in your sorrow and loss.

The Woolliscrofts

February 7, 2014

With deepest sympathy.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.

February 7, 2014

Brian was a sweet boy during his school years in Trenton. I am not surprised that he grew to be such a wonderful man. I am sorry for your loss. Ellen Held

Mike Johnson

February 7, 2014

Brian clearly stood out as a child as well. With an inquisitive mind, a quirky sense of humor and a good soul he moved well through his time in Trenton, MI. Later, old friend.

Dave Fisher

February 7, 2014

Brian and I attended high school together, were teammates on the tennis team and had many great times together. After reading his obituary it's clear he never changed much through the years. He was a great guy! I'm very sorry for your loss.

Beverly Sanson Ramos

February 6, 2014

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Peter Dittler

February 6, 2014

Brian & I worked, mountain biked and traveled together for almost 40 years. His brilliant & eccentric humor revealed a deep & broad intelligence. If I ever had children I would have wanted to be the father he was to his three beautiful daughters. His death has left a grieving hole in my heart.

Poul Madsen

February 6, 2014

we from spain wil mis you.
Lis and Poul

February 6, 2014

You will all be in my prayers. Norma

February 6, 2014

One of a kind who broke his own mold and took it with him. Thanks for the many ski trips and the joy of teaching you to surf. Your life lit up not once but three times as the girls were born. You lived a life few could begin to dream. RIP my old friend...

February 5, 2014

Beautifully written and captures the essence of Brian. I loved the sideline conversations we had together. Rest in peace brother. Norm

Cami Moynihan (Craig)

February 5, 2014

The world will be slightly less exuberant without this exceptional man.

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