Jeffrey Brigham

Jeffrey Robert Brigham May 6, 1949 - November 14, 2011 Jeff Brigham could light up a room like nobody else. Born in Palo Alto to Betty McNeil and S.T. (Jake) Brigham, Jeff was an ambitious kid, always looking for business opportunities. At 10 he set up a putting green in his mother's yard with starting times and green fees. He loved animals and was thrilled to land a managerial position at Gary's Pet Shop while still in middle school. All went well until Jo-Jo the monkey got loose creating havoc with the reptiles and Jeff was in over his head with a store-wide monkey rebellion. Little did he know how well that experience would serve him later as a parent. All his life Jeff was never without a job, and after graduating Gunn High School and San Jose State University he was anxious to be his own boss. While completing an internship in college, Jeff co-founded Meyer, Holland Brigham Advertising. With disco fever rising and home sounds systems all the rage, Jeff and his partner Paul Meyer recognized an opportunity and launched Stereo West which grew into a 12-store chain throughout the bay area. Ambitious for a new challenge, Jeff became increasingly interested in the bar and nightclub business, opening Boswells in Campbell on his own in 1977. The success of Boswell's quickly led to Bullfarber's, Mountain View; Barrington's Palo Alto; McNeil's in Santa Clara and Khartoum in Campbell. At various times throughout the 80s and 90s he owned Mt, Charley's and Carry Nation's in Los Gatos, Pioneer Saloon in Woodside and British Bankers Club in Menlo Park. At the time of his death Jeff was the sole proprietor of Boswell's and Khartoum, both Campbell. A fun-loving and sentimental man, Jeff never let a birthday or holiday pass without turning it into a party because friends and family meant more to him than anything. Always the generous host, he was also the first to don a crazy party hat or stick French fries up his nose for a laugh. He loved playing golf as much as he loved blackjack and slots, and four nights at Wynn LV was his idea of heaven. Jeff was the beloved husband of Laurie Brigham and devoted father to Beau and Brandon Brigham and Jackson Murphy. His cherished youngest son, Kevin Murphy preceded him in death last year. Jeff is also survived by his sister Bonnie Brigham Gardiner (husband Jeff Gardiner) and brother Jack Brigham (wife Judy Brigham), sister and brother-in-law, Frank and Nina Correa as well as numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. Jeff will be deeply missed by all who knew him and were touched by his charisma and charm. The light has gone out and our world will not be the same without him. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to either of the following charities which were close to Jeff's heart: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or Blind Babies Foundation. A memorial service is being held at Darling-Fischer Campbell Memorial Chapel, 231 E. Campbell Avenue on Monday, November 21 at 2:00 p.m.