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Brian Kest Obituary
Brian
Brian Kest was born in Toledo, Ohio, June 26, 1948, to Newell and Marian (Hagerty) Kest. In his youth he went to Beverly Grade school before the family moved to the New York and Philadelphia areas. He returned to Toledo as a sophomore in High School. He was active in many activities including football and track at Bowsher High School. He went to college at Ohio University where he was a founding member of the FIJI fraternity. He transferred back to the University of Toledo his senior year to be with his lovely bride Shirley. At The University of Toledo he quickly became very active and was inducted into Blue Key, the University of Toledo's most prestigious fraternity. Brian was in ROTC and upon graduation he served as tank officer in the U.S. Army. After serving his country he obtained a master's in public administration at UT. He taught and was a coach at Lima Shawnee High School and Sylvania High School. Brian was a founder and manager of the Campus Bookstore. He then became the manager of the Follett's bookstore at the University of Michigan. After being a manager in the Follett's organization he was hired by Mead Corporation to work with college bookstores across the country. He quickly moved up the ladder becoming vice president of sales. He was also the President of Cambridge Satchel Co. His jobs took him all over the world and in the middle 1990's he was one of the American corporate pioneers that opened up China to trade with the U.S. Brian was very active in his church in the Dayton area and was a volunteer at the Dayton Hospice helping many, many families.
There will be a showing at the Tobias Funeral Home, 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27th, 5471 Far Hills Ave., Dayton, Oh. 45429. The family will be receiving friends from 10-11 a.m. Thursday, May 28 with the funeral service at 11 a.m. at the Fairhaven Church, Centerville, Ohio 637 E Whipp Rd., Dayton, Ohio 45459.
Surviving Brian is his wife, Shirley; his brother, David (Inge) from California and Ray (Jeane) from Florida; his brothers-in-law, Jack, Pat and Dan (Serena) Sluka, and sister-in-law, Barb Sulka from Michigan, and many nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Brian Kest
Susan Kovack
June 1, 2015
Shirley, May the good memories help soften the hurt. Prayers of comfort being sent to you.
Miriam Morrison
May 30, 2015
Shirley and family, may your memories of your yesterdays with Brian be a comfort for your tomorrows. As the retired Director of Voljnteer Services at Hospice of Dayton and a Stephen Minister, I know Brian touched many lives. He brightened the days of the dying. He trained many new volunteers. He was a special man and a dear friend.
May 29, 2015
I will keep your family in my prayers.
Jacque James
Sarah Seaton
May 28, 2015
Shirley my heart breaks for you and your loss. I really enjoyed getting to know both of you during the Alpha ministry. Brian had such an amazing passion for spreading God's words of love to everyone. I feel blessed having gotten to know him. I hope you find comfort knowing he is with our Heavenly Father. God Bless! Sarah Seaton
Julie Donaldson
May 28, 2015
Ray and family, I am deeply sorry to hear of Brian's death. I have many memories of him as my teacher and my boss at the Campus Bookstore... plus seeing him over the years after. He was a great person and I am so sorry for your loss! Ray, I'm not able to make the services but we can get together in late June and share memories in Florida. Thinking and praying for you all!
Joyce Leininger
May 27, 2015
Ray, David, Shirley, and family, I am so, so saddened (and shocked) to hear of Brian's sudden passing. Although I hadn't seen Brian since the late 60's, Facebook allowed me to reconnect with him online, and learn how he had matured from a nice young man into such a loving and wonderful man of faith. Prayers and heartfelt condolences for your loss. May God give you strength and peace. Rest in peace, dear Brian.
Bob and Cheryl Nussbaum
May 27, 2015
We were so blessed to have you and Brian as part of our maiden voyage on The Truth Project. You both added so much. We interacted with Brian while he was on the Small Group Leadership Team and also on The Stephens Ministry Team. What a special man he was. He gave his life to bless so many in Jesus's name. Your marriage speaks to that as well. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Betty Sidebottom Beach
May 27, 2015
Dear Shirley, I knew Brian through Stephen Ministry. At our monthly meeting our SM leaders shared our loss. He spent his time sharing the Good News and bringing others to Christ. The Bible tells us that we are strangers and pilgrims of this earth. Our true home is heaven and that's the road that he's taken. I can only imagine his face when he meets Jesus and the stories he'll share. We share your loss, and you have wonderful memories to comfort you in this new journey. Christ is still your rod through this dark valley. Your church and your family and friends are there to support you. Ask for those hugs, and help we are all willing to help. Shalom.
Al Thornton
May 26, 2015
Shirley, I want to express my sympathy for your loss. I will certainly miss all the long talks Brian and I during my tenure at Mead and outside of Mead. Brian was a good friend and Mentor.
GOD's grace will give you peace and my prayers are with you and the Kest family.
Al Thornton
Gordon Senerius
May 26, 2015
Shirley: I was shocked to hear of Brian's passing. He and I were close in high school, and roommates at Ohio University. Although we lost contact with each other over the years, I still have fond memories of our time in high school and at OU. My wife and I will keep you in our prayers. Gordon
Steve Brooks
May 26, 2015
Shirley,
hoping that you feel God's presence is with you supporting & helping you now.
May 26, 2015
Shirley,
It is difficult to find words to express our sadness. Your faith, family, and friends will hold you in their arms in the days to come. We wish we were there to comfort you. Brian will be greatly missed by many people. We share in your sorrow.
Love and hugs, June and Don Roettger
Nancy Julsen Almberg
May 26, 2015
Dear Shirley,
Although you two were married for 44 years, I never got to meet Brian, yet I feel I know him so well. When we (cousins) got together over the years, you always talked of him so caringly and with such love and devotion. My prayers and love are with you during this difficult time. Love, Your Cousin Nancy
Stefphane Lauson
May 26, 2015
Shirley - We will miss Brian and talking with him when he was walking Winston in the neighborhood. We are here for you if you need anything, just let us know. Sincerely your neighbors on Dalfaber Lane - Stefphane, Bill, and Amanda Lauson
May 26, 2015
Shirley, We are very sorry to hear of Brian's passing. He was a dear friend and a trusted associate at Mead for many years. We feel his loss and will keep you in our prayers.
Bob and Glenda Crandall
Georgetown, Texas
Barbara Font
May 26, 2015
Dave and family, So sorry to hear about Brian. Sending love-
Skip and Sheila Guyer
May 26, 2015
Shirley, I have no words other than I'm deeply sorry.
Crying with you...
Skip
Edward Ciecka
May 25, 2015
Shirley, I want to express my condolences on the loss of Brian. During our time together at U of Toledo in graduate school I came to respect his intellect and drive. While I lost touch with Brian (and you), I've always considered Brian a friend. You are in my prayers during this time of mourning.
Kim Wilson
May 25, 2015
Shirley,
Brian and I worked together at Mead. And, was surprised and saddened by his passing. He we'll be missed at Fairhaven and Hospice.
God Bless you and the Kest family through this time.
Chris Dunn
May 24, 2015
Shirley, I'm deeply saddened at the loss of Brian. I worked closely with him at Mead and took over his product lines when he went on to other responsibilities. Always a gentleman and a gentle spirit. I know many were blessed by his service in the Stephen Ministry and his work with Hospice. May God's grace grant you the peace that passes all understanding during this difficult time.
Chris Dunn
Bill Chancey
May 24, 2015
Shirley I am distraught to learn of Brian's passing! I worked with him at Mead HQ and we made several trips to the Orient and Italy during the early 90's. My thoughts and prayers are with you !
Bill Chancey Athens, Georgia
Diane and Mike Shelley
May 24, 2015
Ray, Sending sympathy and love to you as you mourn the loss of Brian. We were so sad to learn of his passing. It is so hard to lose a sibling. May all your memories be a comfort to you.
Bernie Huntebrinker
May 24, 2015
Ray and all of the Kest family and friends. Very sorry to read of Brian's passing. Prayers have been said.
Bernie
Linda Bondy Parr
May 24, 2015
Shirley,
You have my deepest and most heartfelt sympathy. May you find peace and comfort in your memories with your beloved Brian.
Eric C, US Army vet
May 23, 2015
Shirley and Kest Family, I am so sorry for your sudden lost. Jesus put Brian in my path in the last couple years because of Brian's love and care for combat veterans and families. I give thanks to the Lord for Brian. Remembering you in my prayers. Jesus' peace,
Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
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Memorial Events
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May
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Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Tobias Funeral Home - Far Hills Chapel5471 Far Hills Ave, Dayton, OH 45429
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Tobias Funeral Home - Far Hills Chapel5471 Far Hills Ave, Dayton, OH 45429
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